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COLLECTIONS 

OF    THE 

MASSACHUSETTS   HISTORICAL   SOCIETY 


Committee  of  Publication 

CHARLES  FRANCIS  ADAMS 
NATHANIEL  PAINE 
BARRETT  WENDELL 
WORTHINGTON  CHAUNCEY  FORD 


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SEVENTH   SERIES  — VOL.  VIII 


DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

1709  —  1724 


Pablictlieli  at  X\t  Cbarge  of  tl)e  PeaboUp  JonU 


BOSTON 
PUBLISHED   BY  THE   SOCIETY 

MDCCCCXII 


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2  ne 


THE -PLIMPTON -PBEBS 

[W-D-O] 
NOBWOOO  •  MASS  •  U  •  B  •  A 


CONTENTS 

PAGE 

Diary,  1709 i 

Letters. 

1709,  December  16.    To  Samuel  Penhallow      ....      34 
Books  sent  for  distribution.     Proposals  to  be  scattered. 

1 7 10,  April  4.    To  Samuel  Penhallow 34 

Intelligence.     Packet  for  his  brother.     New  Roxburyisms. 
Stoddard's  answer. 

1710,  May  22.    To  Samuel  Penhallow 35 

Gratitude.     Expedition  against  Port  Royal.     Impeachment 

of  Sacheverell.     Emerson's  return. 
1710-11,  January  I.    To  Samuel  Penhallow       ....       37 

Assurances  of  friendship.     Wickedness  among  sailors.    An 

account  desired.     Death  of  Jerusha  OUver. 

Dl\ry,  1711 39 

Letters. 

1711,  December  25.    From  Benjamin  Colman     ....     169 
Watts's  poetry.    Has  dared  emulate.    An  object  of  charity. 

1711-12,  January  11.    To  Samuel  Penhallow     ....     169 
Sending  of  books.     Methods  for  securing  the  publication 
of  Pastoral  Desires. 

171 1-12,  January  28.    To  Samuel  Penhallow    ....     170 
His  friendship.     Archer  to  be  seen. 

1712,  April  17.    To  Samuel  Penhallow 171 

Intelligence  from  Europe. 

1 71 2,  July  28.    To  Samuel  Penhallow 174 

Gratitude  for  safety.     Prospect  of  peace  in  Europe.     Gov- 
ernor of  New  England.     Success  of  his  lecture. 

171 2,  September  i.    To  Samuel  Penhallow 174 

Embargo  on  inteUigence  from  Europe.     Scandal  in  the 
church. 

1712,  September  19.    To  Samuel  Penhallow       ....     175 
Sends  some  books  for  distribution.    Trees  found  in  digging 
a  well. 

V 


vi  contents 

Letters.  page 

171 2,  September  22.    To  Samuel  Penhallow      ....     176 
Indian    inroads.    Peace    in    Europe.     Rumored    loss    of 
Caribbee  Islands. 

171 2-13,  January  26.    To  Samuel  Penhallow     ....     176 
Introduces  Timothy  Thornton.     Sends  Reynold's  book. 

Dlary,  1713 178 

Letters. 

1 7 13,  October  21.    To  Samuel  Penhallow 290 

Present  of  honey.    Arrival  of  Francis  Nicholson.    Attends 

an  ordination.     Measles  in  the  town. 

1713,  December  24.    To  Samuel  Penhallow 291 

*      Letters  of  charity.    Two  sympathizing  sisters  of  Hampton. 

1714,  October  12.    To  Sir  Welllvm  Ashurst 292 

Grand  revolution  of  August.    The  governorship.    Arrival 

of  Hobby. 

1714,  October  15.    To  Sir  Charles  Hobby 294 

Assurances   of   friendship.     Message   from   the  governor. 
Wishes  for  his  prosperity. 

1714,  December  22.    To  Sir  Peter  King 295 

Condition  of  New  England.     Bills  of  credit.     Projection  of 

a  bank.     Asks  his  countenance. 
1714-15,  January  25.    To  John  Frizzell 298 

In  behalf  of  Increase.     Wishes  to  sail  on  one  of  his  vessels. 

Pledges  of  good  conduct. 
1715, .    To  Sir  William  AsHUKST 299 

Delay  in  letters.     Introduces  his  son,  Increase. 

1715,  April  14.    To  Daniel  Williams,  etc 300 

Accession  of  King  George.     Proposed  address  from  minis- 
ters.    Messengers  to  be  sent,  but  delayed.     Sends  address 

and  memorial. 
1715,  February  or  March.    Address  to  Ministers    .     .     .     301 

An  address  to  the  King.     Action  of  Church  of  Scotland. 

Misrepresentations.     Asks  for  opinion. 
1715, .    To  Mrs.  Lydia  George 303 

Prospect  of  being  loved.     Will  await  her  wisdom.    Cause 

of  impression  and  of  tenderness.     Country  agrees.    Asks 

liberty  to  speak  with  her. 
1715,  March  21.    Memorandum 305 

An  evening  with  Mrs.  George. 
1715,  March  23.    To  Thomas  Craighead 306 


contents  vu 

Letters.  page 

Mrs.  George  has  forbidden  him  to  write.     Will  wait  her 

pleasure.     Reasons  against  another  interview.     No  room 

for  censures.    Assurances  of  vast  regard. 
1715, .    To  Mrs.  Lydia  George 308 

A  love  letter. 
1715, .    To  Thomas  Reynolds 309 

Sends  "New  Offer"  on  Biblia  Americana.    Wishes  three 

to  undertake  its  publication.     Suggests  John  Lawrence  as 

printer.     His  own  qualifications. 
171S, •    To .310 

Mutual  services.    The  "New  Offer."    Annotations  on  the 

Bible.    His  orthodoxy.    To  supervise  the  printing.     Pros- 
pects of  subscriptions. 
1715,  May  4.    To  Jeremiah  Dummer 313 

No  cause  for  decay  of  friendship.     E.xplains  his  conduct. 

Balances  of  equity.     His  Biblia  Americana.    Opposition 

of  Non-Conformists. 
1715,  May  10.    To  Daniel  Williams 315 

The  address  to  the  King.     Corrupt  state  of  the  Christian 

world. 
1715, .    To  Daniel  Williams 316 

The    address    to    the    King.     Ruined    Carolina.    Biblia 

Americana.     Joseph  Parsons. 
1715,  June  20.     To 316 

James  Sherman.     Qualifications  and  wishes. 
1715,  June  9.    From  Thomas  Reynolds 317 

Books  and  letter.     Disappointment  on  Biblia  Americana. 

Riots  in  London.     McNish  and  the  Board  for  Foreign 
'  Plantations.     Increase  Mather. 
1715,  June  20.    To 319 

Church  at  New  Haven.     At  loss  for  a  candidate.     Advises 

taking  one  near  at  hand.     Admonitions  and  wishes. 
1715,  June  27.    To 321 

Recommends  Joseph  Noyes  for  New  Haven  church.     His 

father  endorses. 
1715,  July.    To  Thomas  Craighead ? 321 

Gratitude  for  his  aid.     His  approaching  marriage. 
1715,  July  23.     From  Samuel  Mather 322 

His  voyage  to  London.    Poor  condition  of  Increase.     What 

he  has  done  for  him.     Price  of  a  Vertue  head. 


Vm  CONTENTS 

Letters.  page 

1715,  August.    To  Increase  Mather 323 

Wishes  him  to  return.     Ad\dce  on  his  conduct. 

1 715,  August.    To  Samuel  Mather 324 

Thanks  for  his  care  of  Increase.  Return  to  be  hastened. 
Frugality  enjoined.     His  Christian  Virtuoso. 

1715-16.    To  Mrs.  Samuel  Mather 325 

Feminine  virtues.     Gratitude  for  kindness  to  Increase. 

1715,  August  19.    To  William  Brattle 326 

His  bereavement.  In  position  of  a  sacrificer.  Sends  a 
book. 

1715,  September  17.    To  Robert  Wodrow 326 

Sends  a  packet  of  books.  John  Wise,  a  disturber.  Mis- 
directed labors  of  Society  for  Propagation  of  Gospel. 
Indian  outbreak  in  Carolina.  Murder  of  Cochran.  Situa- 
tion of  New  England.     Approach  of  the  Kingdom  of  God. 

1715,  October  18.    To  Sir  William  Ashurst 330 

The  Biblia  Americana.  Opposed  by  booksellers  and  Dis- 
senters. Letters  in  America.  Prospects  of  subscribers.  Is 
in  doubt  what  to  do.  The  Christian  Virtuoso  and  the 
Royal  Society. 

1715,  December  2.    To  Anthony  William  Boehm   .     .     .     332 
Books  and  money.     Empire  of  Antichrist  to  end.     Books 

to  be  distributed. 

Diary,  1716 334 

Letters. 

1715-16,  February  21.    To  Atherton  Mather    ....     403 
Needs  money.    Asks  for  same  treatment  as  is  accorded  to 
others. 
1715-16,  February  23.    To  Rowland  Cotton      ....     403 
Appeal  from  Chatham.     Right  to  another  hearing.    Ad- 
vises a  settlement.     Preaching  of  H.  Adams. 

1716,  Matrch.    To  Harvard  College 405 

Recommends  Lange's  Medicina  Mentis.  An  endorse- 
ment. 

1716, .    To  Anthony  William  Boehm 406 

Acknowledgment  of  books.     Sends  letters  and  gold.   Effects 

of  Pietism. 
1716,  May-June.    Memorial  to  General  Court    .  .     407 

Vote  of  compensation  to  agents.     Neglect  of  his  father. 

Claims  for  recognition. 


contents  ix 

Letters.  page 

1716, .    To •     •     •• 408 

Compensation  of  agents.     Position  of  his  father.    Justice 

of  the  claim. 
1716,  June.     To  Ann  Wyrlev 410 

Her  humbling  circumstances.     Fortunate  death  of  Howell. 

Sends  money.     Commends  Mrs.  Pitson. 
1716,  August  6.    To  Anthony  William  Boehm      .     .     .     411 

Enjoyment  of  correspondence.     His  Magnolia  and  Pietism. 

English  Plantations  in  America.     Disturbing  missionaries 

of  Church  of  England.     His  Lapis  e  Monte.     The  Biblia 

Americana. 
1 716, .    To  Jeremiah  Dummer 414 

Never  spoken  injuriously  of  him.     Charges  against  him. 

The  Address  from  the  ministers. 
1716,  October  31.    To  Henry  Walrond 415 

Situation  of  his  own  church.     Offence  given  by  the  Church 

of    England.     His    pubHcations.     Biblia  Americana   and 

Lapis  e  Monte. 
1 716,  November.    To  Oliver  Noyes 417 

Concerning   the   Governor.     As   to   changing   the   Agent. 

The  charges  of  Brand.     What  was  said  of  him.    Personal 

friendship  for  Dummer. 
1716,  November  12.    To  ELiHtr  Yale 419 

Tailer's  return.     Sends  some  books. 
1 7 16, .    To  William  Ashurst 420 

The  governor  and  the  General  Assembly.     Consideration 

for  Dummer. 
1716,  November  20.     To  Ward 421 

Introduces  Samuel  Sewall.     Books  from  Holland.     Writ- 
ings of  Crenius. 
1716,  December  27.    From  Samuel  Penhallow  ....     422 

Wentworth's  nomination. 
1 7 16-17,  January.     To  John  Squire 423 

His  reception  and  treatment.     Ill  requital  on  his  part. 

Invites  him  to  his  house. 
1716-17,  January  10.    From  John  Squire 424 

The  Church  of  Scotland.    As  to  communion  with  him.     His 

violence  of  opinion.     Persecution. 
1716-17,  January  22.    To  Joseph  Parsons 426 

Proposed  settlement  over  church.     His  indiscreet  slanders. 


x  contents 

Letters.  page 

Disturbances  created.    Delay  in  the  New  North  Church. 
Advice  on  his  conduct. 

1716-17,  January.    To  John  Squire 429 

Church  of  Scotland  and  Toryism.     Has  no  time  for  alter- 
cation. 

1716-17,  February  I.    To  Benjamin  Colman 430 

His  letter  on  Parsons  and  its  publication.     Foxcroft  and 
the  Church  of  England. 

1716-17,  March  21.    To  Joseph  Parsons 431 

Advises  him  not  to  persist.     Reasons  against  his  hopes. 

Diary,  1717 435 

Letters. 

i7i6-i7,March5.    To  Sir  William  Ashurst 510 

The  Biblia  Americana.    Hopes  for  its  publication.    A  new 
party.     Indian  affairs. 

1717,  October  26.    To  Thomas  Prince 512 

Requests  him  to  call  on  his  father.    A  candidate  for  the 
church  declines. 

Diary,  1718 514 

Letters. 

1719,  December  25.    To  Thomas  Prince 596 

A  sheet  on  the  aurora  borealis.     Gives  it  to  him  for  publi- 
cation. 

1719, .    To  Thomas  Prince 597 

Delay  of  Green  in  printing.    Wishes  to  make  some  correc- 
tion.    Sends  a  manuscript  for  his  perusal. 

1720,  July  5.    To  Daniel  Neal 598 

His  History  of  New  England  and  that  of  Oldmixon.     Grati- 
tude of  the  country.     His  own  printing  activities. 

1720,  November  8.     Brief  on  Howell  Est.ate  ....     599 
Wishes  to  be  released  from  his  bonds  of  administration. 

His  unhappy  situation. 

Diary,  1721 601 

Letters. 

1720-21,  February  12.    To  Thomas  Prince 681 

Failure   at    the   Lecture.     Cannot   serve   again.     Wishes 

Cooper  to  take  his  place. 

1721,  April  28.    To  Sir  William  Ashurst 682 

His    Itidia   Christiana.     Wishes    to    withdraw    from    the 
Board.    Neglect  of  his  proposals. 


contents  xi 

Letters.  page 

1 72 1,  October  15.    To  Thomas  Prince 683 

Manuscript  to  be  sent  to  Holland. 

1721-22,  February  24.     To  Thomas  Prince 683 

Baptism  of  Ezer. 

1722,  May.    To  Thomas  Prince 683 

On  publishing  a  sermon. 

1722,  June  12.    To  Thomas  Prince 684 

Publication  of  his  Minister.     As  to  embellishments. 

1722, .    To  Thomas  Prince 685 

On  distributing  his  Minister. 

1722,  July  7.    To  Thomas  Prince 685 

Wishes  Sewall  to  attend  a  conference  on  the  Sacred  Proph- 
ecies. 

1722-23,  February  19.     To  Thomas  Prince 686 

Questions  on  curiosities. 

1723,  June  16.    To  Thomas  Prince 686 

Consideration  of  slaves.  Outlines  of  a  lecture  on  the  sub- 
ject. 

1723,  July  19.    To  Thomas  Prince 688 

Samuel  Mather's  oration. 

1723,  August  23.    From  Samuel  Sewall 689 

On  death  of  Increase  Mather. 

1723,  October  21.     To  Gurdon  Saltonstall 689 

On  propagating  pure  Christianity.  A  church  at  Provi- 
dence. 

1723,  November  5.     To  Jedidiah  Andrews 690 

Sends  some  books.     Dr.  William's  will.     His  Parentator. 

1723,  November  5.     To  Thomas  Hollis 691 

Books  sent  to  him.  Prostitution  of  the  Society  for  Prop- 
agation of  Gospel.  His  relations  with  Governor  Shute. 
Reform  of  singing.     Spirit  of  anger. 

1723-24,  January  14.    To  Isaac  Noble 694 

An  Indian  War.     Some  apostate  ministers.     Cry  of  peace. 

Diary,  1724 696 

Letters. 

1723-24,  February  28.    Advertisement 790 

On  Daniel  Willard's  creditors. 

1724,  March  31.    To  John  Dean 791 

On  preaching  a  sermon  on  the  shipwreck  of  1710.  Price  of 
service.     Reasons  for  not  meeting  his  wish. 


Xll  CONTENTS 

Letters.  page 

1724,  April  I.    To  Thomas  Prince 792 

Ministers  are  unbrotherly.  About  to  take  an  important' 
step.    The  State  of  Religion. 

1724,  April  4.    To  William  Dummer 792 

Disobedience  of  his  command.  Aversion  of  the  Govern- 
ment. Withdrawal  from  pubUc  exhibitions.  Measures 
taken  by  his  enemies.     His  Parentator. 

1724,  April  II.    To  John  Wentworth 795 

The  church  at  Portsmouth.  Admonition  against  con- 
tentions. 

1724,  April  22.    To  Thom.\s  Bradbury 796 

His  Parentator.  Ill  condition  of  some  ministers.  Influ- 
ence of  the  Church  of  England.  Reformation  in  singing. 
Cutler's  church  and  Leslie's  pamphlet.  Reynold's  contro- 
versy with  Brown. 

1724,  July  I.    To  Isaac  Winslow 798 

Condolence  on  death  of  children. 

1724,  July  13.    To  Thomas  Br.adbury 800 

Treatment  from  the  Dummers.  His  Boanerges.  Urges  its 
pubUcation. 

1724,  July  16.    To  Isaac  Greenwood 801 

Wishes  his  return.  Prospect  of  employment  at  the  College. 
His  Boanerges. 

1724,  August  3.    ToGurdon  Saltonstall 802 

Burnet's  History.  Church  at  Providence.  The  Mohegan 
Indians.     A  new  earth. 

1724,  August  31.    To  Gurdon  Saltonstall 804 

A  story  of  a  mad  woman.  Introduces  his  son  Samuel. 
End  of  the  man  of  sin. 

1724, .    To  Mrs.  Gurdon  Saltonstall 806 

Condolence  for  loss  of  husband.  Sends  the  sermon  on 
him. 

1724-25,  March  20.    To  William  Dummer 807 

As  to  the  Indians.  Appointment  of  a  visitor,  Martha's 
Vineyard  and  Punkapoag.     Change  in  the  Board. 

1724-25,  March  6.    To  Benjamin  Colman 809 

Concern  for  the  College.  Opportunity  to  secure  a  charter. 
Urges  Colman  to  go  to  England. 

1725-26,  January  31.     To  Thomas  Prince 811 

Doing  but  little.     Publication  of  his  Agricola. 


CONTENTS  Xlll 

Letters.  page 

1726,  Aprils.    To  Thomas  Prince 812 

Importance  of  his  Ratio  Disciplinae.     MS.  dispersed  but 

recovered.     Its  publication. 
1726,  May  23.    To  Thomas  Prince 813 

Gives  State  of  Religion  to  the  press. 
1726,  October  26.    To  Rowland  Cotton 813 

Persecution    by    Stone.     Statement    of    facts    regarding 

Samuel  Osborn. 
1726-27,  January  13.     To  Thomas  Prince 815 

Admonition  to  Nathaniel  Clap.     His  waste  of  time  on  neg- 
lected letters. 
1726-27,  January  24.    To  Thomas  Prince 816 

Against    Isaac    Watts.     Advice    against    indolence.     His 

Agricola. 

Texts  Used  by  Mather 819 

Index 829 

ILLUSTRATION 

The  Town  of  Boston  in  New  England,  by  Captain  John 

Bonner,  1722 Frontispiece 


DIARY   OF   COTTON    MATHER 


2  DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

SO  foolish  and  shallow  a  Creature,  as  not  He  only,  but  His 
People  also  know  me  to  be,  and  so  filthy  a  Creature  as  tis 
known  to  Him  that  I  am. 

The  Affairs  wherein  I  may  be  concerned  for  the  next 
Year,  I  now  also  did  committ  unto  the  L[or]d. 

About  this  Time,  a  small  Accident  befel  me  which 
look'd  like  a  very  particular  Answer  of  Prayer. 

Tho'  I  am  furnished  with  a  very  great  Library  yett  see- 
ing a  Library  of  a  late  Minister  in  the  Town  to  be  sold,  and 
a  certain  Collection  of  Books  there,  which  had  it  may  be 
above  six  hundred  single  Sermons  in  them;  I  could  not  for- 
bear wishing  myself  made  able  to  compass  such  a  Treasure. 
I  could  not  forbear  mentioning  my  Wishes  in  my  Prayers 
before  the  Lord;  that  in  case  it  might  be  a  Service  to  His 
Interests,  or  to  me  in  serving  His  Interests,  He  would  enable 
me  in  His  good  Providence,  to  purchase  the  Treasure  now 
before  me.  But  I  left  the  Matter  before  Him,  with  the 
profoundest  Resignation  willing  to  be  without  every  Thing 
that  He  should  not  order  for  me.  Behold,  a  Gentleman, 
who  a  year  ago  treated  me  very  ill ;  but  I  cheerfully  forgave 
him !  carried  me  home  to  dine  with  him ;  and  upon  an  acci- 
dental Mention  of  the  Library  aforesaid,  he,  to  my  Sur- 
prize, compelled  me  to  accept  of  him  a  Summ  of  Money, 
which  enabled  me  to  come  at  what  I  had  been  desirous  of. 

1 5  J.  12  m.  Tuesday.  This  Day,  the  Reforming  Societies 
mett  all  together,  and  kept  it  as  a  Day  of  Prayer. 

To  bewayl  our  Unfruitfulness;  and  obtain  Pardon  thro' 
the  Blood  of  Jesus,  with  Grace  and  Strength,  to  bring  forth 
more  Fruit. 

It  was  a  good  Day.  The  Lord  helped  me  to  carry  on 
the  Exercises  of  the  Afternoon.  I  preached  near  two  Hours; 
a  Sermon  about  Good  Works. 

4  c?.  I  m.  [March.]  Friday.  I  sett  apart  this  Day,  for 
the  Duties  wherewith  a  Day  of  Prayer  and  Fasting  is  to  be 
carried  on. 


MARCH, 1708-09  3 

There  was  nothing  very  remarkable,  either  in  the  Occa- 
sions, or  in  the  Exercises  of  the  Day. 

But  there  is  one  Thing,  which  I  desire  to  take  Notice  of. 
My  Life  has  been  strangely  filled  with  Temptations.  But 
I  have  been  lately  Tempted  with  a  new  Assault  from  Hell, 
violently  made  upon  me.  I  am  assaulted  with  Sollicitations 
to  look  upon  the  whole  Christian  Religion,  as — (I  dare  not 
mention,  what!)  Wherefore,  I  now  cried  unto  the  Lord, 
for  the  Quenching  of  \htst  fiery  Darts;  and  for  my  Pra^serva- 
tion  from  the  least  Approach  towards  that  Blasphemy  which 
would  be  the  unpardonable  Sin.  And  I  earnestly  professed 
before  the  Lord,  my  Resolutions,  that  I  will  adore  His  Glori- 
ous Christ,  as  the  Son  of  God,  and  employ  my  Life  in  dili- 
gent, exquisite,  rapturous  Endeavours,  to  serve  Him  unto 
the  uttermost.  As  for  the  dark  Things  that  occurr,  in  His 
Providence;  and  the  unaccountable  Proceedings  of  that  glori- 
ous One,  in  His  Government  of  His  Church,  and  His  Per- 
mission of  ill  Things  to  be  suffered,  yea,  and  which  is  worse, 
to  be  done,  by  His  own  most  faithful  Servants;  and  His  Per- 
mission of  Evil  Spirits,  to  do  astonishing  Things  for  a  con- 
siderable While,  in  the  Countenancing  and  Encouraging  of 
Christianity.  I  did  resolve  humbly  to  rely  upon  his  un- 
searchable Wisdome;  and  make  it  part  of  my  Homage  unto 
Him,  to  beleeve  Him  wise  and  just  and  good,  and  confess 
myself  unable  to  judge  of  His  Dispensations,  but  refer  all 
unto  a  Time,  when  He  shall  please  to  entertain  His  People 
in  another  World,  with  a  Discovery  of  what  He  has  done 
and  meant,  in  His  former  Dealings  with  the  World.  For, 
what  He  does,  tho'  /  know  not  now,  I  shall  know  hereafter. 

I  found  a  wonderful  Peace,  in  being  thus  resolved.  I 
found  this  Faith,  to  be  my  best  Wisdome.  The  Damp 
which  there  began  to  grow  upon  my  Piety  and  Useful- 
ness, vanished.  The  Flame  revived;  and  I  went  on  with 
Joy  in  my  usual  Methods  of  a  flaming  Zeal,  to  do  good 
abundantly. 


4  DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

About  this  Time,  thro'  the  Largeness  of  my  Family, 
and  the  Negligence  of  those  that  should  have  been  concerned 
for  me,  and  perhaps  from  some  other  Causes,  I  fell  into 
some  Wants  and  Straits.  I  had  not  Cloathes  fitt  to  be 
worn;  I  was  cloathed  with  Rags;  (which,  O  Lord,  I  acknowl- 
edge, that  such  a  Sluggard  as  I  am,  deserve  to  be!)  And 
one  or  two  of  my  Children  are  no  better  accommodated. 
This  Poverty  thus  pinching  and  humbling  of  me,  had  some 
very  grievous  Temptations  in  it.  But  the  Lord  presently 
helped  me,  not  only  to  bear  my  Poverty  with  Patience,  but 
even  to  rejoice  in  it;  sweetly  to  rejoice  in  these  Considera- 
tions. 

First.  Oh !  my  Conformity  to  my  Glorious  Lord  JESUS 
CEK.IST,  it  is,  how  agreeable !  how  desirable !  Poverty  was 
one  special  and  signal  Article  of  His  Condition  in  the  World. 
And  particularly,  He  was  robb'd  of  His  Garments.  Why, 
why  then  should  I  complain  of  the  Want  of  Garments! 
Any  thing  that  makes  my  Condition  resemble  His,  tis 
acceptable  to  me! 

Secondly.  Tho'  I  am  cloth'd  with  Rags,  yett  I  am 
Owner  of  the  most  splendid  and  glorious  Robe  in  the  World. 
My  Saviour  has  invested  me  with  the  matchless  Robe  of 
His  Righteousness;  wherein  I  stand  before  the  Holy  God. 
O  Priviledge,  enough  to  swallow  up  all  Uneasiness  at 
the  meannest  Habit,  that  ever  any  Person  was  abased 
withal ! 

Thirdly.  Tho'  I  can  gett  no  better  Clothes  than  Rags 
for  myself,  yett  the  Lord  honours  me,  by  making  me  the 
happy  Instrument  of  cloathing  other  people.  The  Poor 
have  numberless  Releefs,  out  of  my  Purse,  and  by  my 
Means  from  others,  and  the  Naked  are  cloathed. 

Such  Considerations  brought  me,  not  only  to  Submission 
but  even  to  Cheerfulness,  under  my  HumiHations.  I  re- 
solved, I  would  bear  my  Trials,  with  the  Frames  of  true, 
vital,  joyful,  Christianity;  and  wait  on  the  Lord  with  a 


MAYjiyoQ  5 

Beleef  of  the  sixth  Chapter  of  Matthew,  and  be  any  Thing 
that  God  will  have  me  to  be. 

The  Work  of  Repentance  in  me,  and  a  Resolution  to  be 
Rich  in  good  Works,  was  quickened  on  this  Occasion. 

24  d.  I  m.  Thursday.  A  public  Fast;  in  which  I  enjoy'd 
merciful  Assistences  of  God. 

id.  2  m.  [April.l  Friday.  I  sett  apart  this  Day,  for 
Prayer  with  Fasting,  in  Secret;  on  such  Occasions  as  use  to 
employ  me  this  way. 

Nothing  very  remarkable  occurred  in  either  of  these 
Dayes. 

The  Evening  before  the  latter  of  them,  I  could  not  but 
observe,  that  if  I  had  not  had  a  very  earthly  Heart,  I  might 
lead  an  heavenly  Life. 

I  counted,  from  the  Beginning  of  the  Evening,  to  the 
Time  of  my  going  to  Rest,  (the  Occasions  for  the  Sick,  and 
for  Marriages,  &c.  were  so  many,)  I  had  been  called  to  pray 
no  less  than  ten  Times;  to  make  no  less  than  ten  several 
Prayers. 

This  Month  has  rolled  away,  with  little  remarkable  in 
it.  Special  Services,  attempted  or  purposed,  are  hinted  in 
my  Book  of  daily  Memorials. 

After  my  Lecture,  on  21  d.  2  ni.I  was  taken  ill;  and  by 
Illness  confined,  from  the  Services  of  the  Lord's-Day.  But 
in  the  next  Week,  I  recovered.' 

29  d.  2  m.  Friday.  I  enjoy'd  more  of  Heaven,  than  at 
some  Times,  in  the  Prayers  of  this  Day;  which  Day  I  sett 
apart,  as  usually.  My  Faith  in  the  glorious  Jesus,  as  both 
my  Sacrifice  and  Advocate,  was  lively.  And  I  was  assured, 
that  my  great  Saviour  would  own  me,  as  one  of  His  people. 

4  J.  3  m.  [May.]  Wednesday.  This  Day,  the  Lord  em- 
ploy'd  me  in  a  special  Service  for  Himself,  and  for  His 
People,  and  beyond  my  Expectation.     I  was  to  carry  on 

'April  26.  "Visited  Cotton  Mather,  who  has  been  indisposed."  Sewall, 
Diary,  ii.  253. 


O  DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

the  Exercises  of  a  Day  of  Prayer  at  Maiden.^  In  the  IMorn- 
ing  when  I  arrived  there,  the  principal  People  gave  me  to 
understand,  that  the  Church  (both  the  male  and  female 
Part  of  it,)  had  been  together,  and  proposed  this  Day, 
solemnly  to  renew  their  Covenant  with  God,  and  one  another; 
and  to  confess  their  Sins,  particularly  their  late,  long  sinful 
Contentions,  and  forgive  one  another,  and  ask  Forgiveness 
of  God  and  of  one  another;  and  bring  themselves  most 
explicitly  under  other  Engagements  for  further  Instances 
of  Piety,  which  the  Declensions  of  the  Time  invited  them 
to  take  more  particular  Notice  of.  They  desired  me  to 
furnish  them,  with  an  Instrument  expressive  of  these  holy 
Purposes;  which  I  did  that  Morning.  It  was  also  their 
Desire  that  I  would  manage  the  Action,  which  was  to  be 
done  this  Day,  with  all  possible  Solemnity.  Having  at 
Noon,  between  the  Meetings,  further  prepared  the  Church, 
for  what  was  anon  to  be  done;  anon,  in  the  Close  of  the 
Afternoon,  I  went  thro'  the  solemn  x\ction;  in  which,  and  in 
the  several  Speeches,  which  I  made  upon  the  several  Parts 
of  it,  I  enjoy'd  most  precious  Assistences  from  the  Lord. 
There  was  a  most  gracious  and  powerful  Presence  of  God, 
in  the  Assembly;  and  this  Day,  will  be  a  Day  much  remem- 
bred  among  the  People,  who  were  concerned  in  it,  or  Spec- 
tators of  what  was  transacted  on  it. 

Oh!  sovereign  Grace!  How  wonderfully  doest  thou 
continue,  to  employ  the  Chief  of  Sinners! 

1 1  (Z.  3  m.  Wednesday.  My  dear  Son  Samuel,  was  last 
Friday,  taken  very  sick,  of  a  Feavour,  which  proves  very 
grievous  and  mortal,  to  our  Children.  The  Sickness  of  the 
Child  growes  upon  him  so  far,  that  the  Physicians,  begin 
to  conclude  he  will  dye,  to  despair  of  his  Life. 

Beholding  the  Angel  of  Death  with  a  drawn  Sword  thus 

'  In  1708  David  Parsons  was  called  to  the  church  at  Maiden,  but  does  not 
appear  to  have  come  before  April,  1709,  or  been  ordained  till  summer.  Corey, 
History  of  Maiden,  470.   See  p.  9,  infra.     Mather's  text  is  given  on  p.  30,  infra. 


MAY,     1709  7 

over  my  Family,  I  sett  apart  this  Day  (tho'  myself  also 
much  Indisposed,)  for  Prayer  with  Fasting  before  the  Lord. 

I  bewayled  the  Sins,  by  which  the  Life  of  my  Children, 
and  of  this  dcsireable  Child,  has  been  forfeited.  I  besought 
the  Pardon  of  them,  thro'  the  Blood  of  the  Lamb  of  God; 
and  I  pleaded  that  Blood,  as  a  Family-Sacrifice.  I  resigned 
the  Child  unto  the  Lord;  submitted  unto  whatever  Disposal, 
the  infinite  Sovereignty  and  Faithfulness  of  God,  should 
make  of  the  Child.  I  was  first  and  most  of  all  concerned, 
that  the  Soul  of  the  Child  might  be  bound  up  in  the  Bundle 
of  Life,  and  that  I  and  mine,  might  reap  spiritual  Benefits 
and  improve  in  Piety,  from  what  befalls  the  Child.  I  de- 
clared, that  I  did  not  ask,  that  the  Child  might  live,  and 
be  a  Rebel  and  a  Traitor  to  God;  no,  I  had  rather  have 
him  dy  in  his  Infancy,  than  live  in  cursed  and  lothsome 
Wickedness.  And  then,  I  presented  my  Petition  for  the 
Life  of  the  Child.  This  Petition,  with  the  Child  himself, 
I  putt  into  the  Hands  of  the  glorious  Advocate,  whom  I 
by  Faith  saw  in  the  Heavens  concerned  for  me;  when  this 
Faith  came  into  Exercise,  I  found  my  Mind  strangely 
quieted  about  the  Child,  and  about  the  Issue  of  the  Danger 
now  upon  him. 

That  my  Prayers  might  be  the  more  effectual,  I  was 
willing  to  have  Alms  accompany  them. 

Both  my  Prayers  and  my  Alms,  I  putt  into  the  Hands 
of  my  Advocate,  that  He  sprinkling  of  them  with  His  Blood, 
they  may  be  my  acceptable  Praeparations  for  the  Mercies 
of  the  Lord. 

So,  I  sent  unto  the  Press,  an  Essay  to  advance  Knowl- 
edge and  Goodness  among  Children,  and  resolved  that  I 
would  have  a  considerable  Share  in  the  Expence  of  the 
Impression.  And  thus  also,  from  the  Evil  that  befalls, 
and  afiflicts  my  Child,  there  will  arise  much  good,  unto  many 
other  Children. 

On  this  Day,  the  Child  gave  some  Hopes  of  Revival. 


8  DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

But  the  Day  following  his  Feavour  growes  to  an  Extremity. 
Wherefore  on 

13  d.  3  m.  Friday.  I  kept  another  Day,  of  Prayer  with 
Fasting,  in  my  Study,  for  the  Life  of  my  Son,  and  for  the 
Compassion  of  Heaven  to  all  my  Family. 

I  had  also  some  other  Errands  unto  Heaven.  One  was, 
that  I  might  obtain  the  Presence  of  the  Lord  with  me,  in  the 
Services  of  the  next  Week. 

Another  was,  that  I  might  be  sheltered  from  the  Malice 
of  our  Governour,  and  Council,  and  Clergy,  who  suspect  me, 
to  have  an  hand,  in  a  Book  newly  come  over,  which  does 
expose  and  chastise  their  criminal  Mismanagements. 

A  great  Expedition  that  is  now  forming,  from  Great 
Britain,  and  all  these  Colonies,  against  our  French  Neigh- 
bours, was  another  Matter  which  I  had  to  spread  before  the 
Lord.i  And  the  sick  Families  in  my  next  Vicinity,  do  like- 
wise bespeak  my  Supplications  for  them,  as  well  as  my  own. 

Among  other  Considerations  with  me  this  Day,  one  was, 
that  my  Saviour  has  Healing  in  His  Wings.  Now,  His  good 
Angels  are  His  Wings.  I  relied  on  Him  then,  to  send  one 
of  His  good  Angels,  to  do  good,  and  bring  some  Help  and 
Health,  to  my  dying  Child. 

On  this  Day,  the  Child  began  to  revive. 

The  Essay,  which  I  published  on  this  Occasion,  has  in  it, 
several  Instruments  of  Piety,  besides  the  Abridgment  of  the 
Assemblies  Catechism.  Especially,  The  Desires  of  the  Repent- 
ing Beleever  on  the  Ten  Commandments.  It  is  entituled, 
The  Summ  of  the  Matter. 

16  (/.  3  w.  Mottday.  My  Wife  watch'd  last  Night,  (as 
she  had  done  every  other  Night)  with  the  languishing  Child. 

In  the  Morning  between  six  and  seven  a  clock,  she  sud- 
denly fell  into  her  Travail,  and  quickly,  (in  a  few  Minutes 

'  April  30.  as  Sewall  records,  the  "Queens  Letter  is  read  in  Council  about  the 
Canada  Expedition,  and  Col.  Vetch's  Instructions,  to  which  exact  Obedience  is 
commanded." 


MAY,     1709  9 

and  before  that  more  than  one  or  two  of  the  Neighbours 
could  run  in  unto  her,  and  before  that  she  could  reach  her 
own  Chamber,  and  safely)  she  was  delivered  of  a  SON.' 
There  was  a  great  Complication  of  Mercies,  in  all  the  Cir- 
cumstances of  this  Matter.  And  now,  the  Gracious  Lord, 
instead  of  taking  one  Son  from  me,  has  given  another  to 
me;  whom  I  also  humbly  dedicate  and  consecrate  unto 
Him. 

It  is  a  time  of  Exercise  in  my  Family.  An  epidemical 
Feavour  is  raging  in  my  Neighbourhood.  Several  of  my 
Children,  are  threatned  with  the  Beginnings  of  it;  as  well 
as  one  of  them  is  but  slowly,  and  at  a  languishing  Rate, 
recovering  from  it.  But  thro'  the  Compassion  of  my 
heavenly  Father,  all  goes  over. 

And  this  Week,  the  Lord  employes  me,  and  strengthens 
me,  to  do  several  public  Services. 

On  the  Wednesday,  I  preached  a  Sermon,  at  the  Ordina- 
tion of  a  Pastor,  in  Maiden^  On  the  Thursday,  I  preached 
the  Lecture,  to  a  great  Assembly  in  Boston.  The  Service 
of  the  Sick,  is  also  very  heavy.  But  the  Lord  mercifully 
carries  me  through  all. 

22  J.  3  m.  Lord's-Day.  After  those  Thoughts  and  Acts 
of  Piety,  which  were  proper  for  such  an  holy  Occasion,  I 
did  this  Day  baptise  my  Son,  and  I  call'd  his  Name 
Nathanael;  as  much  for  the  Signification  of  the  Name,  as 
because  I  had  a  valuable  Brother  and  Uncle  of  the  Name. 

In  the  ensuing  Week,''  the  Lord  made  use  of  me,  at  the 
Convention  of  the  Ministers,  both  on  Wednesday  and  on 
Thursday;  to  speak  many  Things,  (especially  in  Prayer  with 
them,  on  both  of  those  Dayes)  which  may  have  a  Tendency 
to  serve  the  Interests  of  His  Kingdome. 

The  Ministers,  devoting  the  Time  they  were  together 

1  Nathanael. 

'  David  Parsons.     See  p.  6»,  supra. 

*  Election  was  on  May  25,  the  sermon  being  preached  by  Grindall  Rawson,  of 
Mendon.     His  text  was  Jer.  xiii.  16. 


lO  DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

on  Thursday,  unto  Prayer;  and  I  foreseeing,  that  I  should 
meet  with  much  Interruption  on  the  Day  following;  I  did 
not  sett  apart  Friday,  as  I  use  to  do. 

In  the  Month  of  June,  there  did  not  occur  much,  that 
I  had  either  Cause,  or  Time,  to  insert  in  these  Memorials.' 

*  "  20  d.  4  m.  [June.]  Monday.     Divers  votes  passed  at  a  Church  Meeting. 

"Whereas  there  are  several  Members  of  this  Church,  who  on  various  pretences, 
do  not  attend  on  the  Ordinances  of  the  Lord,  here  dispensed;  and  their  disorderly 
walking  herein  is  offensive  to  the  Church; 

"  It  is  desired,  that  the  Elders  of  the  Church  speak  or  send  unto  them,  to  make 
them  sensible  of  their  Error  and  their  Duty,  and  oblige  them  to  take  an  orderly 
Dismission,  where  it  is  fitt  they  should  have  it,  unto  some  other  Church,  walking 
in  the  Order  of  the  Gospel.  And  the  Elders  of  the  Church  are  desired,  in  the 
Name  of  the  Church,  to  sign  a  Dismission  for  them. 

"And  where  any  do  refuse,  one  way  or  another,  to  do  their  duty,  it  is  desired, 
that  report  may  be  made  unto  the  Church,  in  order  to  further  Proceeding. 

"Whereas  a  Woman  belonging  to  this  Church,  whose  name  is  Miller,  has  been 
seduced  unto  something  of  Quakerism,  but  the  Church  is  informed,  that  her  Cir- 
cumstances have  peculiar  Temptations  in  them:  It  is  desired,  that  the  Elders  of 
the  Church,  and  so  many  of  the  Brethren,  as  may  in  their  Charity  be  moved  unto 
it,  use  as  many  Methods  as  they  can  for  her  Recovery.  And  that,  if  in  si.x  Months' 
time,  she  be  not  brought  out  of  her  Entanglement,  a  Report  be  made  unto  the 
Church,  that  so  our  Duty  towards  her,  may  be  further  considered. 

"One  whose  Xame  is  William  Perry,  having  long  since  pretended  that  another 
Brother,  whose  name  is  Benjamin  Gypson,  had  defamed  him;  but  the  DiEference 
was  made  up  between  them:  nevertheless,  after  the  Reconciliation,  Perry  took 
a  fancy  that  an  Apprehension  expressed  by  some  people  of  his  being  sometimes 
crazy-headed,  had  its  original  in  something  spoken  by  Gypson,  or  somebody  before 
that  Reconciliation,  he  withdrew  from  the  Communion  of  the  Church,  and  from 
so  much  as  joining  with  the  public  Worship  on  the  Lord's-Dayes  in  the  Assembly. 
Continuing  in  this  Course,  he  was  more  than  once  or  twice  privately  dealt  withal; 
but  he  treated  all  with  much  Inconsistency  and  Obstinacy.  He  now  appeared 
before  the  Church,  and  was  charged  as  guilty  of, 

"A  most  palpable  Breach  of  Covenant  with  the  Church  of  God; 

"An  implacable  Spirit  of  Malice  towards  a  Brother  that  has  done  him  no 
Wrong; 

"  A  slandering  and  belying  the  Officers  of  the  Church  and  others,  as  not  having 
done  him  Justice. 

"His  Behaviour  before  the  Church  was  such,  as  gave  much  Dissatisfaction, 
and  obliged  as  many  as  then  expressed  themselves,  to  declare  that  they  look'd 
on  him  as  distracted. 

"It  was  desired,  that  the  Elders  of  the  Church,  with  the  Deacons,  and  any 
others  whom  they  may  see  Cause  to  consult  on  this  Occasion,  enquire  further  into 
the  State  of  the  said  William  Perry;  and  make  Report  unto  the  Church,  that  they 
may  proceed  accordingly.  In  the  mean  time,  the  Church  declared  him  to  be  sus- 
pended from  the  Communion. 


JUNE,     1709  II 

I  procured  the  Reprinting  of  several  Composures,  for 
the  prseserving  and  promoting  of  Piety,  both  in  our  Army 
and  our  Navy  now  going  against  Canada.  My,  Souldier 
told  what  he  shall  do;  and  my,  Golden  Curh.^  These  I  dis- 
perse to  as  good  Purpose  as  I  can;  and  I  study  other  Methods, 
to  pursue  the  same  Designs  of  Piety. 

My  pubhc  Prayers  and  Sermons  are  adapted  unto  the 
present  great  Occasion.  And  I  enjoy  a  precious  Presence 
of  the  Lord  with  me  in  them. 

It  pleased  the  Holy  One,  to  take  away  to  a  better  World, 
my  dear  Friend,  Mr  Jonathan  Pierpont,  the  painful,  faith- 
ful, useful  and  humble  Minister  of  Reading.  I  was  enli- 
vened somewhat  by  his  Death  to  pursue  my  Services,  with 
yett  more  of  Industry.^ 

His  Flock  had  a  Day  of  Prayer,  after  his  Death;  (on 
Jun.  22.)  Then  I  served  them;  all  the  Exercises  of  the 
Afternoon  were  performed  by  me;  wherein  I  enjoy 'd  a 
very  great  Assistance  of  the  Lord,  and  in  a  very  great 
Assembly.     The  spirit  of  the  Holy  One  came  upon   the 

"Whereas  the  arrears  of  a  Legacy  piously  bequeathed  by  Mr.  Samuel  Scarlett 
unto  this  Church  have  not  been  paid  for  very  many  years,  it  is  desired  and  directed, 
that  Messieurs  Foster,  Howard,  Clark,  Winlhrop,  Hutchinson,  Ruck,  Martyn,  be 
joined  with  the  Deacons,  to  inspect  the  State  of  that  Affayr,  and  advise  what  is 
to  be  done,  that  it  may  be  brought  into  some  certain  reasonable  Issue.  And  that 
in  case,  a  Composition  be  judged  advisable,  the  Church  be  further  informed  of  the 
Matter,  before  anything  be  concluded  on."  Cotton  Mather's  MS.  Records  of  the 
Second  Church,  11. 

'  Ye  Soldier  told  what  he  shall  do,  was  first  issued  in  1707.  The  title  of  the  issue 
of  1709  had  taught  in  place  of  told. 

The  Golden  Curb;  or.  Sober  Checks  given  to  Rash  Passions,  formed  part  of 
Mather's  Batteries  upon  the  Kingdom  of  the  Devil,  printed  in  London,  in  i6gs. 
In  this  new  issue  the  title  read  A  Golden  Curb,  for  the  Mouth,  which  with  an  Head- 
strong Folly,  rushes  into  the  Sins  of  Profane  Swearing  and  Cursing.  Boston,  John 
Allen,  1709,  p.  12.     It  has  no  separate  title-page. 

The  manner  in  which  Mather  exerted  his  efforts  to  secure  the  publication  of 
his  sermons  is  well  illustrated  in  his  letter  to  John  VVinthrop,  December  16,  1707 
printed  in  4  Proceedings  viii.  406,  and  10  Dr.  Penhallow,  p.  169,  infra. 

^  He  was  the  fourth  minister  of  Reading,  son  of  Robert  and  Sarah  (Lynde) 
Pierpont  of  Roxbury.  Some  extracts  from  an  early  journal  are  given  in  Eaton, 
History  of  Reading,  104  n.     Sewall  says  his  death  "was  a  very  great  Loss!" 


12  DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

Chief  of  Sinners,  and  there  was  a  memorable  Solemnity  in 
the  Congregation. 

I  think,  I  may  also  say,  I  exercised  some  Faith  in  the 
ascefided  Jesus  for  them. 

Inasmuch  as  I  kept  one  Fast  this  Week  already,  (at 
Reading)  I  did  not  keep  another,  on  the  Friday  following,  as 
else  in  Course,  I  should  have  done. 

I  nevertheless  enjoy'd  a  precious  Communion  with  the 
Lord,  at  His  holy  Table. 

I  conversed  with  each  of  the  three  Persons  in  the  Eternal 
Godhead.  I  addressed  the  three  Prayers,  unto  the  three 
glorious  Persons.  But  still  in  the  Beginning  of  each  Prayer, 
acknowledged  that  Person  to  be  the  God,  who  is  the  Father, 
and  the  Son,  and  the  Holy  Spirit;  that  so,  I  might  not  erro- 
neously separate  them,  when  I  distinguish'd  them.  I  won- 
dered at  this  Grace,  that  when  those  three  glorious  Persons 
were  from  all  Eternity  conversing  with  one  another,  they 
would  now  bring  such  \dle  Creatures,  as  we  are,  into  an 
heavenly  Conversation  with  them.  I  celebrated  the  partic- 
ular Things  done  by  each  Person,  for  His  People.  I  glorified 
each  Person,  with  such  Praises,  and  such  Desires,  as  were 
adapted  unto  our  Consideration  of  the  Deity  subsisting  in 
it.  I  was  carried  into  the  Suburbs  and  Earnests  of  Heaven, 
by  this  evangelical  Action.  Herein  also,  as  in  a  thousand 
and  a  thousand  other  Things,  the  Lord  is  my  Teacher. ^ 
Oh!  lett  me  love  Him,  who  is  thus  ripening  of  me,  for  the 
heavenly  World! 

The  Month  of  Jidy,  brings  with  it,  as  little  as  the 
former. 

Only,  on  2  2  (/.  5  m.  [Jidy.]  Friday. 

I  sett  apart  the  Day,  for  Prayer  with  Fasting  before  the 
Lord,  and  had  some  sweet  Conversation  with  Heaven  in 
the  Day. 

The  Lord  is  again  favoring  me,  with  precious  and  mul- 

1  Two  lines  struck  out  in  this  place. 


AUGUST,     1709  13 

tiplied  Opportunities,  to  bring  forth  Fruit,  and  serve  Him, 
in  the  Way  of  the  Press. 

I  shall  have  Opportunity,  quickly  to  take  Notice  of 
several  Essayes,  which  the  Glorious  Lord,  allowes  the  Chief 
of  Sinners,  to  make,  for  the  Service  of  His  Kingdome. 

One  thing  that  I  now  do  is  this. 

I  am  extremely  concerned,  that  they  who  lay  hold  on 
the  Covenant  in  our  Churches,  especially  in  my  own,  may 
be  saved  from  the  Snares  of  a  wretched  Formality,  in  what 
they  do,  and  be  made  very  sensible  of  the  great  Obligations 
which  are  laid  upon  them,  to  lead  a  life  of  serious  Religion. 
I  therefore  preached  a  Sermon  upon  Sins  against  the  ever- 
lasting Covenant;  and  then,  I  fitted  it  for  the  Press,  and 
printed  it.'  It  is  entituled.  The  Bonds  of  the  Covenant. 
My  Design  is,  to  lodge  it  in  the  Hands  of  all  that  have 
offered  themselves  unto  the  Covenant  in  my  own  Church, 
or  that  shall  do  so.  And  also  to  send  it  into  most  of  the 
Towns  in  the  Countrey,  with  some  Intimations,  to  have  it 
lent,  on  that  Occasion. 

Moreover,  having  preached  ^  a  Sermon  about,  Commu- 
ning with  our  own  Hearts,  there  were  devout  Hearers,  who 
desired  that  they  might  be  furnished  with  Copies  of  it;  and 
offered  the  Expence  of  the  Impression.  So  I  fitted  this  for 
the  Press  also;  and  entituled  it.  Work  within  Doors.^ 

20  d.  6  m.  [August.]  Friday.  This  Day  I  sett  apart,  as 
usually  before  the  Celebration  of  the  Eucharist;  for  Prayer 
with  Fasting,  in  my  Study. 

But  Nothing  very  remarkable  occurr'd,  relating  to  it. 
I  enjoy'd  something  of  Heaven.  It  left  some  heavenly 
Impressions  upon  me. 

I  am  so  full  of  Employments;  and  in  such  an  happy 
way  of  continually  every  day,  doing  a  Variety  of  Services, 

'  This  seems  to  refer  to  the  sermon  preached  on  July  17.     See  p.  31,  infra. 
*  Preached  June  ig.      See  p.  30,  infra. 
'Printed  by  T.  Green,  1709. 


14  DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

which  yett  I  do  not  ask  to  have  remembred,  that  I  have  not 
the  Liesure  which  else  I  might  have  to  replenish  these 
Memorials.  Tis  possible,  I  may,  if  I  liv^e  to  the  End  of  the 
Year,  make  some  Recapitulation. 

One  going  from  hence  for  Englajid,  about  this  Time, 
I  did  committ  into  his  Hands,  an  Essay  to  be  there  pub- 
lished; under  the  Title  of,  A  Man  of  Reason.  The 
Design  of  it,  is  to  show,  that  Men  ought  to  hearken  to 
Reason,  and  therefore  to  the  Maxims  of  Religion. 

But  there  was  another  Peece  of  Work,  in  which  my  Heart 
was  at  tliis  Time,  very  much  engaged.  I  have  of  late, 
begun  a  Method,  of  lodging  Books,  which  may  be  Instru- 
ments of  Piety,  in  all  the  Vessels  of  any  Burden,  that  may 
sail  out  of  these  Colonies.  But  now,  that  I  may  be  more 
accommodated,  with  Instruments  for  my  purpose,  I  fitted 
for  the  Press  a  Discourse,  designed  first  of  all,  to  awaken  the 
unregenerate  Sailour,  out  of  his  dangerous  Condition,  sleep- 
ing on  the  Top  of  a  Mast  in  tJie  midst  of  the  Sea;  and  then 
to  provide  and  direct  a  various  Emplo}Tnent  for  him.  I 
fitted  the  Work,  with  Admonitions  of  Piety,  fetched  out  of 
the  various  Objects  and  Actions  aboard;  and  with  Devotions 
accommodated  unto  the  various  Occasions  of  the  Mariner; 
and  with  Proposals  for  the  keeping  of  good  Orders  in  the 
Vessels.  I  convey'd  it  unto  the  Press,  with  a  Resolution 
that  by  the  Hands  of  the  Naval  Officers,  in  our  several  Ports, 
there  should  be  lodged  convenient  Numbers  of  these  Books, 
in  every  Vessel  that  clears  and  sails  from  them.  WTio  can 
tell,  what  may  be  done.-^  Whether  some  of  the  Elect  of  God 
may  not  be  found  out  upon  the  Waters!  It  is  entituled, 
The  Mariners  Companion  and  Counsellour.* 

Moreover,  I  considered,  that  the  glorious  Mystery  of 
the  Trinity,  tho  it  be  one  of  the  first  Articles  in  our  holy 
Religion,  yett  is  not  enough  liv'd  upon.  Tis  a  Mystery  of 
Godliness;  and  a  practical  Improvement  of  it,  in  and  for 

'  The  Sailours  Companion,  etc.     Printed  by  B.  Green,  for  Samuel  Gerrish. 


SEPTEMBER,     1709  I5 

the  Life  of  Christianity,  I  thought,  would  much  tend  unto 
the  Advancement  of  Godliness.  I  thought,  it  would  be 
a  Service  unto  Religion,  and  unto  many  Christians,  if  I 
answered  the  Desires  of  some,  who  asked  me  to  publish  a 
Discourse,  wherein  I  practically  improved  and  applyed  the 
Doctrine  of  the  Trinity,  and  plainly  brought  it  into  the 
Life  of  Christianity.  Accordingly,  I  fitted  for  the  Press, 
and  gave  to  the  Printer,  such  a  Discourse;  entituled;  A 
Christian  Conversing  with  the  Great  Mystery  of 
Christianity.^ 

2  d.  J  m.  [September.]  Friday.  The  other  Ministers  of 
the  Neighbourhood,  are  this  Day  feasting  with  our  wicked 
Governour;  ^  I  have,  by  my  provoking  Plainness  and  Free- 
dom, in  telling  this  Ahab  of  his  wickedness,  procured  myself 
to  be  left  out  of  his  Invitations.  I  rejoiced  in  my  Liberty 
from  the  Temptations,  with  which  they  were  encumbred, 
while  they  were  eating  of  his  Dainties  and  durst  not  reprove 
him.  And,  considering  the  Power  and  Malice  of  my  Ene- 
mies, I  thought  it  proper  for  me,  to  be  this  day  Fasting,  in 
Secret,  before  the  Lord. 

Accordingly,  I  sett  apart  this  Day,  for  Prayer  with 
Fasting.  And  the  special  Intention  of  the  Day  was,  to 
obtain  my  Deliverance  and  Protection,  from  the  Enemies, 
which  hate  me  with  a  cruel  Hatred,  and  sometimes  breath  out 
Cruelties.  I  mentioned  their  Names  unto  the  Glorious  Lord, 
who  has  promised  me  to  be  my  Shield.  I  pray 'd  for  Mercies 
to  be  bestow'd  upon  them,  and  yett  I  pray'd,  that  my 
precious  Opportunities  to  be  serviceable,  may  not  ly  at  their 
Mercy.  I  entreated  this  Favour,  with  my  whole  Heart, 
that  I  may  make  a  good  Use  of  their  Enmity,  and  that  I  may 
rather  do  the  more  Good  because  of  it.  I  sang  agreeable 
Psalms,  and  left  my  Cause  with  the  Lord,  resolving  to 
conform  unto  that  Word;  Prov.  20.  22.    Say  not  thou,  I 

1  Printed  by  T.  Green. 
^  Joseph  Dudley. 


l6       '   DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

will  recompense  Evil;  but  wait  on  the  Lord,  and  He  shall  save 
thee. 

14  d.  7  m.  Thursday.  It  was  now  a  General  Fast,  thro' 
the  Province.  1  I  enjoy 'd  a  precious  Presence  of  the  Lord, 
with  me  in  the  Services  of  the  Day. 

But  in  Conformity  to  what  I  have  once  and  again  press'd 
upon  others,  I  did,  among  other  Services  of  this  day,  sett 
myself  to  consider, 

What  further  have  I  to  do,  in  that  Work  of  Reformation, 
either  upon  myself,  or  among  others,  which  the  heavy  Judg- 
ments of  God  upon  our  People,  have  so  long  been  calling  for  ? 

The  principal  Articles  and  Purposes,  which  I  could  now 
pitch  upon,  were  these. 

I.  In  myself: 

I  observe,  the  peculiar  Spirit,  and  Error  of  the  Time,  to  be 
Indifferency  in  Religion.  I  would  therefore  be  more  zelous, 
more  active,  than  ever,  more  sollicitous  about  my  own  Sal- 
vation, and  that  Sin  may  be  discouraged  in  the  World. 

I  would  be  exceeding  watchful  against  all  Impurity,  and 
the  least  Glance  of  my  ISIind  that  way,  shall  but  provoke 
me  to  holy  Contemplations  and  Resignations. 

I  would  be  afraid  of  too  easily  and  suddenly  taking  up 
evil  Reports;  which  is  a  very  common  IMiscarriage  among  us. 

I  would  endeavour  a  more  prudent  and  early  Dispatch 
of  my  Studies  for  the  Lord's-Day;  that  I  may  better  enjoy 
the  Saturs-day  Evening  and  employ  it  in  some  religious 
Exercises,  with  such  as  are  imder  my  Charge. 

II.  In  my  Family: 

Besides  the  numberless  Wayes,  which  I  am  using  to  carry 
on  a  good  Education  there,  I  would  use  if  I  can,  more  of  a 
continual  Dropping,  of  the  Maxims  of  Piety  on  those  under 
my  Charge;  and  this  particularly  in  the  way  of  occasional 
Reflection,  to  make  the  Maxims  more  easily  and  more  dura- 
bly remembred  with  them. 

'Error  for  isth.     See  p.  32,  infra. 


SEPTEMBER,      lyog  I7 

And  I  renew  my  Purpose  of  praying  successively  with 
each  of  my  Folks  alone,  after  I  have  engaged  their  Consent 
and  Purpose,  to  be  the  Lord's, 

III.   In  my  pubhc  Circumstances : 

I  would,  besides  my  careful  Visits,  in  my  Flock,  to  incul- 
cate those  Lessons  of  Godliness,  which  I  may  see  their  special 
Circumstances  recommending  unto  them,  express  in  certain 
Prayers  and  Sermons,  a  great  Concern,  in  a  way  of  Pitty, 
for  several  Sorts  of  ensnared  ones  among  my  People,  who  do 
not  pitty  themselves.  It  may  be,  God  will  sanctify  this  Way 
of  treating  them,  and  awaken  them  to  pitty  themselves. 

I  would  also  bear,  and  procure  to  be  born  due  Testimo- 
nies, against  all  prevailing  Iniquities  in  the  Land. 

And  I  would  compose  and  publish  many  Essayes,  accom- 
modated unto  the  Interests  of  Christianity  in  the  Land; 
such  as  may  find  out  all  Sorts  of  People,  in  the  several 
Wayes,  wherein  they  may  be  sett  athinking  on  such  Things, 
as  may  be  for  the  Glory  of  God. 

23  d.  7  m.  Friday.  This  Day,  I  undertook  a  Journey  to 
the  Town  of  Bridge-water.  My  Design  was  to  comfort  and 
honour,  a  pious,  aged,  afflicted  Servant  of  God,  Mr.  James 
Keith,  the  Minister  of  the  Place. ^  And  to  answer  the  Desire 
of  the  people  in  that  Place,  who  flatter  me  with  Hopes  that 
by  preaching  there,  I  may  do  some  sensible  Service  to  the 
Interests  of  languishing  Religion. 

I  made  many  Prayers  over  the  Journey;  and  humbled 
myself  before  the  Lord,  that  so  the  fond  Expectations  of  the 
People  might  produce  no  Inconvenience;  and  I  resigned  the 
whole  Affair  before  me,  to  the  Conduct  of  the  Lord,  whose 
are  all  my  Wayes.  Inasmuch  as  the  Journey  was  for  the 
Service  of  the  Blessed  Jesus,  the  second  Adam,  I  hoped,  that 
no  Curse  would  attend  it. 

*  He  was  the  first  minister  of  Bridgewater,  a  Scotchman,  educated  at  Aberdeen, 
and  came  to  New  England  in  1662.  He  was  ordained  in  1664,  and  died  July  23, 
1719. 

II-  2 


l8         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

The  Lord  smiled  upon  my  Journey,  in  all  the  Circum- 
stances of  it  wonderfully.  I  travelled  in  a  Calash.  I  had 
above  thirty  Miles  to  go.  Much  of  the  Road,  was  very  bad, 
rough,  dangerous  Way.  Yett  I  gott  to  the  Journey's  End, 
safe,  and  long  before  Night. 

I  preach'd  both  Parts  of  the  Lord's  Day,  and  with  great 
Assistences  from  above. 

On  Monday,  my  Journey  homewards,  was  yett  more 
comfortable.  It  was  dispatch'd  in  a  Uttle  Time,  and  admi- 
rably accommodated. 

6  (f .  8  m.  [October.]  Thursday.  The  Lord  is  multiplying 
the  Testimonies  of  His  Favour  to  me.  He  showes  me  many 
Tokens  for  good,  at  the  Sight  whereof  my  Adversaries  are 
ashamed.  The  wicked  see  what  is  done  for  me;  they  see  it 
and  are  grieved;  they  gnash  their  Teeth,  and  melt  away. 

On  the  Occasion  of  some  Judgments  which  God  has 
dispensed  on  some  Sinners  (especially,  Drunkards)  in  my 
Neighbourhood,  I  thought,  that  I  would  watchfully  endeav- 
our an  holy  Improvement  of  them.  I  preached  a  sermon 
at  the  Lecture,  on  that  Subject,  how  Sinners  are  punished 
in  their  very  Sins  themselves.^  But  after  I  had  greatly 
humbled  myself  before  the  Lord,  and  my  Spirit  had  been 
reduced  into  prceparatory  Frames  of  Contrition  and  Repent- 
ance, I  enjoy'd  a  mighty  Presence  of  the  Lord  with  me. 
There  was  a  vast  Assembly  of  People;  perhaps  of  some 
Hundreds  more  than  the  great  House  could  hold.  The 
Spirit  of  the  Lord  came  upon  me,  and  quickened  me,  and 
strengthened  me,  and  enabled  me  to  discharge  the  Servace 
I  had  now  before  me.  And  I  hope,  the  Minds  of  the  peo- 
ple had  uncommon  Impressions  made  upon  them. 

14  c?.  8  w.  Friday.  This  Day,  I  sett  apart  for  Prayer 
with  Fasting,  (and  Alms)  in  secret  before  the  Lord. 

'"Mr.  C.  Mather  preaches  from  Prov.  14.  14.  Backslider  in  heart  shall  be 
filled  with  his  own  Ways.  Mentioned  the  indulgence  of  Adonijak;  the  prophet 
Micajah;  not  the  prophet,  but  the  King  was  hurt  by  his  Estrangement."  Sewall, 
Diary,  n.  266.     See  p.  32,  infra. 


NOVEMBER,     1709  IQ 

It  was  a  Day,  in  which  I  received  some  inexpressible 
Satisfactions  from  Heaven,  that  my  Sins  are  all  pardoned. 

I  also  felt  the  sanctifying  Work  of  the  Holy  Spirit  upon 
me;  which  furnishes  me  with  a  Witness  in  myself,  to  the 
Truths  of  Christianity. 

In  this  way,  I  kept  waiting  for  what  Advice  may  be 
coming  to  me  from  Englafid;  and  for  my  Defence  against 
my  Enemies;  and  for  a  Blessing  on  my  Family  and  my 
Ministry. 

The  Glorious  Lord,  goes  on,  in  a  marvellous  Manner, 
to  employ  me  in  glorifying  of  Him,  and  to  testify  His 
Acceptance  of  me,  in  my  bearing  Testimonies  for  Him. 

I  preached  a  Sermon  at  the  Lecture,^  in  the  Audience  of 
the  General  Assembly,  on  the  Street  or  Market-place  of  the 
City  of  God,  being  Pure  Gold;  and  I  bore  due  Testimonies 
against  the  Corruptions  of  the  Market-place.  1  fiU'd  the 
Sermon  with  Testimonies  for  God  and  Right,  and  against 
the  Sins  of  Dishonesty,  and  the  Snares  of  Intemperance; 
and  added  my  Hopes  for  a  City  of  God,  yett  to  be  seen  in 
America.  I  thought  it  might  serve  the  Interests  of  Piety 
and  Equity,  to  spread  these  Testimonies,  into  every  Part 
of  the  Countrey.  Providence  favoured  my  Intentions;  and 
the  Discourse  was  published ;  under  the  Title  of,  Theopo- 
Lis  Americana.  An  Essay,  on  the  Golden  Street  of  the  Holy 
City;  publishing  a  Testimony  against  the  Corruptions  of  the 
Market-place;  with  some  good  Hopes  of  Better  Things  to  he 
yett  seen  in  the  American  World.''  After  the  Publication, 
there  was  care  taken  to  disperse  the  Book,  into  every  Town 
of  all  these  Colonies;  and  into  some  other  Parts  of  America. 

II  d.  gm.  [November.]  Friday.  I  sett  apart  this  Day, 
for  Prayers  (in  Secret,)  with  Alms,  before  the  Lord. 

As  the  Intentions  of    the  Day,  had  nothing  in  them 

*  November  3.     See  p.  32,  infra. 

•It  was  published  by  B.  Green,  in  1710.  Sewall  notes  on  November  25: 
"Theopolis  Americana  is  finished,  the  last  half-sheet  printed  off.  I  stitched 
me  up  a  Book,  and  sent  the  Revd.  author  one  to  compleat  his." 


20  DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

Remarkable,  to  distinguish  them,  from  the  other  Dayes, 
which  I  have  kept  of  later  Time,  so  neither  had  the 
Employments  or  Enjoyments  of  the  Day.  But  in  this 
way,  I  kept  waiting  for  the  Mercies  of  the  Lord,  unto  me, 
and  mine,  and  unto  all  His  People. 

24  d.  9  m.  Thursday.  A  Week  ago,  my  little  Son 
Nathanael,  was  taken  very  sick  of  a  Feavour,  v^^th  a  griev- 
ous Oppression,  (as  it  seem'd  on  his  Breast  and  Stomach,) 
but  after  some  time,  he  seemed  somewhat  releeved  and 
revived;  the  Physicians  concluded,  he  would  live.  I  had 
a  strange  and  sinful  Stupidity  on  my  mind.  I  did  not  pray 
for  his  Life,  with  such  Agony,  as  I  have  used  for  my  spared 
Children.  I  did  not  sett  apart  a  Day  of  Prayer  for  his  Life, 
as  I  could,  and  should  have  done.  In  the  Night,  and  as  the 
Dawn  of  this  Day  approached,  the  Child  began  to  have  the 
evident  Symptoms  of  Death  upon  it.  I  rose,  and  with 
several  successive  Prayers,  resign'd  it  unto  the  Lord. 

This  Day,  was  a  public  Thanksgiving  for  the  Mercies 
of  Heaven  to  the  Province  in  the  Year,  that  is  past.  I  laid 
aside  the  Subject  I  intended;  and  in  the  Morning  I  com- 
posed a  Sermon  on,  i.  Sam.  i.  7.  She  wept,  atid  she  did  not 
eat,  i.e.  of  the  Thank-offering:  prosecuting  that  Observa- 
tion, that  a  sense  of  Affliction  was  oftentimes  an  Hinderance 
to  the  work  of  Thanksgiving ;  but  that  it  ought  not  to  be  so. 
My  Son  died  about  Noon.  My  Sermon  in  the  Afternoon 
proved  very  acceptable,  and  seasonable,  and  serviceable. 

The  Lord  helped  me  on  this  Occasion  to  glorify  Him  with 
Resignation,  and  with  many  studies  how  to  make  the  Death 
in  my  Family,  profitable  unto  myself,  and  unto  my  Family. 

I  attended  the  Funeral  on  the  Day  following;  and  there 
were  many  merciful  Circumstances  accompanying  of  it. 

Wanting  a  Book,  to  be  lodg'd  and  left,  with  such  as  are 
in  sorrowful  Circumstances  of  Affliction;  inasmuch  as  all 
the  Impressions  of  my  former  Essayes  that  way,  are  dis- 
posed of;  I  gave  to  the  Bookseller,  a  Lecture,  which  is  fitted 


DECEMBER,     1709  21 

up  into  an  agreeable  Book,  for  such  Persons;  and  I  design 
immediately  to  purchase  forty-shillings  worth  of  them,  (and 
afterwards,  if  I  live,  many  more,)  to  be  dispersed  among 
the  Aflflicted.     It  is  entituled.  The  Cure  of  Sorrow.^ 

About  this  time,  a  nameless  and  unknown  Gentleman, 
sent  me  his  Desire,  (with  what  was  needful  to  defray  the 
Charge  of  it,)  that  a  paragraph  in  my  Theopolis  Americana, 
relating  to  the  Abuse  and  Excess  of  Rum,  should  be  printed 
by  itself,  and  sent  into  every  Part  of  the  Countrey.  I 
ordered,  that  there  should  be  annexed  unto  it,  certain  Pro- 
posals, relating  unto  that  Matter,  to  be  considered  by 
religious  and  ingenious  Men,  in  every  Part  of  the  Land. 
The  paper  is  entituled.  Proposals  of  some  Consequence; 
humbly  ofered  to  the  publick,from  a  private  Hand. 

gd.  10  m.  [December.]  Friday.  I  sett  apart  this  Day,  for 
Prayers  (and  Alms)  as  I  use  to  do.  One  special  Intention 
of  the  Day,  was  that  I  might  obtain  Mercy  for  my  Family, 
and  spiritual  and  eternal  Advantage  unto  all  the  Souls  in  it, 
from  the  Death  which  has  lately  been  sent  into  it;  and  a 
prospering  Direction,  and  Assistence  of  Heaven,  for  the  good 
Education  of  my  surviving  Children. 

Thus  I  went  on  for  the  Rest  of  this  Month,  after  my  poor 
Manner,  endeavouring  to  serve  Christ  and  to  do  good. 
Nothing  very  observable  occurred  in  the  Actions,  or  Acci- 
dents of  the  Month;  except  perhaps,  what  may  be  hinted, 
in  the  daily  Memorials  of  my  Purposes. 

Indeed,  I  added  one  thing  unto  the  Devotions  of  my 
Family.  For,  whereas  we  catechise,  and  read,  and  sing, 
and  pray,  usually  in  the  Beginning  of  the  Evening;  I  now 
add  this;  that  we  sing  a  short  Psalm,  or  Hymn,  together,  the 
last  thing  we  do,  before  our  going  to  Bed.^ 

1  Printed  by  B.  Green  in  1709. 

'  ^^ Susanna  Fling,  having  fallen  into  scandal,  by  an  unlawful  conversation 
with  the  man,  whom  five  months  after  she  married,  she  this  day  offered  those 
public  and  open  expressions  of  Repentance,  which  were  accepted."  Cotton  Mather's 
MS.  Records  of  the  Second  Church,  11. 


22  DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

6d.  iim.  [January.]  Friday.  I  sett  ap^rt  this  Day  for 
Prayers  (with  Fasting)  and  abundant  Alms;  on  such  Occa- 
sions as  use  to  bring  me  thus  before  the  Lord.  I  was  ill;  and 
in  Hazard  of  a  Feavour,  from  a  Cold  contracted  by  my 
Visits  to  the  Sick,  in  very  bad  Weather.  But  I  sang  the 
Beginning  of  the  forty  first  Psahn.  And  my  Malady  van- 
ished beyond  Expectation. 

I  enjoy'd  a  mighty  Presence  of  the  Lord  with  me,  in  one 
Action  after  this.  Having  intimated  in  a  Sermon  about 
the  Sins  of  Youth,  my  Purpose  the  next  Lord's-day  '  to  deal 
faithfully  with  the  Neighbours,  about  the  Sins  and  Snares  of 
our  young  People,  and  as  one  who  knowes  the  Terror  of  the 
Lord;  a  vast  Assembly  came  together  from  all  Quarters  of 
the  Town.  The  Spirit  of  the  Glorious  Lord  came  upon 
me,  with  His  precious  and  powerful  Influences.  I  preached 
a  long  Sermon,  and  it  was  heard  with  much  Attention, 
with  much  Affection.  And  tho'  I  expected  much  Malice 
and  Mocking  from  some  of  the  Hearers,  I  was  happily  dis- 
appointed of  my  Expectation.  The  Things  delivered,  had 
a  great  Impression  on  the  Hearers,  and  good  Effects  of 
Religion  and  Reformation  followed.  ^ 

3  J.  12  m.  [February.]  Friday.  I  sett  apart  this  Day 
also,  for  Prayers  (with  Fasting)  and  abundant  Alms. 
Particularly,  (as  usually)  to  prepare  for  Interviews  with 

*  January  22.     See  p.  33,  infra. 

'  "  At  a  Church-Meeting  held  lod.  11  m.  1709,  Tuesday,  this  vote  was  passed, 
Netnine  conlradicenle. 

"The  Church,  considering  the  Encumbrance  of  a  course  of  Law,  to  recover 
their  just  Right  in  Mr.  Scarlett's  pious  Legacy  to  them,  and  being  wiUing  to  sett  an 
Exemple  of  all  Christian  and  possible  Moderation  and  Compassion  to  an  Orphan, 
do  consent  that  the  Committee,  already  employ'd  about  this  Afifayr,  namely 
Messieurs  Foster,  Howard,  Clark,  Winthrop,  Hutchinson,  Ruck,  Martyn,  with  the 
three  Deacons,  shall  be  entrusted  and  empowered  by  the  Church,  to  proceed  and 
finish  that  matter,  and  make  all  the  legal  Provision  that  shall  be  necessary;  so  that 
the  Church  may  have  clear  of  all  Encumbrance,  at  least  the  summ  of  one  hundred 
and  fifty  pounds  in  money,  or  province  Bills. 

"At  this  Meeting,  Eliza  Rcnmore  offered  her  poenitent  Acknowledgement  of 
her  Offence  in  striking  a  Neighbour.  Which  the  Church  accepted."  Cotton  Mather's 
MS.  Records  of  the  Second  Church,  n. 


FEBRUARY,     I709~I0  23 

Heaven,  on  the  Lord's-Day  (and  the  Lord's  Supper,) 
approaching. 

Which  I  enjoy'd  unto  some  Satisfaction. 

That  this  year  might  prove  with  me,  a  pretty  bearing 
Year,  I  concluded  it,  with  two  PubKcations  more  by  the 
way  of  the  Press. 

The  Designs  of  them,  will  be  sufficiently  apprehended 
from  the  Titles  of  them. 

The  one  is  entituled;  The  Heavenly  Conversation. 
An  Essay  upon  the  Methods  of  Conversing  with  a  Glorious 
CHRIST  in  every  Step  of  our  Life.  With  Directions  upon 
that  CASE,  How  may  the  Consideration  of  CHRIST,  be 
brought  into  all  the  Life  of  a  Christian.''- 

The  other  is  entituled ;  Dust  and  Ashes.  An  Essay  upon. 
Repentance  to  the  Last;  Advising  a  watchful  Christian  upon 
that  CASE;  How  to  keep  alive  the  Daily  Exercise  of  REPENT- 
ANCE, to  the  End  of  his  Life!  ^ 

My  Intention  was  to  lodge  these  Treatises  in  the  Hands 
of  many  of  the  Ministers,  throughout  the  Countrey. 

I  represented,  the  Methods  of  Piety  proposed  in  these 
Essayes,  as  being  the  true  American  Pietism.  I  considered 
that  the  People  who  are  shortly  to  be  the  ^tone  cutt  out  of  the 
Mountain,  will  be  a  People  of  these  Principles  and  Practices. 
And  I  was  willing,  to  contribute  unto  the  Shaping  of  that 
People;  and  furnish  them  with  Instruments  of  Piety,  that 
may  be  of  Use  among  them.  I  shall  also  endeavour  to  send 
these  things  unto  Dr.  Franckius,  in  Saxony. 

What  remains  is,  to  make  some  Recapitulation,  of  my 
Proceedings,  on  the  Devices  of  Good  which  I  form  and  write 
in  the  Morning  of  each  Day  in  the  Week,  on  the  Quaestion  for 
the  Day.  I  shall  not  here  transcribe  all  the  particular  De- 
vices and  Purposes,  thus  produced;  but  only  touch  on  a  few, 
that  may  give  some  Intimation  how  my  Year  has  rolled  along. 

*  These  works  were  issued  without  author's  name. 
'  Published  by  B.  Green  in  1710. 


24  DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

I.  The  Quaestion  every  Lard's-day  Morning,  was,  what 
Service  to  be  done  for  my  Saviour,  in  the  Flock  whereof  I 
am  the  Pastor. 

Here  I  purposed,  that  I  would  endeavour  much  Service 
in  my  occasional  Visits.  Learning  (from  the  Bills  putt  up, 
or  otherwise,)  who  has  received  any  special  Mercy,  I  would 
visit  them,  and  agree  with  them  on  some  special  Return  of 
Glory  to  God.  Learning  who  are  in  any  singular  Affliction, 
I  would  visit  them,  and  propose  unto  them  some  singular 
Fruits  of  Repentance  and  Obedience.  The  Hatuimaids  of  the 
Lord  that  are  near  their  Travail,  I  would  visit,  and  make 
their  Circumstances  an  awakening  Occasion  to  settle  the 
Peace  of  their  Souls. 

That  I  would  use  more  than  ordinary  Endeavour  to 
rescue  the  Children  of  the  Covenant,  from  the  wof ul  Formahty, 
with  which  many  of  them  lay  hold  on  the  Covenant. 

That  I  would  in  the  most  pathetical  and  emphatical 
Wayes  imaginable,  warn  the  young  people,  against  the 
Snares  of  Death,  whereby  many  are  endangered. 

That  I  would  labour  mightily  to  begett  a  Temper  of 
Benignity  in  the  Neighbourhood ;  and  among  other  Methods 
for  it,  preach  as  winningly  as  I  can,  on  the  Duties  of  good 
Neighbourhood. 

That  I  would  sett  up  a  Charity-School,  and  make  it  a 
precious  Opportunity  of  Good  unto  many  Children.  Par- 
ticularly, visit  it  often,  and  instruct  the  Children  and  give 
pecuniary  Rewards  unto  them,  when  they  have  learn't  the 
good  Things,  which  I  sett  'em  to  learn. 

That  I  will  animate  an  Addition  to  the  Religious  Societies 
in  the  Neighbourhood. 

That  I  would  write  a  Letter  unto  the  principal  Person  in 
each  of  the  Religious  Societies  (or  at  least  mention  the  Matter 
to  them,)  expressing  my  Desire,  that  the  Societies  would  sug- 
gest unto  me,  what  Subjects  they  most  want  or  wish,  to  hear 
publickly  preached  on ;  and  preach  accordingly.  &c.  &c.  &c. 


FEBRUARY,     1709-IO  25 

II.  Every  Munday  Morning,  what  to  be  done  in  my 
Family  ? 

Here,  among  many  other  things,  I  purposed, 

That  I  would  order  the  Children  to  read  over  the  Mother's 
Catechism,  written  by  Mr.  Baxter,  in  the  most  profitable 
Manner  .* 

That  to  increase  in  my  Family,  their  Attention  to,  and 
understanding  of,  the  Scriptures,  each  Person  shall  have  a 
Bible  in  their  hands,  and  read  the  Verse,  as  I  am  going  to 
make  my  Observations  upon  it. 

That  the  Children  shall  have  their  Apartments  well- 
fitted  up,  in  which  they  may  read,  and  write,  and  pray. 

That  I  would  oblige  each  of  the  Children,  to  retire,  and 
ponder  on  that  Quaestion,  what  should  I  wish  to  have  done  if 
I  were  now  adying!  And  report  unto  me  their  Answer  to 
the  Quaestion;  of  which  I  may  take  unspeakable  Advantage, 
to  inculcate  Piety  upon  them. 

That  I  would  cause  those  of  the  Children  who  can  write, 
ever  now  and  then,  to  draw  up  a  Prayer  in  writing,  and 
shew  it  unto  me. 

By  which  Means,  I  may  see,  how  far  they  consider  the 
State  of  their  own  Soids:  and  it  may  bring  them  to  consider 
it.  I  would  particularly  putt  them  upon  drawing  up  of 
Prayers,  against  such  Miscarriages  of  Temptations,  as  they 
may  be  most  of  all  in  a  Danger  of. 

That  I  would  spend  the  Saturs-day  Evenings  in  the  most 
exquisite  Wayes  of  instilling  Piety  into  my  Family,  by  suc- 
cessively taking  each  Person  alone  into  my  Study,  and 
there  Talking  and  Praying  with  them.  And  alwayes  make 
that  Evening  an  Opportunity  of  Praying  with  my  Wife, 
before  the  Commimion  of  the  Lord' s-T able,  and  preparatory 
to  it. 

That  I  would  labour  to  discharge  unto  my  Son-in-Law, 

*  First  published  in  1701.  No  American  issue  seems  to  have  been  pub- 
lished before  1729. 


26  DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

the  Duty  of  a  Father,  m  a  most  exemplary  manner;  see  that 
he  be  tenderly  used,  and  well-provided  for.  Assist  his 
Education;  and  instil  the  Lessons  of  Piety  into  him,  with 
all  possible  Assiduity.  &c.  &c.  &c. 

III.  On  Tuesday  Morning,  I  came  to  consider  two 
QucBstions  alternately. 

On  the  First  week,  I  thought;  wJiat  Service  to  he  done  for 
Christ,  and  my  Relatives  abroad? 

Here,  I  contrived  several  things  to  be  done,  that  I  may 
assist  some  aged  Relatives  in  their  Praeparation  for  the 
heavenly  World. 

And,  I  contrived  to  find  out  my  most  distant  Relatives 
and  reach  them  w^th  Books  of  Piety,  and  such  Things  as 
may  be  useful  to  them. 

And  some  of  my  Sisters,  having  their  Husbands  abroad; 
I  constantly,  at  least  once  a  week,  visited  their  Famihes, 
and  pray'd  with  them.  &c.  &c.  &c. 

But  then,  every  other  Week,  instead  of  my  Relatives,  I 
considered  my  Enemies.  I  singled  out  my  personal  Enemies, 
as  many  of  them,  as  I  can  know  of,  and  considered,  what 
good  may  I  do  unto  them? 

I  am  in  the  Way  of  it,  and  I  have  made  good  Progress  in 
the  Way;  that  I  shall  not  know  that  I  have  one  Adversary 
in  the  World,  but  w^hat  I  have  explicitly  charged  my  Soul, 
to  take  heed  of  all  personal  Revenge  of  him;  yea,  I  have 
actually  done  some  good  Office  for  him. 

I  will  not  here  mention  the  Persons,  or  the  Purposes; 
because  tis  better  they  should  be  forgotten. 

IV.  Every  Wednesday  Morning,  my  Quaestion  was, 
what  Service  to  be  done  for  Christ,  and  the  Interest  of  His 
Kingdome,  in  the  Countrey,  or  among  other  People? 

Here,  I  scattered  Books  of  Piety,  about  the  Countrey; 
yea,  in  all  the  Towns  of  these  Colonies.  Books,  upon  such 
Intentions  of  Religion,  as  appeared  most  necessary  and 
seasonable  to  be  prosecuted. 


FEBRUARY,     1709-IO  27 

I  did  the  like  for  all  the  Vessels,  of  Burden,  that  sail  out 
of  these  Colonies. 

I  pubhshed,  near  as  many  Books,  as  there  have  been 
Montlis  in  the  Year. 

I  send  Numbers  of  Books,  to  serve  the  Designs  of  Relig- 
ion, in  the  other  Plantations.  Yea,  in  England,  in  Scotland, 
in  Ireland,  in  Saxony. 

And  many  Services  were  done  for  particular  Churches 
here  and  there;  for  which  there  weie  frequent  Occasions 
administred. 

V.  Every  Thursday  Morning;  what  Service  in  and  for 
the  Societies? 

Here,  many  Things  were  done,  to  stop  the  Torrent  of 
Wickedness. 

Proposals  for  general  Advantage,  were  hence  made  unto 
the  General  Assembly. 

More  Charity-Schools  were  erected;  and  the  Methods  of 
supporting  them  agreed  upon, 

A  new  Society  Jar  the  Suppression  of  Disorders,  was 
formed. 

I  proposed  a  Method,  that  every  Person  in  the  Reforming 
Societies,  might  be  obliged  in  their  Turn,  to  mention  some 
thing,  that  be  a  Proposal  of  Consequence  to  the  main  Inten- 
tion. 

I  visited  the  other  Religious  Societies;  and  where  some 
of  them  were  languishing  I  preached,  on  Eccl.  4.  9.  Two 
are  better  than  one;  the  Benefit  of  Associations  for  relig- 
ious Purposes. 

VI.  Every  Friday  Morning,  what  particular  Objects  of 
Compassion  have  I  to  do  good  unto? 

Here,  I  fiU'd  my  List,  successively,  with  afflicted  People. 
And,  I  did  what  I  could  for  them. 

Unto  the  same  List,  I  added,  particular  Persons,  who 
in  regard  of  their  Souls  ensnared  by  the  Destroyer,  called 
for  my  particular  Labours  to  address  them,  and  rescue  them. 


28  DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

VII.  My  last  Quaestion,  and  that  for  the  Satureday 
Morning,  has  been; 

What  remains  to  be  done  for  the  Kingdome  of  God  in  my 
OWN  Heart  and  Life  ?    I  thought, 

That  I  am  favoured  with  surprising  and  uncommon 
Opportunities,  to  pubhsh  many  Books  of  Piety.  There  is 
nothing  of  so  much  Concernment  for  me,  as  to  take  effectual 
Care,  that  my  own  Books,  do  not  at  last  prove  my  o\^^l  Con- 
demnation, by  my  failing  in  those  Points  of  Piety,  which  I 
commend  unto  others.  Wlierefore,  (with  Prayers  to  be 
dehvered  from  so  great  a  Confusion)  I  would,  on  the  Lord's 
Day  Evenings  read  over  my  owti  Books  of  Piety,  and  work 
them  over  again  upon  my  Heart;  that  my  Soul  may  be 
exquisitely  conformed  unto  them. 

That  whatever  bodily  Infirmities  I  labour  (or  can  call  to 
Mind,  that  I  have  laboured)  under,  I  would  make  them  the 
Occasions  and  Incentives  of  some  Dispositions  and  Puri- 
fications in  my  Soul,  which  they  may  agreeably  mind  me  of; 
and  I  would  sett  myself  to  consider  what. 

That  I  would,  at  my  Meals,  think  more  frequently  and 
thoroughly  on  the  super -essential  Bread,  the  Food  that 
endures  to  everlasting  Life. 

That  I  would  invent  agreeable  Mottoes,  and  have  every 
Room,  in  my  House  furnished  with  them;  as  Admonitions 
of  Piety  and  good  Management,  for  myself  and  others. 

That  I  would  sett  myself  more  distinctly  to  consider, 
first,  what  were  the  more  special  Sins,  and  Crimes  of  my 
Youth ;  And  thereupon,  what  more  special  Service  I  should 
now  do  for  the  Kingdome  of  God,  in  the  directest  Contrariety 
and  Contradiction  to  my  former  Sins. 

Then,  to  consider,  what  Reproaches  I  have  mett  withal; 
and  thereupon,  what  Services  1  should  be  awakened  thereby 
to  do  for  the  Kingdome  of  God. 

Yea,  that  when  I  hear  of  any  Abuse  offered  me,  I  would 
instead  of  giving  way  to  any  Passion,  presently  sett  myseK 


FEBRUARY,     1709-10  29 

to  think,  what  good  to  he  gott  by  it?  What  use  to  be  made 
of  it? 

That  I  would  sometimes  insist  on  that  Enquiry,  what  do 
I  that  no  Hypocrite  ever  did? 

And  many  more  such  things.    Sic  volvitur  Annus. 

The  Course  of  my  Public  Ministry. 

13  d.  12  m.  [February.]  1708.  I  preached,  in  the  Forenoon,  (being 
suddenly  putt  upon  it,  and  with  scarce  an  Hour's  Warning  by  my 
Father's  Illness,)  on  2.  Thess,  3.  5.  An  Heart  directed  into  the  Love 
of  God.  In  the  Afternoon  (in  my  Course  of  handling  select  Passages, 
in  the  first  Epistle  of  John:)  on  i.  Joh.  4.  8.     How  God  is  Love. 

20  d.  12  m.  I  preached,  on  Prov.  21.  25.  The  Desire  of  the 
Slothful.     (Some  having  Desired  a  sermon  on  the  Subject.) 

24  d.  12  m.  Thursday.  I  preached  the  Lecture,  on  Isa.  6.  5. 
The  Methods  of  carrying  on  a  Life  of  Repentance,  as  long  as  we  hve. 

27  J.  12  m.  I  preached  on  i.  Joh.  4.  18.  How  Love  brings  us 
into  a,  fearless  Condition. 

6  d.  I  tn.  [March.]  1709.  I  preached  on,  i.  Joh.  4.  9.  The  Love 
of  God  in  sending  His  only  Son  into  the  World  that  we  may  live. 
(And  I  administred  the  Eucharist.) 

13  d.  I  m.  I  preached,  on  i.  Joh.  5.  3.  The  Commandments  of 
God  not  grievous  to  the  Children  of  God. 

20  d.  I  m.  I  preached  on  Prov.  23.  34.  The  unregenerate  Sleep- 
ing in  a  dangerous  Condition,  and  not  sensible  of  it. 

24  d.  I  m.  Thursday.  A  General  Fast.  I  preached  on  Lam. 
3.  25.  The*  Goodness  of  God,  unto  them  that  seek  Him,  and  wait 
for  Him. 

27  d.  I  m.    I  preached  on,  i.  Joh.  5.  4.     Overcoming  the  World. 

2,d.  2  m.  [April.]  I  preached  on  2.  Cor.  13.  5.  The  Advantages 
and  Inferences  to  be  made,  from  our  knowing  ourselves. 

\0d.2m.  I  preached,  on,  i.  Joh.  5.  14.  A  Beleever  praying 
according  to  the  Will  of  God,  and  finding  the  Answer  of  his  Prayers. 
(When  my  Sermon  was  near  three  quarters  finished,  a  Fire  breaking 
forth  in  the  Town,  broke  up  the  Assembly.  When  the  Assembly 
returned,  after  the  Fire  was  conquered,  I  went  on,  and  preached 
another  Sermon,  an  extemporaneous  Essay,  from  Job.  20.  26.  on 
that  Case,  what  shall  we  do,  that  we  may  escape  the  Judgments 
of  God,  by  Fire  consuming  our  Habitations?  Much  Notice  was 
taken  of  this  latter  Sermon.) 


30  DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

17  d.  2  m.  I  preached  on  i.  Joh.  5.  14.  and  went  on,  where  I 
left  off  the  last  Lord's-day;  and  added  a  Discourse  on  five  remarkable 
Cases,  about  our  making  Prayer,  and  God's  Hearing  it. 

21  d.  2  m.  Thursday.  I  preached  the  Lecture,  on  Job.  13.  6. 
That  Men  ought  to  hearken  to  Reason.  Applying  it  unto  certain 
Maxims  of  Piety. 

I  d.  3  w.  [May.]  I  preached  on,  i.  Joh.  5.  6.  Our  Saviour 
coming  under  the  Advantages,  both  of  Water  and  of  Blood.  (And 
I  administred  the  Eucharist.) 

4  c?.  3  w.  Wednesday.  I  preached,  on  a  Day  of  Prayer  at  Maiden, 
on  I.  Joh.  5.  14.  And  assisted  the  Flock,  in  Renewing  their  Cov- 
enant. 

8  d.  3  f».  I  preached,  on  Job.  5.  24.  That  Case,  how  a  good 
Man  should  so  visit  his  Habitation,  as  not  to  Sin. 

15  d.  ;^m.  I  preached,  on,  Jer.  30.  15.  Sin,  the  Cause  of  Afflic- 
tion. (A  Time  of  much  Affliction,  especially  by  Sickness,  in  the 
Neighbourhood. ) 

18  d.  3  w.  Wednesday.  I  preached,  at  the  Ordination  of  a  Pas- 
tor, in  the  Church  at  Malde?t;  on  Psal.  147.  2.  The  Lord  Building 
up  Jerusalem. 

ig  d.  2i  m.  Thursday.  I  preached  the  Lecture,  on  Hos.  6.  i. 
The  Repentance  necessary  for  a  wounded  People.  And  applied  it  unto 
the  great  Expedition,  which  is  now  forming,  for  Canada. 

22  J.  3  w.  I  preached,  on  Ezek.  16.  21.  My  Children.  The 
Lord  owning  the  Children  of  His  People,  as  His  own  Children.  (And 
I  baptised  my  Son,  Nathanacl.) 

29  d.  T,m.  I  preached  on,  i.  Joh.  5.  19.  The  whole  World  lying 
in  Wickedness. 

$d.  4  m.  [June.]  I  preached,  on  Rev.  2.  19.  Our  Lord's  know- 
ing, who  serves  Him,  and  what  Service  they  do  for  Him.  (On  the 
Death  of  my  dear  Friend,  Mr.  Pierpont,  the  Pastor  of  Reading.) 

12  d.  4  m.  I  preached,  on  i.  Joh.  5.  21.  The  Idols  that  endanger 
us;  the  Spiritual  Idolatry,  from  which  we  are  to  keep  ourselves. 

16  d.  4  w.  Thursday.  I  preached  the  Lecture,  on,  Heb.  i.  13. 
Our  Saviour  making  His  Enemies  His  Footstool.  With  relation  to 
the  great  Expedition  against  the  Idolaters  of  Canada. 

19  d.  4  m.  I  preached  on,  Psal.  4.  4.  The  great  E.xercise  of 
Communing  with  our  own  Hearts. 

22  d.  4  m.  Wednesday.  I  preached  at  Reading,  on  Rev.  2.  19. 
where  a  Fast  was  kept,  for  the  Death  of  their  Minister  and  about 
the  Calling  of  another. 


FEBRUARY,      1709-IO  3I 

26  d.  4  m.  I  preached,  on  i.  Joli.  5.  7.  The  Testimony  given 
by  the  three  Persons  in  God,  unto  the  Character,  and  Religion  of 
our  Saviour.     (And  I  administred  the  Eucharist.) 

3  d.  5  m.  [July.]  I  preached,  A.  M.  to  the  South-Church,  on 
Job.  5.  24,  P.  M.  to  the  North  Church,  on  Prov.  23.  7,  The  Char- 
acter of  ISIen,  fetch'd  from  the  Thoughts,  which  their  Uearts  are 
fill'd  withal. 

10  d.  $  m.  I  preached  on  Prov.  i.  32.  The  Prosperity  of  un- 
godly People,  thro'  their  own  Foolishness  destructive  to  them. 

14  d.  5  m.  Thursday.  I  preached  the  Lecture  on  Jer.  4.  18.  Sin 
the  procuring  Cause  of  Affliction;  applying  it,  to  our  public  Cir- 
cumstances. 

17  (f.  S  w.  I  preached  on,  Isa.  24.  5.  Violations  of  the  ever- 
lasting Covenant.  Proposing  solemn  Admonitions,  to  the  many 
among  us,  who  with  too  much  Formality  and  Forge tfulness,  enter 
into  the  Covenant. 

24  d.  5  m.  I  preached,  on  Rev.  7.  16.  The  Time,  when  the 
People  of  God,  shall  not  complain  oi  any  distressing  Heat  upon 
them.     (It  now  being  a  very  hott,  faint,  sultry  Time.) 

31  d.  K,m.  I  preached  on,  Psal.  25.  i.  The  main  Business  of 
every  distressed  one,  with  the  Lord;  and  the  main  of  his  Business, 
to  lift  up  a  distressed  Soul  to  the  Lord.  (Intending  if  God  will,  a 
Course  of  Sermons  on  the  Psalm,  in  this  Time  of  many  Distresses.) 

T  d.  6  m.  [August.]  I  preached  on,  Jer.  13.  23.  The  Danger 
and  Mischief,  of  evil  Custotnes.  I  concluded  with  Warnings  to  our 
Ethiopians. 

IX  d.  6  m.  Thursday.  I  preached  the  Lecture  on,  i.  Sam.  i. 
15.  18.     Pouring  out  the  Soul  to  the  Lord,  the  Cure  of  Sadness. 

14  d.  6  m.  I  preached  on,  Psal.  25.  2.  Acknowledging  the  Lord 
as  our  God,  and  then  Trusting  in  Him. 

21  d.  6  w.  I  preached  on,  i.  Joh.  5.  8.  The  three  Witnesses  on 
Earth,  to  the  Truth  of  Christianity,  (And  I  administred  the  Eucha- 
rist.) 

28  d.  6  m.  I  preached  on,  Psal.  25.  2.  Our  being  ashamed  of 
Sin;  but  being  delivered  from  the  Shame  of  disappointed  Hopes. 

4  rf.  7  m.  [September.]  I  preached  on  Prov.  4.  27.  The  avoiding 
of  Extremes  and  Errors  on  both  hands. 

8  d.  y  m.  Thursday.  1  preached  the  Lecture,  on  Prov.  i.  24,  28. 
Sins  retaliated  in  their  Punishments;  and  the  Lord's  punishing  our 
Deafness  to  His  Calls,  by  His  being  as  deaf  to  our  Cries.  (Praepara- 
tory  to  a  General  Fast,  the  next  Week.) 


32  DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

lid.  y  m.  I  preached,  A.  M.  at  the  Old  Church,  on  Luk.  24.  32. 
The  warning  Efficacy,  which  the  Words  of  Christ  may  and  should 
have  on  the  Hearts  of  Men.  And  P.  M.  at  the  North  Church,  on 
Psal.  119.  176.     The  Description  of  a  returning  Sinner. 

isd.  7  m.  Thursday.  A  General  Fast.  I  preached  on,  Psal.  25.  2. 
The  Calamity  of  being  under  the  Triumphs  of  our  Enemies;  and 
the  Way  to  be  delivered  from  the  Calamity,  by  getting  into  good 
Terms  with  Heaven. 

18  d.  y  m.  I  preached  on,  Prov.  23.  17.  That  Sinners  are  to 
be  (not  envied,  but)  piiiied.  Several  objects  of  Pitty  among  them 
specified. 

25  d.  y  m.  I  preached  at  Bridgwater,  A.  M.  on  Luk.  24.  32. 
And,  P.  M.  on  Jer.  8.  6. 

2  d.  8  m.  [October.]  I  preached  on  Job.  14.  10.  The  State  of 
Man,  (where  is  he?)  after  he  has  given  up  the  Ghost.  Several  Deaths 
having  happened  the  last  Week  in  my  Neighbourhood. 

6  d.  8  m.  Thursday.  I  preached  the  Lecture,  on  Prov.  14.  14. 
Sinners  (filled  with  their  own  Wayes,)  having  in  their  very  Sins  them- 
selves, the  Punishment  of  their  Sins.  (Occasion'd  by  strange  Things 
befalling  some  Sinners  among  us.) 

gd.8  m.  I  preached,  on  Luk.  24.  32.  The  warning  Efficacy 
in  the  Words  of  our  Saviour. 

16  d.  8  m.  I  preached,  i.  Joh.  5.  10.  The  Witness  within;  the 
Testimony  to  the  Truth  of  Christianity,  which  we  have  in  a  work 
of  Grace,  within  us.     (And  I  administred  the  Eucharist.) 

23  d.  8  m.  I  preached  on,  Psal.  25.  3.  Prayer  for  others  as  well 
as  ourselves;  and  a  concern  that  others  may  not  be  discouraged  in 
Piety  by  any  thing  in  us;  and  the  Enemies  of  good  Men,  without  a 
Cause;  and  Sinners  asham'd,  because  they  are  causelessly  so.  And 
who  are  Waiters  on  God. 

30  d.  8  m.  I  preached  on  Act.  10.  44.  The  Holy  Spirit  falling 
on  the  Hearers  of  the  Word,  while  they  are  Hearing  of  it. 

3  J.  9  w.  [November.]  Thursday.  I  preached  the  Lecture,  on 
Rev.  21.  21.  The  Street  of  the  City,  pure  Gold;  against  Corruptions 
in  the  Market-Place.     (The  General  Assembly  then  sitting.) 

6d.gm.  I  preached  on  Psal.  25.  4.  The  Wayes  of  God;  the 
Wayes  that  we  shall  not  be  ashamed  of;  and  a  Desire  to  be  taught 
those  Wayes. 

13  d.gm.  I  preached  on  Gen.  20.  11.  The  Dangers  of  Places, 
in  which  there  is  not  the  Fear  of  God. 

20 d.gm.    V preached  on  Psal.  25.  5.     Reiterated  Prayers,  and 


FEBRUARY,     1709-IO  33 

Knowledge  in  order  to  Practice;  and  the  Necessity  of  being  led  by 
God;  and  the  Christian  Religion  being  the  Truth  of  God,  and  plead- 
ing in  praying;  and  Salvation  turning  on  our  keeping  the  Wayes  of 
God;  and  waiting  on  Him,  all  the  Day. 

24  d.  9  m.  Thursday.  A  public  Thanksgiving  for  the  Mercies 
of  the  Year.  I  preached  on,  i,.  Sam.  i.  7.  She  wept  and  did  not  eat. 
That  a  Sense  of  Afitiiction  is  often  an  Hindrance  to  the  Work  of 
Thanksgiving;  but  should  not  be  so.  (My  Son  Nathanael,  dying 
about  Noon,  made  the  Discourse  in  the  afternoon,  seasonable  and 
observeable.) 

27  d.  9  w.  I  preached,  on  Ps.  25.  5.  How  God  is  the  God  of 
our  'Salvation. 

I  d.  10  m.  {December.}  Thursday.  I  preached  the  Lecture,  on  Jer. 
18.  2.  The  Sovereignty  of  God;  how  tis  to  be  acknowledged;  par- 
ticularly in  the  Condition  of  our  Families. 

4  d.  10  m.  I  preached,  on  Jam.  i.  27.  The  Offices  of  good 
Neighbourhood;  labouring  to  inspire  a  Temper  of  Benignity  into  the 
Neighbourhood.  The  Time  of  the  Year  makes  it  a  special  Oppor- 
tunity. 

II  d.  10  m.  I  preached  on  Cant.  2.  16.  The  glorious  Priviledge, 
of  an  Interest  in  the  only  Saviour.  (And  I  administred  the  Eucha- 
rist.) 

18  d.  10  m.  I  preached,  on  Tit.  2,  14.  Our  Saviour's  giving 
Himself. 

25  d.  10  m.  I  preached  on  Psal.  25.  6.  The  experienced,  and 
everlasting  Mercies  and  Bounties  of  God;  how  to  be  improved  for 
our  Encouragement. 

29  d.  10  m.  Thursday.  I  preached  the  Lecture,  on  Luk.  10.  29. 
The  Duties  of  good  Neighbourhood. 

I  d.  II  m.  [January.]  I  preached,  on  Luk.  13.  8.  One  Year 
more  of  Divine  Patience,  by  Intercession  obtained  for  the  Unfruitful. 
Taking  advantage  from  the  Time,  {New-Years  Day,)  to  inculcate 
Instructions  of  Piety,  which  it  is  proper  to  begin  the  year  withal. 

8^.  II  w.  I  preached  on  Tit.  2.  14.  Our  Saviour's  Redeeming 
us  from  all  Iniquity. 

15  d.  II  m.  I  preached  on  Psal.  25.  7.  The  Sins  of  Youth,  what 
to  do,  that  they  may  be  not  remembrcd,  but  pardoned. 

22  d.  II  m.     I  preached  a  second  time,  on  Ps.  25.  7.     The  Lord 

gloriously  helped  me,  to  bear  my  Testimonies  against  the  Sins  of 

Youth,  which  threaten  the  young  People  in  my  Neighbourhood.     A 

vast  Assembly  of  yovmg  People,  from  all  Parts  of  the  Town,  came 

n-3 


34  DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

together  on  this  Occasion;  and  my  Testimonies  foimd  a  great  Accept- 
ance, and  beyond  my  Expectation. 

26  d.  XI  m.  Thursday.  I  preached  the  Lecture,  on  Gal.  2.  20. 
Living  by  the  Faith  of  the  Son  of  God;  and  the  excellent  Methods 
to  fill  a  Life  with  Acknowledgments  of  a  Glorious  CHRIST,  and 
have  Thoughts  of  Him  in  all  Manner  of  Conversation. 

2gd.  11m.  I  preached  on,  Psal.  25.  8.  The  Goodness  and  Faith- 
fulness of  God;  particularly  appearing,  in  showing  Sinners  the  Way 
to  Blessedness:   and  what  is  the  Way, 

$d.  12  m.  [February.]  I  preached  on  Tit.  2.  14.  The  redeemed, 
becoming  a  purified,  and  pectdiar  People.  And  I  administred  the 
Eucharist. 

To  Samuel  Penhallow.  m.h.s. 

Boston,  16  d.  10  m.  [December.],  1709. 

Sir,  —  You  have  alwayes  allow'd  me,  all  possible  Freedom  with 
you;  and  I  have  alwayes  practis'd  it. 

I  continue  to  do  so.  And  I  Entreat  that  by  your  obliging  Hand, 
there  may  be  convey'd  the  Little  Books,  of  the  Golden  Street,  unto 
those,  unto  whom  I  have  directed  them. 

The  Books  of  Sober  Considerations  I  Entreat  you,  to  disperse 
where  you  think,  there  may  be  most  occasion  for  them. 

The  other  paper  of  Proposals,  I  am  desired  by  a  Nameless 
Gentleman  (I  could  never  Learn,  who;  tho'  when  I  saw  the  Second 
Leaf,  I  could  Easily  call  to  Mind,  who  was  the  Author  of  what  fell 
into  the  Hands  of  the  unknown  Gentleman;)  to  scatter;  and  I 
Leave  this  Parcel  of  them,  unto  your  Discretion,  for  the  Dispersion  of 
them. 

I  pray  the  glorious  Redeemer  to  multiply  His  Blessings,  on  your 
person  and  Family.     I  am,  Syr,  Ever  and  heartily  your  Servt. 

Co.  Mather. 

To  Samuel  Penhallow.  m.h.s. 

Boston,  4d.  2  m.  [April],  lyogfio]. 

Sir,  —  If  I  prove  Troublesome,  tis  your  most  obUging  Invita- 
tion, that  has  made  me  so. 

We  suppose  the  Fleet  not  yett  sailed. 

I  humbly  entreat  you.  Sir,  to  make  this  Packet,  (unto  my  Brother,) 


MAY,     I  7  lO  35 

find  Mr  Emerson;  unto  whose  care  I  corrunitt  it,  as  being  partly 
indeed  for  his  Service ;  that  is,  to  recomend  him  unto  what  my  Brother 
may  do  for  him. 

If  you  meet  not  with  Mr  Emerson  I  pray,  lett  Mr  Stoddard  have 
it ;  who  has  already  a  Cargo  of  my  providing. 

We  have  no  manner  of  Newes ;  that  is  to  say,  public. 

Ever  now  and  then,  we  discover  New  Roxburisms  but  those 
whether  committed  here,  or  at  Piscataqua,  (when  you  take  People 
in  their  way,)  must  not  as  yett  be  talk'd  of. 

I  don't  understand,  that  the  publication  of  Mr  Stoddard's  pre- 
tended Answer  goes  forward.^ 

I  pray  your  Acceptance  of  an  Opening  Temple^  and  wish  you  a 
part  in  it.    I  am,  Syr,  Your  hearty  Servt, 

Co.  Mather.' 

To  Samuel  Penhallow.  m.h.s. 

Boston.     22  d.  3  m.  [May.],  1710. 

My  Honoured  Friend,  —  After  a  thousand  Obligations  which 
you  have  heretofore  laid  upon  me,  you  have  by  your  late  kind  Pres- 
ents, entred  pretty  far  into  another  Chiliad.  Should  I  write  you  as 
many  Letters  of  Thanks,  as  I  have  obhgations,  I  should  make  you 
but  an  ill  Requital,  and  but  oppress  and  injure  you  with  a  Load  of 
Acknowledgments.  In  one  word,  I  thank  you,  I  love  you,  I  wish  I 
could  serve  you. 

I  proceed  unto  the  next  Part  of  my  Duty;  which  is  to  inform 
you.  That  the  Arrival  of  our  Ingenuous,  Generous,  and  prosperous 
Friend,  Capt.  Wentworth,  surprizes  us  with  a  large  Cargo  of  Intelli- 
gence. I  will  offer  you  nothing,  that  you  may  expect  from  our 
public  Newes  Letter. 

But,  we  may  every  day  expect  the  Dragon,  as  a  Forerunner,  of 
Six  Men  of  War,  with  a  thousand  Marines,  of  whom  etc.  Col.  Nicolson 
is  General,  to  pursue  an  Expedition,  first  against  Port-royal}    The 

*  Solomon  Stoddard's  An  Appeal  to  the  Learned,  a  reply  to  Increase  Mather, 
and  printed  this  year. 

^  The  Temple  Opening,  printed  in  lyog. 

'  "g  d.  2  in.  [April]  1710.  This  Day  a  Confession  of  William  Perry,  express- 
ing a  Repentance  of  his  Error  and  Evil,  in  withdrawing  from  the  Communion  of 
the  Church,  was  offered  unto  the  Church,  and  accepted."  Cotton  Mather's  MS. 
Records  of  the  Second  Church,  11. 

*  Palfrey,  History  of  New  England,  iv.  277. 


36  DIARYOFCOTTONMATHER 

Arrival  of  our  Mast-fleet,  and  the  Maqua's,  may  perhaps,  a  little 
retard,  and  alter,  some  of  the  Motions  and  Measures,  but  the  thing 
will  go  on ;  and  you  will  foresee  that  it  is  like  to  be  a  Summer  of 
extreme  Distress  unto  us. 

The  Parlaiment,  were  willing  to  exert  a  Trial  of  skill,  on  the 
High-flyers  in  the  Nation ;  and  impeached  one  Sacheverel  before  the 
House  of  Lords,  for  some  fiery  Sermons,  which  he  pubUshed.  He 
had  a  long  Trial  of  ten  Dayes ;  And  the  Friends  of  his  Cause  in 
the  House  of  Lords,  were  so  many,  that  a  very  easy  Sentence  was 
passed  upon  him ;  of  three  years  suspension  from  the  preaching 
Part  of  his  priestly  Function.  Immediately  an  High-Church  Mob 
was  raised,  by  some  Incendiaries ;  who  did  horrid  Things,  and  puU'd 
down  six  Presbyterian  Meeting-houses,  {Burgesses,  Bradbiiries,  etc.) 
and  were  proceeding  to  pull  down  the  Bishop  of  Salisburies  House, 
and  endless  Outrages ;  But  the  City  Trained  Bands  suppressed 
the  formidable  Tumult.  Almost  all  Men  of  Thought,  expect  a  Civil 
War ;  at  least,  as  soon  as  Opportunity  shall  be  given  for  it,  by  a 
Peace  with  France;  which  now  is  diverted,  until  some  further  Decisive 
Action.^ 

What  remains  is,  to  comfort  you,  concerning  a  Good  Friend  of 
ours,  in  whose  Welfare  we  have  both  reckoned  our  selves  Concerned. 
Mr  Emerson  is  returned.  And  I  cannot  learn  any  other,  but  that  he 
has  behaved  himself  honourably,  and  come  off  with  a  very  good 
Reputation.  Several  eminent  Persons  write  unto  me  concerning 
him ;  and  all  of  them,  very  respectfully.  He  is,  you  know,  of  a  vivid, 
and  active  Genius ;  and  of  an  hearty  Inclination  to  Do  Good.  So 
far  as  I  can  understand,  he  has  done  it ;  and  has  endeavoured  all 
good  Offices  to  the  Publick  as  he  has  had  opportunity.  I  beleeve, 
his  Friends,  (as  well  as  his  Talents,)  to  be  such,  that,  if  his  own  Flock 
do  not  give  him  a  very  agreeable  Reception,  he  may  soon,  much 
mend  his  Condition  and  Serviceableness,  on  the  other  side  of  the 
Atlantic.  It  will  be  some  Difficulty  for  him,  to  reach  Piscataqua, 
till  he  hath  spent  a  little  Time  here,  in  doing  and  settling  some  Affairs, 
of  Consequence  to  others  as  well  as  himself,  here ;  for  there  are  many 
who  rely  upon  him,  for  his  Guidance,  and  Advice,  and  Management 
in  their  Affairs.  If  he  don't  hurry  home,  his  Conduct  must  not  be 
censured. 

I  will  add  no  more  at  this  Time.    I  commend  you  to  the  Pro- 

•  The  story  is  briefly  told  in  the  Dictionary  of  National  Biography,  l.  81. 


JANUARY,    lyio-ii  37 

tection  and  Comunion  of  our  only  Saviour.    And  I  am,  Syr,  Your 
very  obliged  Servt. 

Co.  Mather.^ 

To  Samuel  Penhallow.  m.h.s. 

Boston  i  d.  ii  m.  [January.],  1710-11. 

My  honoured  Friend,  —  It  is  not  in  flourishing  and  flatter- 
ing Words,  but  in  very  speaking  Matter  of  Fact,  that  I  continually 
declare,  my  Esteem  for  your  Person  and  Conduct,  and  my  entire 
Satisfaction  in  your  good  Affection  to  me. 

Tis  from  hence,  that  I  ever  presume  upon  such  Points  of  a  Friend- 
ship and  Freedom  with  you,  as  I  do  not  with  any  Person  in  your 
Province,  nor  with  many  in  the  whole  world. 

I  readily  subscribe  this  Testimony,  that  I  find  you  a  Constant, 
Faithful,  and  useful  Friend. 

And  I  now  address  you  with  a  Request  which  I  would  make  to 
none  but  such  a  Friend. 

On  the  astonishing  Exemple  of  outrageous  wickedness  among  the 
Sailors  and  Strangers  lately  broke  into  your  Neighbourhood,  and  the 
Quick  and  Strange  Destruction  brought  by  the  Judgments  of  God 
upon  some  of  them,  I  Entertained  a  great  Auditory,  with  a  Lecture 
on  the  Last  Thursday. 

The  publication  of  the  Sermon  is  desired;  and  I  am  willing  to 
grant  the  Desire. 

But  it  ought  to  be  accompanied  with  an  Expressive  and  Punctual 
Relation  of  the  horrid  Matter,  and  such  an  one,  as  being  well  attested, 
may  be  Relied  upon.  The  Least  material  Mistake,  may  be  a  great 
Inconvenience. 

Now,  no  Man  more  able  than  you,  to  furnish  me.  Write  me 
then,  this  week,  a  Letter  that  shall  give  me  the  Story  with  all  the 
Circumstances,  which  you  think  proper  to  have  Exposed  unto  the 
world.  Yea,  and  such  a  Letter,  as  may  (except  you  forbid  me,)  be 
joined  with  my  Sermon.  For  truly,  Syr,  I  am  not  ashamed  of  appear- 
ing very  publickly  in  your  Company,  if  you  are  not  afraid  of  appear- 
ing in  mine.     And  thus  much  for  that  Affayr.^ 

^  "4d.  4m.  [Jutie.],  1710.  David  Norton,  having  been  overtaken  with  a 
scandalous  Degree  of  Drunkenness,  the  Church  this  day  accepted  his  poenitent 
and  ingenuous  Confession."    Cotton  Mather's  MS.  Records  of  the  Second  Church,  n. 

'  This  must  refer  to  Compassions  called  for,  but  there  is  no  letter  from  Pen- 
hallow  in  it. 


38  DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

My  dear,  and  youngest  Sister,  Jerusha  Oliver,  is  now  lying  dead 
(in  Childbed  of  her  first  Child,)  and  to-morrow  to  be  interr'd.  She 
was  an  Exemple  of  shining  Piety  from  her  Infancy  and  has  left  admi- 
rable Memorials  of  it,  with  her  Pen,  whereof  she  was  a  considerable 
Mistress.  I  mention  this ;  because  your  Good  Affection,  makes  the 
Concerns  of  our  Family  your  own.* 

God  continue  to  you,  your  excellent  and  amiable  Consort ;  and 
give  you  much  Comfort  in  all  your  Children.  May  the  Knowledge 
and  Image  and  Service  of  a  glorious  Christ,  exceedingly  Beautify 
them  all.    I  am,  Syr,  Your  very  obliged  Servt, 

Co.  Mather. 

Tis  to  be  feared,  Capt  Hobby  can  continue  but  a  little  while. 

*  Mather  printed  a  tract  about  the  Christian  experiences  of  Mrs.  Oliver, 
entitled  Memorials  of  Early  Piety,  171 1. 


171 1 

THE  XLIXth  year  OF  MY  LIFE 

12  d.  12  m.  [February.]  17 10.  Munday.  Should  the  Chief 
of  Sinners  live  to  the  End  of  this  Year,  I  shall  have  seen  a 
Jubilee  of  Years.  It  becomes  me  to  begin  the  Year,  with 
a  Sort  of  Jubilation;  and  to  spend  this  Day  in  Songs  of 
Praise  unto  the  God  of  my  Life. 

I  began  the  Day,  with  Cries  to  Heaven,  for  Help  to  go  thro'  the 
heavenly  Work  of  praising  the  glorious  One. 

I  laboured  all  the  Day  long  to  multiply  on  all  Occurrences  and 
Occasions,  the  heavenward  Ejaculations  of  a  praising  Soul. 

I  attended  my  usual  Exercises  in  the  Religion  of  the  Morning. 

I  then  deeply  humbled  myself  before  the  Lord,  for  the  Sins  of 
my  past  Life ;  and  particularly,  the  more  notable  Sins  of  the  last 
Year ;  most  of  all,  my  criminal  Idleness  and  Barrenness ;  that  I  have 
done  so  little  Good,  in  Comparison  of  what  I  might  have  done.  I 
confessed  myself  worthy  of  all  the  Afflictions  which  I  have  suffered 
all  this  while ;  yea,  of  all  the  Affictions,  Distresses  and  punishments, 
which  I  can  see  any  Sinners  any  where  languishing  under.  I  own'd 
the  shining  Displayes  of  sovereign  and  marvellous  Grace  in  all  the 
Favours  that  Heaven  bestowes  upon  me. 

I  sang  agreeable  Psalms  now  and  then  in  the  Day. 

I  proceeded  unto  Meditations  and  Acknowledgments  of  the 
Mercies  which  my  past  Life  has  been  brightened  withal.  Especially, 
in  that  having  obtained  Help  from  God  I  continue  to  this  Day.  And 
I  am  free  from  grievous  and  painful  and  horrible  Diseases.  And  my 
Family  is  in  comfortable  Circumstances.  And  I  have  been  fetch'd 
a  foolish  and  filthy  Creature  from  forlorn  Wretchedness,  and  made 
a  Preacher  of  the  everlasting  Gospel,  and  accommodated  with  an 
Utterance  and  a  Library  beyond  most  in  the  World.  I  have  had 
precious  Opportunities  to  preach  the  glorious  Gospel ;  in  very  great 
Assemblies ;  my  Auditory  is  alwayes  one  of  the  greatest  that  is 
ordinarily  seen  among  the  People  of  God.    My  Writings  also,  have 

[39] 


40  DIARYOFCOTTONMATHER 

been  published,  and  accepted,  (near  two  hundred  several  Times,) 
and  serviceable  to  the  best  Interests.  And  tho'  I  have  had  cruel 
Enemies  I  have  been  strangely  preserved  from  their  Power  and 
Malice ;  and  victorious  over  it. 

I  then  considered  the  more  particular  Blessings  which  crowned 
the  last  Year  unto  me.  The  Smiles  I  have  had  on  my  Family ;  and 
the  Helps  in  my  Ministry;  the  Triumphs  of  my  continued  Service- 
ableness  over  the  Attempts  of  my  Adversaries  to  hurt  it.  And  the 
Strength  added  unto  my  Serviceableness,  by  the  CiviUty  I  received 
from  the  University  of  Glasgow.^ 

I  adored  the  Grace  of  God  in  these  Things ;  and  considered  the 
Intercession  of  my  Saviour  as  procuring  of  them  for  a  Sinner,  who  is 
worthy  of  nothing  but  sore  Plagues  and  of  long  Continuance. 

Afterwards,  considering  how  I  am  endebted  unto  my  admirable 
Jesus,  for  all  the  Favours  of  Heaven,  I  perused  with  Dehberation, 
and  suitable  Meditations  and  Resolutions,  my  Proposals  for  living 
by  the  Faith  of  the  Son  of  God.  And  then  I  did  on  my  Knees  before 
the  Lord,  express  my  Dispositions,  to  make  my  daily  Flights  unto 
my  Jesus,  as  my  Sacrifice  and  my  Advocate ;  and  rely  upon  His 
Providence  to  supply  me,  and  protect  me  and  comfort  me ;  and  sett 
His  Exemple  alwayes  before  me,  and  make  my  Conformity  to  Him, 
even  in  Sufferings  and  Abasements,  my  sweet  Satisfaction ;  and  be 
acted  from  a  Principle  of  Obedience  to  Him  in  all  Things;  and  be 
filled  with  continual  Thoughts  of  Him.  That  I  might  arrive  yett 
more  perfectly  to  these  Things,  I  resigned  myself  up  to  His  holy 
Spirit,  and  requested  Him  to  take  Possession  of  me. 

Anon,  that  I  might  glorify  the  great  God,  in  each  of  His  three 
Persons,  I  pondered  the  distinct  Acknowledgments  thereof,  in  my 
Treatise  of,  A  Christian  Conversing  with  the  Greatest  of  Mysteries. 
And  then  I  did  in  my  Prayers  distinctly  make  those  Acknowl- 
edgments. 

Besides  these  Things,  I  call'd  to  Mind,  who  had  been  special 
Instruments  used  by  God,  in  doing  of  me  Kindnesses,  in  the  year 
now  expired.  I  blessed  God  for  them,  and  pray'd  for  a  Blessing  of 
God  upon  them.  And  then  I  gave  Thanks  for  the  Ministry  of  the 
holy  Angels,  and  the  good  Offices  which  had  been  done  for  me,  by 
those  Ministers  doing  the  Pleasure  of  the  Lord. 

Finally.  I  made  this  an  Opportunity  to  bring  my  Petitions  unto 
the  God  of  my  Praise  :  in  some  special  and  important  Articles.  More 
especially,  that  some,  eminent  and  opulent  Persons  may  be  raised 
•  The  degree  of  Doctor  of  Divinity,  conferred  in  1710. 


FEBRUARY,     I7IO-II  4I 

up ;  to  forward  the  Publication  of  my  Biblia  Americana.  And,  that 
my  Serviceableness  may  not  be  overwhelmed  by  the  Floods  of  the 
ungodly  whereof  I  am  afraid;  but  some  Token  for  Good  be  shown 
unto  me,  which  may  cause  them  that  hate  me  to  be  ashamed. 

And,  that  the  Lord  may  be  glorified  in  the  Conversion  of  that 
poor  Jew,  for  whom  I  was  concerned  now  sixteen  or  seventeen  Years 
ago ;  and  towards  whom  the  Dispensations  of  Heaven  have  been 
singular  and  wonderful. 

I  concluded  with  Prayers,  that  the  Year  upon  which  I  am  now 
entring  may  be  filled  with  the  Blessings  of  Goodness ;  that  I  may  be 
comfortably  carried  along  to  the  End  of  the  Year.  But,  that  if  my 
Death  come  upon  me  this  Year,  it  may  prove  happy,  and  easy,  and 
joyful. 

Arriving  to  the  Question,  What  shall  I  render  to  the  Lord?  I 
considered,  that  I  should  be  answering  this  Question,  every  Day  of 
my  life;  the  Morning  of  every  Day  would  bring  an  expUcit  Answer 
to  it.  And  whereas  I  have  heretofore  noted  every  Day  my  Con- 
trivances to  do  good,  in  other  papers,  and  then  transferred  the  Prin- 
cipal of  them  unto  the  End  of  these  Memorials  at  the  End  of  the 
Year,  I  would  for  the  future,  save  that  Labour,  and  note  them,  in 
the  Midst  of  these  Papers,  and  in  the  Order  that  I  think  upon  them. 
There  is  no  need  of  my  repeting  here,  the  Questions  assigned  for 
each  Day  of  the  Week.  My  Answer  to  each  of  them,  will  be  a 
Good  Devised,  for  which  a  G.  D.  will  be  the  Distinction  in  these 
Memorials. 

2.1  G.  D.  Unto  the  Sacrifices  of  the  Lord's-Day 
Evening  in  my  Family,  I  would  often  add  this;  take  a 
Book  of  Piety,  and  make  each  of  the  capable  Children 
read  some  short  pungent  Passage  in  the  hearing  of  all 
that  are  present,  and  then  apply  it,  firstly  to  the  Readers, 
and  also  to  all  the  Hearers;  that  they  may  be  taught  the 
way  of  Life,  with  a  most  awakened  Attention  unto  it. 

3.  G.  D.  I  have  a  little  Nephew,  for  whom  I  have 
not  hitherto  done  all  that  I  have  to  do,  towards  his  Con- 
version  and   Salvation.     His   Name   is   J.    C.^  my   wife's 

'  In  carrying  this  plan  of  a  daily  entry  into  effect,  Mather  uses  the  day  of 
the  week,  and  thus  begins  to  number  again  with  every  seven.  To  assist  the  reader 
in  fixing  the  exact  day,  the  Sunday's  entries  are  fully  dated  by  month  and  day  of 
the  month.  2  Clark. 


42  DIARYOFCOTTONMATHER 

Brother's  Son.  I  will  send  for  him;  and  bestow  on  him 
the  little  Book  of  the  Religion  of  the  Morning;  with  the 
Life  of  little  Von  Extor,^  and  suitable  Admonitions  and 
Encouragements. 

4.  G.  D.  By  a  Vessel  now  going  for  Carolina,  and 
thence  for  Scotland,  I  would  send  some  Instruments  of 
Piety,  especially  my  Bonifacius  and  my  Religion  of  the 
Morning,  and  my  Sister's  Memorials  of  Early  Piety,  unto 
those  Hands  thro'  whom  they  may,  if  God  please,  do  good 
unto  many  others. 

5.  G.  D.  One  of  our  Societies  for  the  Suppression  of 
Disorders,  have  thro'  I  know  not  what  Feebleness,  dis- 
banded. I  would,  by  the  means  of  an  active  Person  or 
two,  try  to  revive  it. 

G.  D.  When  any  good  Thing  is  agreed  and  resolved 
in  a  Society,  where  I  happen  to  be  present,  I  would  alwayes 
take  special  Care  that  there  be  some  or  other  alwayes 
appointed  for  to  execute  the  Resolutions.  Many  good 
Things  miscarry,  because  there  are  not  particular  Hands, 
to  whom  there  is  assign'd  the  Execution  of  them. 

6.  G.  D.  An  aged  and  pious  Man,  fallen  into  great 
Penury,  (Koi'ai^).^  I  will  procure  needful  Garments  for 
him. 

A  Godly  young  Man,  a  Ship-carpenter,  having  been 
long  languishing  in  a  Consumption,  (lyyep^oXX)^  I  -will 
stir  up  some  good  Men  of  his  profession ;  to  releeve  his 
Necessities.  There  is  a  poor  Woman,  (TaXjccp)  *  to  be 
taken  care  of. 

7.  G.  D.  When  I  visit  a  sick  Person,  I  would  use  to 
fetch  an  Admonition,  relating  to  the  moral  Distempers  in 
my  own  Heart  and  Life,  analogous  to  something  that  I 
may  see  in  the  Circumstances  of  the  Sickness,  upon  the 
Person,  whom  I  go  unto.     I  would  think ;    What   Thing 

•  Christlieb  Leberecht  von  Extor,  son  of  the  physician  to  the  King  oi 
Prussia.      See  Mather,  Man  eating  the  Food  of  Angels,  17 10. 

'  Conant.  •  IngersoU.  *  Walker. 


FEBRUARY,     171O-II  43 

amiss  in  my  own  Soul  and  Walk,  should  I  he  led  now  to  depre- 
cate? I  would  make  this  Deprecation,  an  Article  of  my 
Prayers  to  God.  And  why  not  an  Article  of  my  Prayers 
with  the  visited  Person ;  and  of  my  Discourses  also,  my 
Addresses  to  the  Person?  The  Diseases  that  Sin  has  brought 
on  our  Spirits,  worse  than  any  on  our  Bodies;  and  the  Releef 
we  may  find  in  our  admirable  Saviour. 

17-18  c?.  12  m.  I  kept  something  of  a  Vigil,  to  obtain 
with  Prayers  and  Psalms,  in,  and  after  the  middle  of  the 
Night,  certain  special  Favours  of  the  Lord.  Most  espe- 
cially, that  my  Serviceableness  may  be  rescued  from  the 
Mischiefs  my  Adversaries  intend  unto  it,  and  that  my 
glorious  Lord  would  appear  with  some  comfortable  Testi- 
monies for  me.  I  pleaded,  that  I  durst  not  make  any 
Essayes  for  my  own  Defence,  much  less  for  my  own  Revenge, 
lest  I  should  in  any  measure  take  my  Cause  out  of  His 
Hands,  where  I  desired  entirely  to  leave  it. 

1.  [Febniary  i8.]  G.  D.  I  would  renew  my  ancient 
Care  of  the  Flock  in  this  one  Point.  I  will  have  the  Cata- 
logue of  the  Communicants  in  our  Church,  Yea,  and  of 
all  that  have  entred  into  the  Covenant ;  lying  before  me. 
And  I  will  take  my  proper  Times,  to  spread  the  Names  of 
them  all  successively  before  the  Lord ;  and  ask  for  them 
the  Blessings  of  Goodness,  and  such  Blessings  as  may 
appear  to  me  most  suitable  for  them.  This  will  give  me 
an  Opportunity  for  much  Exercise  of  Goodness ;  and  lead 
me  also  to  find  out  the  Condition  of  the  Flock. 

G.  D.  Being  to  baptize  two  Negro's ;'  I  would  make 
it  an  occasion  to  glorify  the  great  Saviour  of  all  men,  in 
several  Instances;  especially  in  such  Admonitions  to  that 
black  Part  of  the  Flock,  as  may  be  needful  for  them. 

2.  G.  D.  It  will  be  a  great  Service  and  Honour  unto 
my  little  Daughters  to  have  them  very  good  Mistresses  of 

'James  and  Ruth  are  the  names  given  in  the  MS.  Records  oj  the  Second  Church, 

but  no  further  information  is  given. 


44  DIARYOFCOTTON    MATHER 

their  Pens.     I  will  prosecute  and  cultivate  this  Point  of 
their  Education,  with  all  possible  Encouragement. 

3.  G.  D.  There  is  a  Merchant  in  this  Town,  who  has 
been  wickedly,  absurdly,  sordidly  abusive  to  me.  It  lies 
in  my  Power  many  Wayes  to  hurt  him.  I  will  totally  ab- 
stain from  doing  the  least  Hurt  unto  him.  I  will  earnestly 
pray  unto  God,  for  all  Sorts  of  Blessings  upon  him ;  and 
particularly,  that  the  Danger  of  his  Breaking,  and  coming 
to  nothing,  may  be  prevented.  And  I  will  sett  myself  to 
invent  wayes  to  do  him  good  Offices. 

No  sooner  had  I  written  these  Words,  but  there  was  a 
pretty  Occurence  in  the  Family,  which  carried  with  it  a 
fine  Picture  and  Emblem  and  Incentive  of  the  Disposition, 
which  I  am  endeavouring.  My  little  Son  Sammy,  did  not 
carry  it  so  kindly  to  his  little  Sister  Lizzy,  as  I  would  have 
had  him.  I  chid  him  for  his  Crossness,  and  gave  her  a  Peece 
of  Pomecilron,  but  would  give  none  to  him,  to  punish  him 
for  his  being  so  cross  to  her.  I  had  no  sooner  turn'd  my 
back,  but  the  good-condition'd  Creature  fell  into  Tears, 
at  this  Punishment  of  her  little  Brother,  and  gave  to  him 
a  Part  of  what  I  had  bestowed  upon  her. 

4.  G.  D.  It  would  be  a  great  Service  to  the  Kingdome 
of  God,  if  the  Funerals,  that  are  so  frequent  among  us, 
were  made  greater  Instances  and  Incentives  of  Religion. 
A  Discourse  on  that  CASE,  What  should  be  the  Behaviour 
of  a  Christian  at  a  Funeral?  may  be  of  good  Use  among 
us.    At  the  Lecture,  I  may,  if  God  please  endeavour  it.^ 

5.  G.  D.  I  propose  to  send  for  a  principal  Person  or 
two,  belonging  to  each  of  the  religious  Societies  of  young 
Men,  and  consult  with  them  together,  about  the  State 
of  the  Societies,  and  what  may  be  done  for  the  Growth  of 
them,  and  for  the  best  carrying  on  their  Exercises. 

6.  G.  D.    There  is  an  aged  Gentleman,  who  has  very 

*  Two  years  later  he  printed  an  essay  upon  A  Christian  Funeral,  and  the 
conduct  of  a  Christian  at  a  funeral. 


FEBRUARY,     lyiO-II  45 

little  to  subsist  him,  (PauXti's).'  I  will  study  [to]  make 
his  Life  comfortable  to  him,  and  have  him  at  my  Table 
every  Week,  and  as  often  as  he  pleases. 

7.  G,  D.  The  mysterious  Nature  and  Working  of  Prj^e, 
and  Self,  in  my  depraved  Soul,  must  be  my  most  ex- 
quisite Study;  and  I  must  be  restless  until  I  find  the 
Dispositions  thereof  mortified  in  me  by  a  superiour  and 
Coelestial  Principle;  and  I  must  proceed,  not  only  to  a 
constant  Rebuke  of  my  Sin  in  all  the  Motions  of  it,  but 
also  to  do  those  Actions  wherein  it  shall  be  evident  unto 
me,  that  Grace  has  had  the  Upperhand  of  Sin.  How  else 
can  I  be  meet  for  the  Inheritence  of  the  Saints  in  Light? 

1.  [February  25.]  G.  D.  What  if  I  should  preach  a 
Sermon,  about  the  Errands  upon  which  the  Faithful  should 
come  unto  the  Table  of  the  Lord,  and  Methods  of  bringing 
them?  Our  People  need  greatly  to  be  instructed  and 
quickened  in  this  matter;  and  if  they  wisely  did  their 
Duty  herein,  it  would  greatly  promote  Piety  among  us! 
What  if  I  should  afterwards  publish  the  Sermon,  and 
scatter  it  into  the  Families  of  the  Neighbourhood,  and 
throughout  the  Countrey? 

2.  G.  D.  My  Consort  is  now  near  her  Time,  I  will 
order  my  Prayers  for  her  and  with  her,  and  my  Discourse 
and  Carriage  to  her,  after  such  a  Manner,  as  may  best 
suit  her  present  Circumstances. 

3.  G.  D.  To  an  aged  Gentlewoman,  related  unto  my 
Wife,  (Mrs.  TapS)  2  I  will  immediately  write  a  Letter,  that 
may  assist  her  Preparation  for  the  heavenly  World;  and 
send  some  agreeable  Books  unto  her. 

4.  G.  D.  There  are  some  Gentlemen,  who  are  willing 
upon  Funerals  in  their  Families,  to  devote  some  of  the 
Money,  they  save  out  of  the  needless  Expences  on  such 
Occasions,  imto  the  Service  of  our  three  Charity-Scholes, 
and  the  Education  of  poor  Children.    I  would  move,  that 

» Rawlins.  « Ward. 


46  DIARYOFCOTTONMATHER 

the  three  Gentlemen  who  are  the  Stewards  for  the  Sup- 
porters of  the  said  Scholes,  may  miite  m  calhng  on  the 
Gentlemen  proper  to  be  address'd  for  their  Bounty  on  such 
Occasions ;  and  receive  then  the  Direction  of  the  several 
associated  Supporters,  concerning  the  Disposal  thereof. 

5.  G.  D.  There  is  a  bereaved  Church  in  our  Neigh- 
bourhood, running  into  Divisions  and  Confusions,  by  delay- 
ing to  invite  a  worthy  Minister  among  them.  What  if  I 
should  prevail  with  the  neighbouring  ISIinisters,  to  join 
with  me,  in  writing  a  monitory  Letter  unto  them,  to  prevent 
the  Devices  of  Satan,  which  are  operating  on  them? 

6.  G.  D.  A  poor  young  Woman,  the  vdie  of  a  sober 
young  Man,  gone  to  sea  for  the  Releef  of  his  Poverty, 
(Mo/acre) '  is  in  the  Straw,  very  Indigent.  I  will  send  in 
Releefs  unto  her. 

2d.  im.  [March.]  171 1.  Friday.  This  Day  I  sett  apart, 
for  Prayers  with  Alms,  and  Fasting  before  the  Lord ;  that 
I  might  obtain  His  Favours  on  my  Family  and  my  Min- 
istry ;  and  Abundance  of  Grace ;  with  the  Pardon  of  all 
my  Miscarriages. 

I  mett  with  many  Hindrances  (by  Company  coming 
in  upon  me)  in  the  Duties  of  the  Day ;  which  made 
me  fear  that  I  had  not  sett  about  the  Duties  with  a 
due  Preparation  and  Application ;  for  which  this  may 
be  a  Chastisement  upon  me;  and  I  humbled  myself 
accordingly. 

7.  G.  D.  When  any  Thing  begins  to  raise  any  Ebulli- 
tion of  Anger  in  me,  I  would  endeavour  to  allay  it,  by  one 
or  both  of  these  Considerations.  First,  What  provocations 
have  I  given  to  the  Great  God,  like  those,  but  infinitely 
greater  than  those,  which  I  receive  of  them  that  are  about 
me?  And,  What  was  the  Meekness  and  Wisdome  of  my 
blessed  Jesus,  when  He  was  provoked  by  the  Contradiction 
of  Sinners  ? 

'  Morse. 


MARCH,    lyio-ii  47 

1.  [March  4.]  G.  D.  Should  not  I  do  well,  to  take  the 
Number  of  those  who  have  died  in  our  church ;  and  make 
ifa  Hvely  Argument  and  Incentive  to  quicken  Piety  in  the 
Survive  rs? 

4d.  I  m.  Lords-day.  My  great  Errand  unto  the  Lord 
at  His  Table,  was,  to  renew  my  Hold  of  the  everlasting 
Covenant.  Methoughts,  I  now  saw  more  clearly  than  ever, 
that  the  Covenant  of  Grace,  is  but  the  Covenant  of  Redemp- 
tion between  God  the  Father  and  our  Saviour  applied  unto 
Us.  And  that  my  Saviour  is  He,  who  has  engaged  for  me 
unto  His  eternal  Father,  that  I  shall  'beleeve  and  repent, 
and  be  holy  in  all  Manner  of  Conversation,  and  be  found 
in  the  sincere  Discharge  of  the  Duty  which  the  Covenant 
has  prescribed  as  the  Way  unto  Salvation :  and  that  what 
I  have  to  do,  is  by  His  Assistence  to  consent,  that  the  blessed 
Jesus  be  my  Saviour,  and  that  I  be  united  unto  Him  as 
unto  the  Head  of  all  His  People,  and  that  He  shall  by  the 
efficacious  Grace  of  His  holy  Spirit,  bring  me  to  my  Duty, 
and  help  me  in  it,  and  make  me  prayerful,  and  watchful, 
and  fruitful,  and  zealous  of  good  Works ;  and  anon  raise 
me  from  the  Dead.  And  I  consented  accordingly.  And 
then  sealed  it. 

2.  G.  D.  It  is  high  Time  for  me,  to  draw  up  for  my 
Daughter  Katharin,  the  main  Questions  relating  to  the 
Experiences  of  Conversion  and  of  Piety,  and  oblige  her 
with  her  Pen  to  answer  them :  and  so  bring  her  forward 
unto  the  Covenant  of  God,  and  the  Communion  of  His 
holy  Table. 

3.  G.  D.  I  can't  call  to  mind  any  one  Person  in  the 
World,  who  has  injured  me,  and  Abused  me,  but  I  have 
requited  them  Good.  AU  I  can  think  of  this  Morning  is, 
to  continue  in  this  Disposition,  with  the  Help  of  the  divine 
Grace,  and  continually  lay  hold  on  all  Occasions,  as  they 
may  occur,  to  overcome  Evil  with  Good. 

4.  G.  D.     A  remarkable  Relation  of  a  Distress  under- 


48  DIARYOFCOTTONMATHER 

gone  and  a  Deliverance  received  by  some  sea-faring  People, 
is  putt  into  my  Hands.  I  will  endeavour  the  Publication 
of  it  in  such  a  Manner,  as  may  not  only  glorify  the  Powet, 
and  Wisdome,  and  Goodness  of  God ;  but  also  do  good, 
especially  among  that  sort  of  People.^ 

5.  G.  D.  I  would  procure  a  strict  Enquiry,  about  the 
late  way  of  Admission  into  the  particular  Church-State, 
practised  among  our  Christian  Indians ;  lest  it  should 
(which  I  hear)  degenerate  into  a  very  lax  Proceedure. 

I  would  also  obtain  it,  that  the  Oppressions  of  some 
English  upon  those  Indians,  (which  I  hear  a  fresh  com- 
plained of)  may  be  exactly  enquired  into. 

6.  G.  D.  There  is  a  poor  Scotch  young  Woman,  who 
is  near  her  lying  in,  and  is  destitute  of  all  Necessaries  and 
Conveniencies.  I  will  send  her  some  Releef,  and  move  my 
Wife  (who  is  near  her  own  lying  in)  to  do  so  too ;  and  stir 
up  the  Neighbours  to  join  in  releeving  of  her.  There  are 
some  others  in  the  like  Circumstances,  for  whom  I  would 
be  in  the  like  Manner  concerned. 

7.  G.  D.  I  am  afraid,  lest  while  I  am  conversing  with 
my  Neighbours,  (tho'  it  be  alwayes  with  the  Intentions  of 
doing  some  Good  unto  them)  I  may,  ere  I  am  aware,  be 
betray'd  into  some  Degree  of  Slothfulness,  which  may  be 
a  Prejudice  unto  my  greater  Usefulness.  Wherefore,  when 
I  am  abroad  among  my  Neighbours,  I  would  often  putt 
that  Question  to  myself,  Would  it  not  be  more  pleasing  unto 
my  glorious  Lord,  that  I  should  he  in  my  Study  at  this  Time? 
If  I  find  myself  in  a  Temper  and  Vigour  to  be  carrying  on 
greater  Services  in  my  Study,  I  would  break  off  the  most 
agreeable  Conversation,  and  fly  thither,  with  a  Zeal  of 
redeeming  the  Time,  upon  me. 

I.  [March  11.]  G.  D.  Tho'  I  often  encourage  Liber- 
ality in  Almsgiving,  yett  upon  further  Consideration  I  find, 
that  I  have  not  spoken  enough.    I  propose  therefore  to 

*  See  p.  71,  infra. 


MARCH,     lyio-ii  49 

Discourse  yett  more  distinctly  and  more  cogently  upon  it ; 
and  press  my  Flock  with  a  new  Vigour,  to  be  liberal  in 
their  Expences  upon  pious  Uses. 

2.  G.  D.  My  Son  Increase  is  now  of  Age  enough,  to 
know  the  Meaning  of  Consideration.  I  would  now  more 
than  ever,  oblige  him  to  attend  upon  me,  at  such  Times 
of  the  Day,  as  can  be  best  spared  for  it.  And  I  would  never 
lett  him  spend  many  Minutes  with  me,  without  entring 
upon  a  Point  of  Conversation,  that  may  instruct  him, 
and  enrich  him,  so  that  he  may  be  the  wiser  and  the 
better  for  it. 

3.  G.  D.  Think,  what  Subjects,  my  aged  Father  may 
do  most  good  by  studying  and  insisting  on :  and  whatever 
Subjects  I  find  him  at  work  upon,  look  out  for  him,  as 
many  good  Writers  thereon,  as  I  can,  to  entertain  him 
with  a  grateful  Variety  in  his  Meditations. 

4.  G.  D.  The  People  of  the  Scotch  Nation  in  this  Town, 
form  a  Society,  which  have  a  Quarterly  Meeting.  That 
Society  have  a  Bank,  for  the  Releef  of  their  Poor.  Since 
the  University  of  Glasgow,  have  taken  such  Notice  of  me, 
as  they  have  lately  done,  I  have  some  Claim  to  an  Admis- 
sion into  their  Society.  This  Admission  may  give  me  a 
precious  Opportunity  to  do  good  unto  them,  and  by  them 
unto  many  others.  I  will  take  the  matter  into  considera- 
tion, and  proceed  and  project  (if  Heaven  allow  of  it,)  what 
Good  may  be  done  by  this  new  Opportunity. 

5.  G.  D.  I  am  concerned  for  the  Welfare  of  the  great 
Grammar  School  of  the  Town.  I  would  unite  Counsils  with 
a  learned,  pious,  honourable  Visitor  of  the  School,  to  intro- 
duce diverse  good  Intentions  into  it.  This  among  the  rest ; 
that  Castalio,  and  Posselius,  be  brought  into  the  School ;  ^ 

'  Sebastian  Castalio  [Chateillon]  (i5i5?-i563),  writer  of  Sacred  Dialogues  for 
the  Instruction  of  Youth,  and  Johann  Posselius  (1528-1591).  No  work  of  cither 
writer  had  been  republished  in  America  at  this  time ;  and  this  may  have  been  one 
of  the  reasons  for  Mather's  preference.  A  school  book  would  have  a  certain 
market,  and,  of  course,  a  preface  would  be  required,  recommending  the  work  to 
II -4 


50  DIARYOFCOTTONMATHER 

and  that  the  Lads  for  their  Latin  Exercises,  turn  into  Latin 
such  Things  as  may  befriend  the  Literests  of  Christianity, 
in  their  Hearts  and  Lives ;  —  particularly,  the  Quaestions 
and  Answers,  in  our  Supplies  from  the  Tower  of  David. 

6.  G.  D,  A  Man  who  has  been  commander  of  a  Vessel, 
(KoXXap)i  is  fallen  into  a  distracting  Trouble  of  Mind; 
another  Neighbour,  who  is  altogether  distracted  (Kt(T€)2 
has  a  Family  thereby  in  great  Affliction.  I  will  consider 
these  Objects  of  Compassion,  and  I  will  study  and  con- 
trive as  well  as  I  can,  to  make  their  Condition  comfortable. 

7.  G.  D.  I  am  now  so  sick,  that  I  have  not  Presence 
of  Mind  and  Vigor  of  Thought,  enough  to  project  a  good 
Answer,  unto  the  Question,  which  I  would  this  iMorning 
think  upon.  My  Sickness  will  help  to  make  me  yett  more 
sick  of  this  World.  It  must  also  quicken  my  Dispatch  of 
what  must  be  done  before  I  go  out  of  the  world. 

17  J.  im.  Prostrate  in  the  Dust  before  the  Lord,  I 
declared  with  Tears,  (among  other  Things,)  my  sweet  Satis- 
faction, with  all  those  afflicting  and  abasing  Circumstances, 
which  might  produce  in  my  Condition  at  any  time,  a  Con- 
formity to  what  was  in  the  Condition  of  my  once  abased 
Saviour.  But  then  my  Soul  was  filled  with  Joy,  in  an 
Expectation,  that  my  glorified  Saviour,  will  one  Day  bring 
me  to  partake  with  Him,  in  the  Glories  of  the  heavenly 
world. 

I.  [March  18.]  G.  D.  I  hear  of  some  yoimg  Men  in 
my  Flock,  who  abandon  themselves  to  the  ruinous  Courses 
of  Gaming ;  and  who  especially  betake  themselves  thereto, 
for  the  Quieting  of  their  Minds,  when  they  meet  with  any 
Thing  in  the  public  Sermons  that  proves  troublesome  to 
their  Consciences.  Oh !  lett  me  with  all  possible  Fervency, 
and  Compassion,  dispense  to  them  the  Warnings  of  God. 

the  student  and  enlarging  upon  the  opportunities  thus  given.     I  am  unable  to 
learn  that  either  writer  was  introduced  by  Mather  in  his  lifetime. 
I  Collar.  » Keyes  ? 


MARCH,     lyiO-II  51 

2.  G.  D.  To  accomplish  my  little  Daughters  for  House- 
keeping, I  would  have  them,  at  least  once  a  week,  to  pre- 
pare some  new  Thing,  either  for  Diet,  or  Medicine ;  which 
I  may  show  them  described,  in  some  such  Treatise  as  the 
Family  Dictionary.  And  when  it  is  prepared,  I  will  also 
make  some  Remarks  of  Piety,  in  a  way  of  occasional  Reflec- 
tion upon  it. 

3.  G.  D.  My  Mother  is  now  entred  the  seventieth 
Year  of  her  Age.  What  shall  I  do,  that  I  may  assist  her 
Preparation  for  her  Appearance  before  the  Lord?  I  will 
discourse  with  her ;  as  prudently  and  as  takingly  as  I  can, 
on  that  illustrious  Point ;  and  I  will  putt  into  her  Hands 
to  read,  what  may  be  most  agreeable  and  serviceable  for 
her. 

4.  G.  D.  A  lively  Discourse  about  the  Benefit  and 
Importance  of  Education,  should  be  given  to  the  Countrey. 
The  Countrey  is  perishing  for  want  of  it ;  they  are  sinking 
apace  into  Barbarism  and  all  Wickedness.  It  should  be 
considered  of. 

5.  G.  D.  Shall  not  I  do  well,  to  write  a  Letter  unto 
one  or  two  of  the  principal  Ministers  in  Connecticut-Colony ; 
concerning  the  fearful  Circumstances,  into  which  the  Love 
of  Rum,  has  brought  several,  even  of  their  principal  Min- 
isters, and  by  Consequence  very  many  of  the  miserable 
People?  And  awaken  them,  to  dispense  their  laweful 
Admonitions  ?  The  Consequences  of  the  affected  Bottel,  in 
that  Colony,  as  well  as  in  ours,  are  beyond  all  Imagination. 

6.  G.  D.  A  poor  Woman  in  my  Neighbourhood 
('OXXai/S)  1  labouring  under  Distraction ;  her  Family  must 
needs  labour  under  Necessities.  I  will  procure  for  them 
some  Releef.  The  Deacon  of  the  Church  of  Wenam,  is  also 
worse  than  Distracted ;  and  the  Pastor  and  the  Church, 
are  embroiled  by  him,  in  Abundance  of  Trouble.^    This 

» Holland. 

'Rev.  Joseph  Gerrish  (1650-1720)  was  the  pastor  at  Wenham. 


52  DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

furnishes  me  with  Occasions  for  me  to  do  many  charitable 
Offices,  which  I  shall  watch  to  do,  for  them  all. 

7.  G.  D.  Many,  many  Things  I  have  to  do ;  many 
Things  of  the  greatest  Consequence.  I  shall  either  leave 
them  undone,  or  do  them  not  well,  or  miss  the  Time  of 
doing  them,  if  I  do  not  with  much  Resignation  unto  it, 
obtain  the  heavenly  Conduct.  I  would  therefore  now  more 
than  ever,  putt  this  Article  most  explicitly  and  expressively, 
into  my  morning-Prayers;  Oh!  Lett  me  he  led  unto  those 
Works  which  it  would  be  well  for  me  to  do  this  Day,  and  be 
helped  in  the  doing  of  them! 

24  d.  I  m.  Satureday.  I  have  been  of  late,  much  afflicted 
and  enfeebled  with  Sickness  in  my  Stomach ;  a  palled,  and 
a  pained  Stomach.  I  would  be  awakened  from  hence,  to 
bewayl  my  Want  of  a  Stomach  for  the  Service  of  God, 
and  for  Meditations  on  my  Saviour.  I  have  not  had  a  due 
Appetite  for  the  best  Objects  and  Actions ;  nor  have  I 
duely  relished  them.  I  would  bewayl  my  not  being  sick  of 
Sin,  as  I  ought  to  have  been ;  and  my  being  more  sick 
of  laborious  Perseverance  in  some  duties,  than  I  should 
have  been.  The  Offences  of  my  Stomach  in  the  Intem- 
perance of  the  Table,  are  also  to  be  bewayled.  A  Pardon 
of  these  Miscarriages,  thro'  the  Blood  of  the  great  Sacrifice, 
and  the  Grace  to  carry  better,  are  to  be  more  pursued  by 
me,  than  a  Deliverance  from  my  bodily  IMalady,  and  in 
the  first  Place  obtained. 

In  the  Evening,  I  attended  the  Devotions  of  a  Vigil. 
Therein  I  sought  unto  the  Lord,  for  the  Pardon  of  all  my 
Iniquities.  I  beleeved,  and  received  His  pardoning  Mercy, 
and  I  relied  on  the  Merit  of  my  glorious  Advocate,  thro' 
whom  it  comes  unto  me.  I  then  told  my  strong  Redeemer, 
that  the  Floods  of  the  Ungodly  made  me  afraid.  I  fear'd 
lest  the  Power  and  Malice  of  my  Enemies  might  ruine  my 
Serviceableness.  I  cast  myself  Entirely  into  the  Protec- 
tion of  my  strong  Redeemer,  and  I  besought  Him  to  show 


MARCH,    lyii  53 

me  a  Token  for  Good,  that  they  who  hate  me,  may  see 
and  be  ashamed.  Particularly,  I  pray'd,  that  a  remarkable 
Remorse,  and  Horror  of  Conscience,  may  be  sent  into  one 
of  them,  from  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord;  from  whence  there 
might  arise  a  Testimony  for  me. 

1.  [March  25.]  G.  D.  Some  of  the  Neighbourhood, 
not  having  Seats  to  their  Minds  in  our  Assembly,  run  to  a 
Congregation,  which  is  held  in  the  Meetinghouse  of  the 
Anabaptists.  1  Hereby,  they  never  see  the  Baptism  of  the 
Lord  administred,  nor  hear  the  pathetical  and  affectionate 
Prayers  made  on  that  Occasion ;  They  miss  an  Ordinance, 
in  which  a  gracious  Presence  of  the  Lord,  is  to  be  looked 
for.  I  should  in  the  most  proper  and  prudent  Wayes 
I  can  contrive,  make  these  unadvised  People  sensible  of 
the  Wrong  they  do  their  own  Souls,  in  wandring  where 
they  do. 

2.  G.  D.  I  find,  it  will  be  necessary  or  convenient  for 
me,  almost  every  Night,  to  take  an  Account  of  my  Chil- 
dren, what  they  have  been  doing  in  the  Day,  and  how 
they  have  spent  their  Time ;  and  make  it  an  Occasion  of 
continual  Admonitions  of  Piety  unto  them. 

Especially  for  Cresy. 

3.  G.  D.  I  have  a  Nephew,  becoming  a  prentice  to  a 
Goldsmith,  (Bapdokoixee  Tpeev)^  and  now  I  would  (with 
agreeable  Advice  accompanying  of  it)  putt  into  his  Hands, 
my  Book  of,  A  Good  Master  well-served,^  as  a  continual 
Monitor  unto  him,  of  his  Duty. 

4.  G.  D.  To  take  some  Scores  of  my  Treatise  on,  The 
Trinity  and  on,  Christianity  demonstrated,*  (and  make  agree- 
able Dedications)  and  send  them  unto  the  Universities  in 
Scotland;  particularly  to  that  of  Glasgow,  may  be  a  sensible 

*  The  First  Baptist  Church  in  Boston  was  constituted  May  28,  1665,  and 
Rev.  Ellis  Callender  was  in  charge  at  this  time.  It  did  not  enjoy  a  building  of 
its  own  until  some  years  after. 

*  Bartholomew  Green,  son  of  Maria  Mather  and  Bartholomew  Green. 

*  Printed  in  1696.  *  Printed  in  1710. 


54  DIARYOFCOTTONMATHER 

Service  to  the  Interests  of  Religion  there;   and  so  I  shall, 
if  the  Lord  please,  endeavour  it. 

5.  G.  D.  My  Purpose,  is,  to  draw  up  a  List  of  the 
many  Societies  whereto  I  belong,  and  have  Distinctions  by 
which  I  may  denominate  them ;  and  then  with  my  weekly 
Deliberations  upon  Good  Devised  for  them,  distinctly  con- 
sider them  in  their  Order,  and  what  shall  be  done  in  them, 
or  for  them. 

I  drew  up  the  List  this  Morning,  and  found  them  above 
twenty. 

6.  G.  D.  There  is  an  hopeful  Candidate  of  the  Min- 
istry, (A^epee)  1  who  is  destitute  of  Books.  I  will  begin 
his  Library  by  bestowing  some  valuable  Books  upon  him, 
out  of  my  o^\^l.  There  is  also  a  Man  and  his  Wife  in  my 
Neighbourhood,  (Po^ep)  2  who  have  long  languished  under 
Sickness  and  now  conflict  with  distressing  Poverty.  I  will 
myself  releeve  them,  and  procure  for  them  Releef  in  the 
Charity  of  others. 

7.  G.  D.  My  Garden,  I  would  make  it  a  Place  of  such 
Devotions,  and  I  would  employ  all  the  Trees,  and  Herbs 
in  it,  and  all  the  Circumstances  of  it,  in  such  a  devotionary 
Way,  to  produce  Acknowledgments  of  the  great  God  and 
of  His  Christ,  in  my  Mind,  that  it  shall  be  unto  me  a  Sort 
of  an  earthly  Paradise,  and  putt  (as  far  as  may  be  attained 
here)  unto  such  an  Use,  as  the  new  Earth  will  be  by  the 
Saints  in  the  World  to  come. 

ST-  d.  1  m.  Satureday.  I  have  lett  this  Week  pass,  with- 
out keeping  a  Day  of  Prayer  with  Fasting,  in  my  Study  : 
because  I  kept  such  a  Day  on  the  last  Wednesday,  with  a 
great  Company  of  Christians,  who  mett  at  the  House  lately 
forsaken  by  the  Death  of  the  two  most  eminent  Persons 
in  my  Neighbourhood.^  Where  their  Children  desired  me 
to  preach  on  Psal.  xxvii.  10.  the  Care  which  the  Lord  gra- 
ciously takes  of  Orphans.    But  then,  in  the  Night  following 

'  Avery  ?  *  Rober  ?  '  John  and  Abigail  Foster. 


APRIL,     I  7  I  I  55 

this  Day,  I  applied  myself,  unto  the  Devotions  of  a  Vigil; 
in  which  I  kept  crying  and  singing  unto  the  Lord,  until 
after  Midnight ;  and  spred  before  the  Lord,  the  same  Cases 
that  I  brought  unto  Him  in  such  Devotions,  a  week  ago; 
but  with  growing  and  greater  Comforts.  I  felt  the  Opera- 
tions of  the  Spirit  of  Grace  and  of  Supplications  upon  me, 
in  these  Exercises ;  and  some  Assurances  of  my  Acceptance 
with  the  Lord. 

In  this  Vigil,  I  entirely  devoted  myself  unto  the  Service  of  the 
blessed  JESUS ;  I  resolved  upon  spending  the  rest  of  my  little  Time, 
in  the  most  assiduous  Endeavours,  to  render  and  procure  all  possible 
Homage  unto  my  lovely  JESUS ;  I  purposed,  that  I  would  myself 
live  continually  in  the  Thoughts  of  the  Son  of  God,  and  contrive  all 
the  Methods  that  I  can  to  bring  my  precious  JESUS,  to  be  more 
considered,  and  acknowledged  and  magnified  in  the  World.  I  own'd 
my  Unworthiness  to  be  employ'd  in  such  honourable  Service,  but  I 
ask'd  for  a  Display  of  sovereign  Grace  in  the  matter.  I  resign'd 
myself  up  unto  the  Spirit  of  God,  and  of  my  glorious  JESUS,  to 
be  kept  from  Errors,  and  to  be  led  and  help'd  on,  to  such  Things 
as  might  be  for  the  Glory  of  my  Saviour.  So  I  cast  myself,  with  a 
triumphant  Faith,  on  His  Providence  and  Protection! 

There  was  another  Thing,  which  in  this  Vigil,  I  besought  of  the 
Lord.  I  besought  Him,  that  His  holy  Spirit  might  go  mightily  to 
work  in  the  Assembly,  which  I  serve  with  my  weekly  Ministrations ; 
that  He  would  not  withdraw  from  this  Assembly,  but  make  a  marvel- 
lous Descent  upon  us,  and  do  wondrously  among  us,  especially  upon 
our  young  People,  that  a  Christ  may  be  formed  in  them.  Yea,  that 
He  would  in  His  Providence  order  Things  to  fall  out,  which  may 
administer  unto  me,  notable  Occasions  to  apply  the  Maxims  of  Piety, 
with  an  uncommon  Pimgency  unto  the  Souls  of  the  People  in  the 
Neighbourhood. 

[This  Petition  had  before  the  year  Expired,  many  and  marvellous 
Answers  given  to  it.] ' 

I.  [April  I.]  G.  D.  It  would  be  well  for  me,  often 
to  do,  what  I  have  lately  done ;  When  the  People  of  my 
Flock  are  all  asleep  in  their  Beds,  I  will  have  my  Vigils, 
in  which  I  will  cry  mightily  unto  the  Lord,  that  the  Spirit 

'■  This  paragraph  is  written  in  the  margin. 


56  DIARYOFCOTTONMATHER 

of  Grace  may  make  a  gracious  Descent  upon  our  Congre- 
gation, and  do  wonderful  Things  upon  the  Souls  of  our 
Children  there. 

1  d.  2  m.  [April.]  Lord's-day.  At  the  Lord's  Table,  my 
first  Errand  was,  to  consider  my  blessed  Jesus,  as  purchasing 
for  me  a  part  in  the  heavenly  World,  the  Pardon  of  my  Sin, 
that  would  shutt  me  out  of  it,  and  the  Grace  to  quahfy  me 
for  an  Admission  into  it ;  and  accordingly  I  made  my  Appli- 
cation unto  Him. 

My  second  Errand  was,  to  obtain  those  two  Blessings 
of  Purity  in  Heart  and  Life,  and  Activity  in  the  Service  of 
God.  I  bewayled  my  Distempers,  which  ly  in  the  want 
of  these  Things,  I  beheld  my  lovely  Jesus,  as  purchasing 
by  His  Blood,  the  Pardon  of  my  Sins  wherein  the  Cure  of 
my  Distempers  must  begin ;  and  then,  the  Grace,  to  abhor 
all  Sin,  to  dread  and  shun  every  sinful  Pollution  ;  the  Grace 
also,  that  would  render  me  lively  in  the  Works  of  God, 
quicken  me  in  all  Obedience,  dispose  me  to  redeem  my 
Time  at  the  best  rate  imaginable.  And  since  I  found  myself 
in  a  Disposition  to  employ  the  Blood  of  my  Saviour  unto 
such  Purposes,  it  was  powerfully  bom  in  upon  my  mind, 
that  I  had  a  Right  unto  it.  I  applied  myself  hereunto 
accordingly.  But  then  I  thought,  IMeditations  on  the  Sor- 
rowes  which  my  Saviour  suffered  for  my  Pollutions,  and  on 
the  astonishing  Vigour  wherewith  He  went  thro'  the  work 
His  Father  call'd  Him  to,  would  be  sanctified  Means  to 
obtain  the  Grace  I  was  now  pursuing  after,  I  did  now  also 
employ  some  Time  in  those  Meditations. 

A  fortnight  ago,  I  was  taken  so  sick,  that  I  could  not 
study;  for  which  Cause  I  was  compelled  to  preach  a  Ser- 
mon, which  lay  by  me,  already  prepared,  on  Gal.  iv.  19. 
Little  Children,  of  whom  I  travail  in  Birth  again,  till  Christ 
he  formed  in  you.  I  could  not  then  finish  what  I  intended ; 
so  there  was  reserved  for  me  an  agreeable  Opportunity; 
this  Day  to  address  the  Children  of  [the]  Flock,  upon  the 


APRIL,    lyii  57 

great  Intention,  of  having  a  Christ  formed  in  them ;  and 
to  do  it  with  a  travailing  Agony.  I  had  a  secret  Imagina- 
tion above  a  Fortnight  ago,  that  while  I  should  be  in  this 
Travail,  I  should  receive  the  Blessings  of  another  Travail, 
in  my  own  Family.  It  fell  out  so ;  my  Consort  was  de- 
tained at  home,  in  the  sensible  Approaches  of  her  Travail, 
this  Afternoon ;  and  with  all  the  agreeable  Circumstances 
that  such  a  Matter  could  admitt  of,  and  most  encouraging 
Answers  to  our  Prayers,  just  after  seven  a  Clock,  she  was 
delivered  of  a  Daughter;  an  Infant  of  a  very  promising 
Aspect. 

2.  G.  D.  And  so  I  have  a  new  Article  provided,  for 
the  weekly  Quaestion  of  Munday  Morning,  to  go  upon. 
The  Good  Devised  for  my  newborn  Daughter,  is  first  of  all, 
to  give  her  up  unto  the  Lord,  with  all  Solemnity  of  holy 
Dedication.  Then,  to  take  a  sweet  Satisfaction  in  the 
Thought  of  having  the  Kingdome  of  My  Great  Saviour 
enlarged,  by  the  Addition  of  this  Child  unto  it.  And  one 
thing  more ;  to  putt  upon  her  the  Name  of  her  deceased 
Aunt  JERUSHA ;  whose  Name  is  by  her  published  Memo- 
rials of  Early  Piety,  rendred  precious  among  the  People 
of  God. 

3.  G.  D.  My  Elder  Sister,^  being  a  Widow,  I  will  sett 
myself  to  take  all  possible  Care  of  her;  and  I  will  also 
comfort  her  with  my  Visits  and  my  Prayers,  as  often  as 
I  find  myself  capable. 

4.  G.  D.  Which  of  the  Tribes  of  Israel,  have  I  left 
yett  unserved?  The  Orphans.  They  are  numerous  and 
aflElicted.  I  know  not  how  soon,  I  may  be  of  the  Number, 
or  by  leaving  my  own  Children,  may  increase  the  Number. 
I  have  an  Opportunity  to  publish  a  Book  for  Orphans.  I 
will  ask  the  Help  of  Heaven  to  Compose  the  Book,  in  as 
agreeable  and  profitable  a  Manner,  as  may  be. 

5.  G.  D.     Why  may  not  I  order  the  Printer  who  pub- 

1  Maria  (Mather)  Green. 


58  DIARYOFCOTTONMATHER 

lishes  my  Discourse  about  and  unto  Orphans,  that  he  would 
print  and  bind  a  particular  Hundred,  or  two  thereof,  to 
be  lodged  in  every  Town  of  these  Colonies,  with  a.  Given 
to  he  lent  in  mourning  Families,  upon  them  ? 

6.  G.  D.  In  my  Book  for  Orphans,  I  will  move  the 
Orphans  who  are  brought  into  the  Possession  of  good  Estates, 
to  make  this  one  special  and  speedy  Consideration  with 
them ;  What  shall  I  do  for  poor  Orphans  ?  And  contrive 
some  signal  Expence  and  Action  for  the  Releef  of  such, 

7.  G.  D.  I  propose,  as  soon  as  I  can,  to  acknowledge 
and  glorify  the  great  God,  in  a  solemn  Thanksgiving,  for 
the  sensible  Displayes  and  Favours  of  His  interposing 
Providence  unto  the  World  of  Mankind  in  general ;  in 
diverse  remarkable  Instances,  and  especially  some,  on  the 
Score  of  which  the  glorious  One,  has  hardly  ever  yett 
received  any  distinct  Praises  from  among  the  Children 
of  Men.  How  comfortably  may  I  carry  on  the  Part  of 
an  holy  Priesthood,  in  such  an  Action ! 

About  this  Time,  it  was  desired,  that  I  should  committ 
unto  the  Press,  a  Discourse,  of  Counsels  and  Comforts  for 
Orphans.  I  look'd  on  it,  as  a  further  and  precious  Oppor- 
tunity, to  proceed  in  my  fulfilling  of  my  Ministry.  So  I 
fitted  the  Discourse  for  Publication :  under  the  Title  of, 
Orphanotrophium,  Or,  The  Orphan  well-provided  for.  An 
Essay,  on  the  Care  taken  in  the  Divine  Providence,  for  Children, 
when  their  Parents  forsake  them;  With  Proper  Advice  to  both 
Parents  and  Children,  that  the  Care  of  Heaven  may  be  the 
more  conspicuously  and  comfortably  obtained  for  them,^ 

I.  [April  8.]  G.  D.  Many  in  my  Flock,  are  lately 
advised  of  new  and  great  Losses  at  Sea;  they  lose  Rela- 
tives and  other  Interests.  It  will  be  a  seasonable  and  a 
serviceable  Thing  for  me,  now  to  strike  in,  and  suit  their 
Condition  in  the  public  Prayers  and  Sermons,  with  such 

>  It  was  the  sermon  preached  March  28,  1711,  a  day  of  prayer  kept  by  the 
children  of  John  and  Abigail  Foster.     Printed  by  B.  Green,  1711. 


APRIL,    lyii  59 

Hints  as  may  have  a  Tendency  to  their  getting  a  great 
Deal  of  Good,  by  the  Losses  they  meet  withal. 

8  d.  2  m.  Lords-Day.  Having  first  in  Secret,  with  all 
Solemnity,  dedicated  my  Little  Daughter  (with  the  rest 
of  my  Children)  unto  the  Lord,  I  openly  and  publickly 
renew'd  the  Dedication,  at  her  Baptism.  I  then  declared, 
what  we  did,  when  we  had  our  children  Baptised  ;  admiring 
the  Free-Grace  of  God,  in  taking  our  Children  into  His 
Covenant,  and  so  laying  Hold  on  the  Covenant  for  them, 
and  resolving  with  His  Help,  to  do  our  Part,  that  they  may 
know  and  serve  the  only  Saviour,  and  have  a  Part  in  Him. 

I  called  the  Child's  Name,  Jerusha  ;  to  admonish  her, 
if  she  lives,  that  she  should  walk  in  the  Steps  of  Piety, 
which  were  taken  by  my  deceased  Sister  of  that  Name, 
the  Memorials  of  whose  Piety  are  published  and  preserved 
among  the  People  of  God. ' 

2.  G.  D,  I  am  considering  what  I  am  to  do  for  the 
Welfare  of  my  Children.  I  am  shortly  to  leave  them 
Orphans  in  an  evil  World.  The  grand  Provision  that  I 
am  to  make  for  my  Orphans,  is  in  the  following  Deed  of 
Betrustment,  which  prostrate  in  the  Dust,  I  spread  before 
the  Lord,  and  beseech  Him  to  look  upon  it, 

O  my  great  and  good  Saviour,  and  thou  Son  of  God,  in  my  glori- 
ous Jesus  :  and  the  Lord  in  whom  the  Fatherless  find  Mercy. 

The  principal  Satisfaction  and  Consolation,  with  which  I  receive 
the  Children,  which  the  Lord  graciously  gives  unto  me,  at  their 
Birth  into  the  World,  is,  the  Prospect  of  more  Subjects  for  my 
Saviour,  and  the  Propagation  and  Continuation  of  His  Kingdome  in 
the  World.  For  this  Purpose,  tis  my  own  strong  and  full  Purpose,  to 
do  my  Part,  that  my  Children  may  know  their  Saviour,  and  serve 
Him  with  a  perfect  Heart  and  a  willing  Mind ;  and  I  will  earnestly 
cry  unto  Him,  to  produce  a  Work  of  His  Grace  in  their  Souls,  and  to 
take  them  under  the  perpetual  Conduct  of  the  Spirit  of  Grace,  that 
they  may  do  so. 

Now  I  firmly  beleeve,  that  the  World  is  under  the  Government 
of  my  admirable  Saviour ;   He  sitts  at  the  Right  Hand  of  God,  and 

^  See  p.  57,  supra. 


6o  DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

the  affairs  of  the  divine  Providence  are  under  His  Administration. 
He  does  particularly  employ  the  Ministry  of  His  mighty  Angels,  in 
governing  the  Children  of  Men ;  and  yett  more  particularly  make 
them  the  Guardians  of  His  little  Ones ;  most  of  all,  when  in  His 
Providence  He  makes  them  fatherless  Children.  O  Orphans  well- 
provided  for! 

Wherefore,  O  my  Saviour,  I  committ  my  Children  unto  thy 
saviourly  and  fatherly  Hands.  I  pray  to  thee,  that  thy  gracious 
Providence  may,  I  trust  in  thee,  that  it  will,  be  concerned  for  them. 
Oh!  Lett  nothing  be  wanting  to  them,  that  shall  be  good  for  them! 
Oh!  cause  them  to  fear  thee,  to  love  thee,  to  walk  in  thy  Wayes,  and 
make  use  of  them  to  do  good  in  their  Generation :  Oh !  Be  thou  their 
Friend,  and  raise  them  up  such  Friends  as  may  be  necessary  for  them, 
and  in  a  convenient  Manner  supply  all  their  Necessities.  Give  thy 
Angels  the  Charge  of  them ;  and  when  their  Father  and  their  Mother 
forsake  them,  then  do  thou  take  them  up. 

This  is  the  Supplication,  this  the  Resignation,  this  the  Depend- 
ence of,  /".-», 

Cotton  Mather. 

3.  G.  D.  I  have  a  Kinsman,  who  is  IMinister  of  Say- 
brook,  and  who  has  also  an  Opportunity  to  do  good  unto 
the  Colledge  there.'  I  will  send  unto  him  our  Bonifacius,^ 
and  some  other  Things,  that  may  prove  Instruments  of 
good  unto  him,  and  through  him  unto  others. 

4.  G.  D.  It  is  complain'd  unto  me,  that  in  the  Places, 
where  Churches  are  gathered,  under  the  unhappy  Govern- 
ment of  N.  York,  the  Pelagian  Doctrines  are  so  obtruded 
on  the  People  by  their  Neighbours  of  the  Ch[urch]  of 
E[ngland]  profession,  that  it  is  become  a  dangerous  Crime 
to  bear  a  due  Testimony  to  the  Doctrines  of  Grace.  I 
would  therefore  procure  some  little  Essayes  for  the  Defence 
of  the  labouring  Truths,  to  be  printed  here,  and  sent  thither, 
that  they  may  be  scattered  among  the  people,  for  their 
Preservation  from  the  Error  of  the  Wicked. 

ii/i2  d.  2  w.  Wednesday /Thursday.     Tho*  I  am  enter- 

'  Rev.  Azariah  Mather  (1685-1737),  soa  of  Rev.  Samuel  Mather  and  Hannah, 
daughter  of  Robert  Treat.     He  served  as  a  tutor  in  the  college  at  Saybrook. 
'Printed  in  17 10. 


APRIL,     I7II  6l 

ing  upon  the  Duties  of  a  general  Fast,  yett  I  was  desirous 
to  be  employ'd  this  Night  in  the  Duties  and  Actions  of  a 
Vigil. 

In  this  Interview  with  Heaven,  having  first  received  the  pardon- 
ing Mercy  of  God,  and  the  Blood  of  my  Saviour  as  purchasing  and 
procuring  the  Passage  thereof  unto  me ;  I  proceeded  then  to  entreat 
for  a  Favour  of  the  Lord,  whereof  I  confessed  my  greatest  Unworthi- 
ness.  I  beheld  my  admirable  JESUS,  as  the  promised  Messiah  of 
God,  and  Redeemer  of  Men;  I  beheld  Him  as  taken  into  a  personal 
Union  with  the  second  Person  in  the  eternal  Godhead ;  I  beheld 
Him,  as  having  once  offered  Himself  a  sacrifice  to  divine  Justice,  and 
now  enthroned  at  the  right  Hand  of  God,  and  governing  the  World, 
unto  the  more  visible  Judgment  whereof  He  will  one  Day  make  His 
Appearance ;  and  having  all  the  mighty  Angels  of  the  Heavens  under 
His  illustrious  Authority.  I  entertained  His  Religion,  as  the  Truth 
of  God,  and  a  Revelation  forever  to  be  relied  upon ;  All  faithful 
Sayings  and  worthy  of  all  Acceptation.  I  bewayl'd  it,  that  so  few 
among  sinful  and  woful  Mankind  are  yett  acquainted  with  Him; 
that  in  baptised  Nations,  and  in  our  own  wicked  one,  there  are  so 
many  who  deny  Him,  and  deride  Him;  that  among  the  Professors 
of  His  Name,  He  is  no  more  known,  and  lov'd,  and  priz'd,  and 
honoured  with  a  zelous  Obedience.  The  Favour  which  I  now  begg'd 
with  Tears,  lying  prostrate  in  the  Dust  before  the  Lord,  was,  that  He 
who  with  Triumphs  of  sovereign  Grace  in  it,  had  already  employ'd 
such  a  foolish  and  filthy  Creature,  as  I  am,  in  Services  for  the  King- 
dome  of  my  Saviour;  would  now  employ  me  to  do  some  signal 
Services  for  His  Glory.  I  desired,  that  I  might  myself,  be  first  con- 
tinually and  exceedingly  affected  with  the  Excellencies  of  my  Saviour, 
and  five  by  the  Faith  of  the  Son  of  God,  and  have  my  Life  perpetually 
filled  with  Acknowledgments  of  Him.  I  then  desired,  that  I  might 
bear  such  Testimonies  for  my  glorious  Lord,  as  might  bring  many 
others  to  acknowledge  Him.  I  declared,  that  I  made  Choice  of  this 
as  the  Top  of  my  Happiness,  and  my  Ambition ;  and  that  whatever 
Abasements  he  would  have  me  to  undergo  in  conformity  to  my 
humbled  Jesus,  I  would  embrace  them  with  all  possible  Submission, 
and  have  my  Spirit  reconciled  unto  them.  I  renounced  all  other 
Ends,  and  Aims,  in  Comparison  of  this ;  To  be  used  as  a  Servant  and 
a  Witness  of  my  Incomparable  Jesus,  and  be  employ'd  in  testifying  to 
His  Glories.  Nothing  would  satisfy  me  so  much  as  this :  Nothing  but 
this  would  Satisfy  me;  This  would  yeeld  me  a  full  Satisfaction. 


62  DIARYOFCOTTONMATHER 

I  entreated,  that  in  my  Ministry,  under  the  Conduct  of  the  Holy 
Spirit,  who  Glorifies  my  lovely  JESUS,  I  may  be  led  unto  the  Preach- 
ing and  the  Writing  of  those  Things,  which  may  exhibit  His  Glories, 
at  a  Rate  that  had  never  yett  been  done  in  the  World.  I  hoped,  the 
Glories  of  my  dearest  JESUS,  would  ere  long  be  more  considered  in 
the  world,  than  they  have  ever  been  heretofore,  and  I  wished,  that  I 
might  be  concerned  in  the  Exhibition  of  them.  I  went  on  with  my 
Petition,  that  some  remarkable  Thing  might  fall  out,  which  might 
furnish  me  with  some  special  and  precious  Opportunities,  to  bear 
some  very  victorious  Testimonies  to  the  Existence,  the  Advance- 
ment, the  Deity  of  my  amiable  JESUS.  I  consented  unto  the  Lord, 
that  if  any  breaking  Dispensations  of  His  holy  Pro\adence,  must 
befall  me,  and  praises  to  my  glorious  JESUS  would  arise  from  them, 
I  would  most  heartily  submitt  unto  them ;  this  Effect  of  them  should 
change  the  very  Nature  of  them  to  me,  and  make  me  take  a  Sort  of 
a  Pleasure  in  them.  Hereupon  my  Mind  was  irradiated  with  a  sweet 
Assurance,  that,  no,  I  should  not  be  so  dealt  withal.  But  I  should 
be  accommodated  wth  some  Opportunities ;  which  I  was  not  yett 
aware  of,  to  bear  the  Testimonies,  to  which  I  had  so  strong  an  Incli- 
nation. I  cried  unto  the  Lord,  that  I  might  yett  see  one,  and  a  very 
Rich  one,  in  the  Conversion  of  that  poor  Jew,  for  whose  Conversion 
and  Salvation  we  have  been  for  six  or  seven  Years  more  than  ten, 
waiting  on  Him.  And  for  this  Purpose  I  now  again  did  committ 
that  Soul  into  the  Hands  of  my  Saviour,  and  His  Holy  Spirit,  with  a 
strong  Faith  of  thy  being,  O  Lord,  able  to  enlighten  him,  and  sanc- 
tify him,  and  conquer  all  his  Obstinacy.  To  these  Things  I  added 
my  repeted  Request,  That  some,  at  least  one,  of  the  most  notorious 
and  malignant  Enemies  to  my  Serviceableness,  might  be  Smitten 
with  such  an  Horror  of  Conscience,  for  his  Wickedness,  as  may  prove 
to  me  a  Token  for  Good,  which  they  that  hate  me  may  see  and  be 
ashamed. 

12  d.  2  m.  Thursday.  A  general  Fast;  in  the  Duties 
whereof  I  enjoy'd  the  special  Assistences  of  the  Lord.  But 
I  made  it  a  Day  of  Alms,  as  well  as  of  Prayers. 

5.    G.  D.     And  in  my  Sermon  I  earnestly  called  upon 

the  Members  of  the  Church,  to  be  more  concerned  for  the 

Welfare  of  the  particular  Church  to  which  they  belong,  and 

to  take  it  into  their  frequent  and  serious  Consideration. 

I       6.   G.  D.     I  hear  of  a  Family,  wherein  Parents  and 


APRIL,     I7II  63 

Children  are  at  grievous  Variance;  [TtXXis  and  x''^^P^^]-^ 
I  would  endeavour  to  bring  the  Family  into  a  better 
Condition. 

7.  G.  D.  It  was  proposed  and  advised  unto  me,  to 
wear  my  Signet-Ring,  as  a  Token  and  Assertion  of  the 
Doctorate  in  Divinity,  whereto  a  foreign  and  famous  Univer- 
sity has  admitted  me ;  and  to  do  it,  not  from  any  Vanity 
of  Ornament,  but  out  of  Obedience  to  the  Fifth  Command- 
ment, which  directs  us  to  assert  the  Honour  of  any  Dignity, 
wherein  the  Providence  of  God  may  station  us. 

If  I  do  it,  I  will  make  even  so  mean  an  Action  as  this,  an  Engine 
of  Religion,  with  me. 

First.  This  Ring  shall  be  a  continual  Admonition  unto  me,  to 
do  nothing  below  the  Character,  whereof  that  is  the  Memorial ; 
nothing  disagreeable  to  the  Gravity,  the  Discretion,  the  superiour 
Behaviour,  which  a  Doctorate  ought  alwayes  to  be  attended  withal. 

Secondly.  Yea,  it  shall  effectually  admonish  me,  that  in  my  Dis- 
course there  pass  nothing  out  of  my  Lips,  that  shall  be  vain,  or 
mean,  or  not  according  to  the  Lawes  of  Wisdome  and  Goodness  and 
Usefulness. 

Thirdly.  The  Sight  of  the  Gold,  shall  frequently  excite  in  me 
Wishes  and  Prayers  of  this  Importance. 

Oh!  may  I  have  the  Grace,  the  Gain  whereof  is  better  than  Gold! 

Oh !  may  I  be  a  Son  of  Zion  comparable  to  fine  Gold!  ^ 

And,  on  the  Signet; 

Oh !  May  I  be  preserved  from  so  provoking  the  holy  Lord,  that  if 
I  were  the  Signet  on  His  right  Hand,  He  would  pluck  me  thence! 

Fourthly ;  One  Original  to  the  Ceremony  of  a  Ring  for  Doctors 
of  Divinity,  was  to  intimate,  that  they  should  be  ready  to  sett  their 
Seal  to  the  Advice  which  may  be  received  from  them.  I  would 
improve  this,  as  a  Caution  unto  me.  My  Advice  is  very  often  asked, 
and  on  many  Occasions.  I  would  be  very  considerate,  very  deliber- 
ate, seriously  look  up  to  Heaven  on  such  Occasions,  and  speak  nothing, 
but  what  I  should  be  willing  to  seal  it,  and  stand  to  it. 

Fifthly.  The  Emblem  on  the  Signett,  is  a  Tree,  with,  Psal.  I.  3. 
written  under  it;  and  about  it,  GLASCUA  RIGAVIT.  May  the 
Cast  of  my  Eye  upon   it,  continually  provoke  my  Cry  unto  my 

*  Willis  and  children.  '  Four  lines  are  here  struck  out. 


64  DIARYOFCOTTONMATHER 

Saviour ;  0  make  me  a  very  fruitful  Tree,  and  help  me  to  bring  forth 
seasonable  Fruit  continually! 

1.  [April  15.]  G.  D.  A  noted  Child  in  the  Neighbour- 
hood, about  fourteen  Years  of  Age,  is  newly  come  to  a 
sudden  and  awful  End ;  crush'd  to  Death,  by  a  Cart  fall- 
ing on  him.  I  would  on  this  Occasion  preach  a  Sermon, 
wherein  Children  shall  be  particularly  and  importunately 
called  upon,  to  prepare  for  the  Day,  wherein  the  Small  as 
well  as  the  Great,  shall  stand  before  God.  ^ 

2.  G.  D.  And  I  will  make  that  sad  Accident,  an  Occa- 
sion of  more  than  ordinarily  importunate  Admonitions 
unto  my  own  Children,  especially  unto  my  Son  Increase, 
to  become  serious,  and  prayerful  and  afraid  of  Sin,  and 
concem'd  to  gett  a  part  in  their  only  Saviour. 

3.  G.  D.  I  must  be  much  of  a  Father,  to  the  fatherless 
Child  of  my  Sister,  /StXe?.^  One  thing  I  particularly  now 
propose;  that  I  will  give  him  the  little  Book  of.  Good 
Lessons  for  Children;  and  give  him  a  Peece  of  Money,  for 
every  one  of  the  Lessons,  that  he  learns  without  Book. 

4.  G.  D,  I  would  send  a  Letter  to  Taunton,  by  the 
writing  whereof,  the  Minister  of  the  Place  informs  me,  a 
service  may  be  done  for  the  evangelical  Interests.'  I  would 
also  propose  and  promote  an  hopeful  Gentleman,  to  the 
vacant  Presidency  of  the  Colledge  at  Connecticut.^ 

5.  G.  D.  Because  I  would  reprint  in  a  single  Sheet,  a 
System  of  the  Doctrines  of  Grace,  first,  in  the  Words  of  the 
Articles  of  the  Church  of  England;  and  secondly,  in  the 
Armour  offered  by  our  Supplies  froju  the  Tower  of  David; 
that  it  may  be  dispersed  in  Places,  where  the  Pelagian 
Errors  are  most  likely  to  be  mischievous ;   I  would  ask  a 

•  See  p.  82,  infra.  The  name  of  the  child,  Richard  Hobby,  is  not  given  in 
the  tract,  but  that  of  his  grandmother  is,  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Winsley. 

*  Mather  Byles  (i  707-1 788),  who  followed  in  the  paths  of  his  uncle  in  methods, 
and  for  forty-three  years  served  the  HoUis  Street  Church. 

'  Rev.  Samuel  Danforth  (1666-1727). 
«  *  The  affairs  of  the  college  were  now  in  the  hands  of  Rev.  James  Pierpont. 


APRIL,     I7II  65 

little  Help  from  our  general  Society,  towards  the  expence 
of  my  undertaking.  1 

6.  G.  D.  There  are  two  Widowes  in  my  Neighbour- 
hood, for  whom  I  will  alwayes  be  doing  such  Things  as  may 
make  their  Hearts  to  sing.  [Mates  and  roo8aXe].2  Espe- 
cially, I  will  be  sure  to  have  them  at  my  Table  once  a 
Week ;  and  oftner,  if  they  please  to  be  there. 

7.  G.  D.  A  sad  and  a  dark  and  a  dismal  Time  is  come 
upon  the  World.  How  shall  I  provide  for  my  own  Safety 
at  such  a  Time?  I  promise  a  Vigil  to  be  quickly  attended 
by  me ;  and  therein  to  state  more  distinctly  my  Thoughts 
on  this  important  Matter. 

1.  [April  22.]  G.  D.  I  am  given  to  understand,  that 
among  the  Communicants  of  the  Church  under  my  Charge, 
there  are  several  wicked  People.  Some  that  frequently 
drink  to  Excess.  And  some  that  have  enticed,  if  not  se- 
duced, others  to  Adulteries.  On  this  Occasion,  first,  I 
would  exceedingly  humble  myself  before  the  Lord,  on  the 
Account  of  my  own  manifold  Sinfulness.  Then  I  would 
mightily  plead  the  great  Sacrifice  for  the  Congregation, 
that  the  Wrath  of  God  may  not  break  out  against  the 
Flock.  Next  I  would  find  the  most  convenient  Wayes 
I  can,  to  warn  the  Sinners  in  Zion,  and  make  a  just  Fear 
to  seize  the  Hypocrites  thereof.  Lastly.  When  I  do  on 
the  forgoing  Lord's-day  mention  in  the  Congregation,  the 
Lord's-supper  to  be  administred  the  next  Lord's-Day,  I 
would  lett  fall  a  brief,  but  pungent  and  awful  Intimation 
of  the  praeparation  that  should  be  endeavoured. 

2.  G.  D.  My  Deed  of  Betrustment,  which  I  made  and 
spred  before  the  Lord  for  my  Orphans,  I  will  cause  all 
my  Children,  that  are  of  Age  capable  of  writing,  to  tran- 
scribe Copies  of  it;  and  I  will  have  Copies  provided  for 
such  of  them,  as  are  yett  in  their  Infancy ;  That  they  may 

'  Old  Pathes  restored,  81,  infra. 
*  Mays  ?  and  Goodale. 


66  DIARYOFCOTTONMATHER 

often  look  upon  it,  when  they  shall  be  made  Orphans,  and 
make  use  of  it,  in  Distresses  that  may  come  upon  them. 

3.  G.  D.  I  would  write  unto  my  Kinsman  at  Say- 
brook,  and  by  his  Help,  find  out  the  Children  of  my  late 
Kinsman  Richard  Mather,^  and  send  unto  them  such  Books 
of  Piety,  as  may  be  useful  to  them. 

4.  G.  D.  That  I  may  do  good  in  Scotland,  and  par- 
ticularly to  the  University  of  Glasgow,  to  which  I  am 
now  related,  I  propose,  to  take  a  Number  of  my  little 
Books  about  the  Trinity,  and  the  Witness  within,  and 
bind  them  together,  and  prefix  a  Dedication  unto  the 
Faculty  of  the  University,  and  present  them  tmto  the 
Students  there. 

5.  G.  D.  Tis  desired  by  some,  that  the  Meeting  of  the 
Ministers  on  the  Thursday  after  Lecture,  may  be  revived  ;  I 
would  therefore  endeavour  it ;  and  if  it  be  brought  about, 
I  would  make  it  an  Opportunity  of  doing  what  good  I  can, 
and  of  setting  forward  such  Things  as  may  serve  the  King- 
dome  of  God. 

6.  G.  D.  It  is  a  thing  propounded  by  Austin,  in  his 
Book  De  Doctrina  Christiana ;  That  if  a  man  have  some- 
thing to  bestow  upon  the  Poor ;  and  there  are  several 
objects  that  may  seem  so  equally  to  challenge  his  Charity, 
that  he  knowes  not  well,  how  to  distinguish  them,  he  may 
do  well  to  employ  a  Lott  for  the  Decision  and  the  Direction 
of  it ;  Nihil  Justius  Jaceres,  quam  ut  sorte  eligcres  cui  daiidum 
esset.  This  is  often  my  own  Case.  Especially  on  my 
Dayes  of  Prayer ;  (Such  an  one  as  this  Day.)  I  sett  apart 
Portions  of  Alms,  to  be  dispensed  unto  the  Poor.  I  am 
at  a  Loss,  what  Objects  to  single  out  from  among  them ; 
there  being  many  who  may  seem  unto  me,  to  stand  Kqual 
in  their  Claims.  \Vliy  may  I  not  write  their  Names  on 
Papers,  and  looking  up  to  Heaven,  to  dispose  the  Lott, 

*  Richard  Mather  (1653-1688),  of  Lyme,  Connecticut,  who  left  four  children. 
His  wife  was  Catherine  Wise. 


APRIL,    lyii  67 

then  draw,  and  give  accordingly?  Doubtless  the  good 
Angels  of  Heaven,  would  operate  on  this  Occasion. 

[I  afterwards  here  enter  in  the  margin,  this  Observation : 
I  have  received  a  strange  Direction  from  Heaven  in  taking 
this  way  sometimes  for  the  dispensing  of  my  charities. 
The  Declarations  of  the  releeved  Objects.  How  season- 
ably the  Releefe  came  to  them,  and  how  they  had  been 
looking  up  to  God  for  His  compassions,  having  a  little 
surprised  me!]^ 

27  (f.  2  m.  Friday.  I  sett  apart  this  Day,  for  Prayers, 
and  Alms,  with  Fasting  before  the  Lord;  On  this  Day,  I 
received  the  pardoning  Mercy  of  God,  in  the  Blood  of  my 
Saviour,  with  some  Assurance  of  its  being  applied  unto  me. 

And  I  implored  mercy  for  myself,  and  on  the  Concerns 
of  my  Ministry,  and  my  Family  (resigning  my  Orphans, 
when  they  shall  be  such,  unto  the  faithful  and  wondrous 
Care  of  my  great  Saviour;)  and  the  Concerns  of  my  Min- 
istry ;  and  my  Flock ;  (in  which  there  are  so  many  wicked 
Actions  done,  that  I  find  it  necessary  to  fly  unto  the  great 
Sacrifice  for  the  Congregation,  that  the  Sinners  in  Zion 
may  not  procure  the  Wrath  of  Heaven,  to  break  forth 
against  the  Flock :)  and  our  Land,  and  the  whole  Church, 
in  this  evil  Day  of  the  pouring  out  of  the  seven  last  Plagues 
upon  the  World. 

7.  G.  D.  The  more  shall  I  befriend  the  Interests  of 
Piety  in  my  own  Heart  and  Life,  the  more  I  become  fur- 
nished with  agreeable  Thoughts,  of  a  pious  Tendency,  and 
Prayers  to  be  annexed  unto  the  Actions  that  are  of  a  daily 
Occurrence  with  me;  among  the  rest,  I  do  this  day  par- 
ticularly propose,  that  what  I  have  often  done  heretofore, 
I  will  now  more  exactly,  and  constantly  do,  on  the  Washing 
of  my  Hands.  I  would  on  that  Occasion  alwayes  lift  up 
my  Soul  unto  the  Lord,  with  a  Wish  of  this  Importance; 
Lord,  give  me  the  clean  Hands,  and  the  pure  Heart,  of  them 

*  This  paragraph  is  written  in  the  margin, 


68  DIARYOFCOTTONMATHER 

that  are  to  stand  in  the  Holy  Place  of  the  Lord!    Or,  Lord, 
Deliver  me  and  recover  me,  from  all  sinful  Pollutions! 

1.  [April  29.]  G.  D.  I  greatly  incline,  to  sett  up  a 
monthly  Catechising  of  Children,  at  my  own  House ;  inas- 
much as  I  have  now  visited  all  the  Families  of  my  numerous 
Flock,  and  also  given  my  Visits  unto  the  Schools,  upon 
such  an  Intention.  This  Exercise  if  managed  wisely,  and 
in  a  Way  most  likely  to  take  for  the  Winning  of  Souls,  may 
prove  an  Introduction  to  Abundance  of  Good;  Yea,  it 
may  insensibly  draw  me  on,  to  more  public  Actions,  and 
Lectures,  that  may  be  for  the  Good  of  many.  I  will  humbly 
look  up  to  the  Lord,  for  His  Direction  and  Assistence. 

2()d.  2  w.  Lords-Day.  My  special  Errand  (tho'  I  had 
many)  unto  the  Table  of  the  Lord,  was,  to  consider  that 
my  admirable  Saviour  had  undertaken  and  promised,  to 
make  me  a  man  of  an  excellent  Spirit,  and  had  purchased 
the  vast  Blessing  for  me.  So  I  consented  unto  it,  that  He 
should  accomplish  what  He  had  engaged,  and  purchased; 
and  that  it  should  appear  in  three  glorious  Instances ;  great 
Purity,  great  Patience,  and  great  Fruitfulness :  For  I  was 
very  sensible,  that  I  was  grievously  Defective  in  all  of  these. 

2.  G.  D.  It  may  be  much  for  the  Interest  of  my  little 
Son  Sarnuel,  if  I  send  him  to  learn  to  read,  with  the  Wife, 
of  him  that  is  Master  of  the  Grammar-School,  and  then  the 
Master  of  the  School  may  take  all  Opportunities  to  forward 
him  in  further  Learning. 

3.  G.  D.  What  if  I  should  be  so  communicative,  as  to 
lodge  my  Paterna  a  while  in  the  hands  of  my  Brother-in- 
Law,  Mr.  Walter;  but  with  a  due  Care  to  preserve  Modesty 
and  Concealment?  It  may  sensibly  assist  him  to  discharge 
his  Ministry,  and  improve  in  experimental  Christianity ! 

4.  G.  D.  For  my  more  effectual  Proceeding  upon  my 
midweek  Point-of-Consideration,  I  purpose  to  have  lying 
before  me,  a  more  distinct  List  of  the  several  Places 
abroad  which  are  the  Field  wherein  I  am  to  labour  for  the 


MAY,I7II  69 

Kingdome  of  God,  and  bring  them  all  under  a  successive 
Consideration. 

5.  G.  D.  Thinking,  what  shall  be  done,  relating  to  the 
evangelical  Affayr,  wherein  I  am  concerned  as  one  of 
the  Indian  Commissioners,  I  resolve,  not  only  to  promote 
Prayer  for  the  Success  of  the  Gospel  among  the  Indians, 
every  Time  we  hold  a  Meeting,  but  also  more  than  ever  to 
make  it  an  Article  of  Prayer  in  the  public  Assemblies  of 
Zion,  my  Omission  of  it  has  been  blameable. 

6.  G.  D.  A  Family  in  my  Neighbourhood,  are  in  great 
Affliction,  by  a  Daughter  violently  sett  upon  a  Match,  to 
which  the  Parents  are  as  violently  indisposed.  They  all 
cast  themselves  into  my  Hands  to  help  them;  and  I  will 
gladly  give  what  Help  I  can  unto  them. 

7.  G.  D.  There  are  with  me,  in  common  with  all  the 
Children  of  Men,  the  usual  Evacuations  of  Nature,  to  be 
daily  attended.  I  would  not  only  improve  the  Time  which 
these  call  for,  to  form  some  Thoughts  of  Piety,  wherein  I 
may  differ  from  the  Brutes,  (which  in  the  Actions  them- 
selves I  do  very  little)  and  this  I  have  usually  already  done  ; 
but  I  would  now  more  particularly  study  that  the  Thoughts 
I  form  on  these  Occasions,  may  be  of  some  abasing  Ten- 
dency. The  Actions  themselves  carry  Humiliations  in  them ; 
and  a  Christian  ought  alwayes  to  think  humbly  of  himself, 
and  be  full  of  self-abasing  and  self-abhorring  Reflections. 
By  loathing  of  himself  continually,  and  Being  very  sensible 
of  what  are  his  own  loathsome  Circumstances,  a  Christian 
does  what  is  very  pleasing  to  Heaven.  My  Life  (above 
any  Man's)  ought  to  be  filled  with  such  Things :  and  now 
I  contrive  certain  Spotts  of  Time,  in  which  I  shall  be  by 
Nature  itself  invited  unto  them. 

I.  [May  6.]  G.  D.  There  is  among  the  Communicants 
of  our  church,  a  Number  of  exceeding  wicked  People,  and 
yett  such  as  cannot  easily  be  reached  by  our  Discipline. 
My  Flesh  trembles  for  Fear  of  God,  and  I  am  afraid  lest 


70  DIARY    OF    COTTONMATHER 

His  Judgments  break  forth  againt  the  Flock.  I  will  with 
all  possible  Agony  plead  the  great  Sacrifice  for  the  Congre- 
gation ;  and  plead  in  such  a  Manner  at  the  Lord's-Table, 
as  may  affect  the  Minds  of  the  whole  Church,  but  especially 
touch  the  Consciences  of  the  guilty  Sinners  in  Zion.  But 
I  must  not  ly  still.  I  will  study  the  best  Wayes  I  can,  to 
recover  the  Wicked  out  of  their  Miscarriages,  or  to  remove 
the  accursed  Things. 

2.  G.  D.  Questions  of  this  Importance  putt  unto  the 
children  every  Night ;  when  we  are  parting  from  one  an- 
other with  the  concluding  Devotions ;  Child,  have  you  sought 
the  Face  of  God,  and  read  His  word,  this  Day?  How  have  you 
spent  your  Time  to  Day?  What  Good  have  you  done  today? 
These  might  produce  happy  Effects  upon  the  Children. 

3.  G.  D.  I  find  a  new  Kinsman,  (Mr.  'E/xiyyvai)  1  a 
Minister  of  the  Gospel  in  Dublin.  I  would  entertain  a 
serviceable  Correspondence  with  him,  and  send  him  such 
Letters  and  Packets  as  may  do  Services  for  the  Kingdome 
of  God  in  those  Parts  of  the  World. 

4.  G.  D.  The  Colledge  at  Connecticut,  languishes  for 
Want  of  a  President.  I  have  a  Gentleman  in  my  Eye, 
who,  I  hope,  would  prove  a  Blessing  to  them.  And  by  my 
Letters  to  the  Government  there,  I  endeavour  to  recomend 
him  unto  such  a  Station. 

5.  G.  D.  In  Conversation  with  the  Representatives  of 
the  Town,  lett  me  project  and  putt  them  upon  projecting, 
what  Services  may  be  done  for  the  Public,  in  the  General 
Assembly. 

6.  G.  D.  Among  other  Objects  of  Charity,  for  whose 
Releef  I  am  daily  contriving,  I  would  particularly  be  thought- 
ful on  one  at  Wenham;  a  Woman  under  great  Necessities, 
(with  her  sickly  Husband)  related  unto  a  wealthy  Gentle- 
woman, who  lately  died  in  this  Place,  and  left  her  Wealth 
unto  Children  that  are  willing  to  do  for  the  Poor. 

'  Hemmingway. 


M  A  Y  ,     I  7  I  I  71 

7,  G.  D.  Sometimes  I  have  kind  Presents  made  unto 
me.  I  must  therein  see  the  Kindness  of  God.  But  I  would 
thereby  alwayes  be  drawn  to  more  particular  Acknowledg- 
ments and  Resolutions;  and  such  as  may  be  most  agreeably 
awakened  by  the  Quality  of  the  Presents.  I  would  think, 
What  good  Thing  should  that  Man  wish,  and  what  good  Thing 
should  he  do,  whom  God  obliges,  by  bestowing  such  Things 
upon  him  ?  And  I  would  alwayes  add  a  Reflection  on  the 
Humiliation  of  my  dear  JESUS,  who  wanted  such  Things, 
and  mett  with  barbarous  Ingratitude  from  an  evil  World. 

I  was  willing  to  make  a  good  Use  of  much  Evil  occur- 
ring in  the  World,  and  especially  of  the  strange  Punish- 
ments inflicted  by  God  on  many  Sinners  in  the  World, 
and  most  especially  of  the  Things  befalling  the  Sea-farring 
Tribe  ;  and  to  warn  this  Tribe  of  men  in  a  singular  Manner ; 
as  also  to  stir  up  all  Men  in  their  several  Capacities  to 
bear  due  Testimonies  against  prevailing  and  outrageous 
Wickedness.  Upon  such  Intentions,  about  this  Time,  I 
published  a  Book  under  this  Title;  Compassions  called 
FOR.  An  Essay,  of  profitable  Reflections  on  miserable  Spec- 
tacles. To  which  is  added,  A  faithful  Relation  of  some  late 
but  strange  occurrences,  that  call  for  an  awful  and  useful 
Consideration.  Especially,  the  surprising  Distresses  and 
Deliverances  of  a  company  Lately  Shipwrecked,  on  a  desolate 
Rock,  on  the  Coast  of  N.  E.^ 

12/13  ^-  3  ^-  [-^ct^-]  Satureday/ Lords-Day.  This  Night 
I  visited  Heaven,  in  a  comfortable  Vigil. 

Herein  I  beleeved  and  received  the  pardoning  Mercy  of 
God,  and  the  Blood  of  my  Saviour  purchasing  my  Pardon. 
I  proceeded  then  to  mention  certain  Desires  before  the 
Lord.  I  pleaded  that  Word  of  my  admirable  Saviour; 
//  yee  abide  in  me,  and  my  Words  abide  in  you,  yee  shall 

'  Printed  by  B.  Green  for  Eleazer  Phillips,  1711.  The  vessel  was  the  Notting- 
ham Galley,  wrecked  on  Boone  Island.  The  narrative  of  the  shipwreck,  obtained 
from  Captain  John  Dean,  a  survivor,  is  appended. 


72  DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

ask  what  yee  wiU,  and  it  shall  he  done  unto  you.  I  consid- 
ered the  Articles  of  my  Abiding  in  my  dear  JESUS,  and 
having  his  Words  abiding  in  me,  and  my  Heart  closed  with 
them.  Then  I  declared,  that  His  Will  should  be  my  Will; 
I  would  have  no  Will  of  my  owti  ;  I  entirely  left  unto  Him, 
as  my  Advocate,  the  Prosecution  of  what  He  will,  on  my 
behalf.  Yett  I  proceeded  then  to  mention  some  Things 
that  I  should  be  glad  of.  Particularly,  my  Defence  from 
the  Floods  of  the  Ungodly  that  make  me  afraid.  I  men- 
tion'd  several  other  Desires ;  and  especially  this ;  that 
the  Holy  Spirit  may  fall  on  my  poor  Flock,  and  may  do 
wondrously ! 

The  most  agreeable  Psalms  in  the  world,  are  strangely 
brought  unto  me  in  these  my  Vigils,  at  my  first  Opening 
of  the  Psalter.  The  lxxi  Psalm  this  Night,  so  occurring, 
afforded  me  Songs  in  the  Night. 

1.  [May  13.]  G.  D.  This  would  I  do  for  my  Flock.  I 
would  in  extraordinary  Prayers,  and  particularly  in  Vigils, 
cry  to  the  Lord  for  a  powerful  and  wonderful  Effusion  of 
His  Holy  Spirit,  on  my  poor  People,  especially  on  the  young 
People ;  that  He  would  breath  upon  them,  with  a  mighty 
Operation  in  His  Ordinances,  and  not  withdraw  from  His 
Institutions.  When  they  are  all  asleep,  thus  would  I  be 
watching  and  praying  and  weeping  to  Heaven  for  them. 

2.  G.  D.  When  any  one  of  my  Children  is  touched 
with  any  Illness,  I  would  make  that  an  Occasion  for  Admo- 
nitions unto  all  the  rest ;  that  they  should  be  thankful  to 
God  for  their  Health,  and  serve  him  in  the  Time  of  their 
Health ;  And  that  they  should  be  sensible  of  their  being 
obnoxious  to  the  early  Stroke  of  Death,  and  pray  for  Life, 
but  prepare  for  Death.  Who  can  tell,  how  far  the  Lord 
may  sanctify  such  Admonitions! 

3.  G.  D.  There  is  one  become  a  Preacher  in  this  Town, 
who  has  been  a  false,  base,  mischievous  Tale-bearer  and 
Slanderer.    And  tho'  he  has  ow'd  his  Improvement  and 


M  A  Y  ,     I  7  I  I  73 

Subsistence  very  much  to  me,  yett  he  has  ingratefully  made 
me  an  Object  of  his  Calumnies  and  Injuries.  I  will  en- 
deavour still  to  treat  him  with  Goodness,  and  the  Wrongs 
I  have  suffered  from  him,  shall  but  suppress  and  restrain 
the  Character  which  else  I  should  give  of  him  unto  the 
Neighbourhood. 

4.  G.  D.  By  writing  some  agreeable  Things  to  some 
considerable  Men  in  Holland,  particularly  in  the  Univer- 
sities there,  and  by  sending  some  Treatises  thither,  many 
good  Ends  may  be  accomplished,  and  Services  done  for  the 
Kingdome  of  God. 

Yea,  I  would  send  my  Orphano-trophium  and  some 
other  such  Things,  with  a  present  of  Gold,  as  far  as  the 
lower  Saxony,  for  the  use  of  the  University,  and  the  Orphan- 
house  there. 

5.  G.  D.  In  the  General  Society  for  Reformation,  I 
would  move,  that  a  Master  of  good  Pen,  would  still  Note, 
what  is  on  each  Point  of  Consideration  proposed  and  pur- 
posed ;  and  that  it  be  still  read  over  at  the  next  Meeting, 
and  enquired  how  far  tis  proceeded  in. 

6.  G.  D.  Here  are  some  Families,  in  Pain  and  Fear 
(and  with  extream  Reason,)  that  their  Friends  abroad  are 
miscarried.  I  would  visit  them  and  comfort  them,  with 
pure  Religion  and  undefiled. 

7.  G.  D.  Every  Present  that  is  made  unto  me,  or  mine, 
I  would  look  upon  it,  as  coming  from  the  Hand  of  God ; 
immediately  pay  some  Acknowledgment  unto  Him ;  and 
consider,  To  what  special  Duty  or  Service  of  Religion,  should 
I  he  by  this  awakened  ? 

1.  [May  20.]  G.  D.  So  many  Losses  abroad  at  Sea,  are 
multiplied  unto  my  Neighbours,  that  I  must  use  a  fresh 
Contrivance  and  Endeavour,  to  suit  their  Case  in  my 
public  Ministry,  and  make  them  Gainers  by  what  has 
befallen  them. 

2.  G.  D,    My  little  Son  Samuel,  has  Iain  all  the  last 


74  DIARYOFCOTTONMATHER 

week,  dangerously  sick  of  a  Feavour.  I  made  the  Sickness 
of  the  Child,  an  Occasion  of  Supplications,  Humiliations, 
Resignations.  Thro'  the  Favour  of  God,  the  Child  is  now 
upon  a  Recovery. 

I  would  with  all  possible  Artifice  now  insinuate  into  the 
young  Child,  the  Admonitions  of  Piety,  and  make  him 
know,  what  the  glorious  Lord,  that  makes  him  well,  does 
expect  from  him. 

3.  G.  D.  It  is  not  only  a  Time  of  Affliction,  but  also 
like  to  be  a  Time  of  much  Temptation,  with  a  foolish  and 
faulty  Kinsman  of  Mine,  who  has  lately  buried  his  Wife: 
(NadavaeX  Kovei.)  1  I  would  therefore  apply  myself  to  him 
with  suitable  Admonitions ;  and  more  than  ever  watch  over 
him,  to  do  him  good. 

4.  G.  D.  Having  some  epistolar  Conversation  with  Mr. 
De  Foe,  I  would  in  my  Letters  unto  him,  excite  him  to 
apply  himself  unto  the  work  of  collecting  and  publishing 
an  History  of  the  Persecutions  which  the  Dissenters  have 
undergone  from  the  Ch[urch]  of  E[ngland].  And  give  him 
some  Directions  about  the  Work.  It  may  be  a  Work  of 
manifold  Usefulness. 

5.  G.  D.  The  Ministers  of  the  Province  in  their  anni- 
versary Meeting  at  the  Time  for  the  Election  of  our  Coun- 
sellors, ought  to  have  a  Question  gott  ready  for  them  to 
discourse  upon.  The  Qusestion  which  I  would  prepare  and 
propose  for  them,  is  this: 

What  may  we  perceive  arising  in  any  Part  of  the  Coun- 
trey,  which  may  injure  or  threaten  the  Interests  of  Piety; 
and  what  may  we  propose,  for  the  preventing  of  such  Evils, 
and  the  preserving  of  our  best  Interests? 

6.  G.  D.  When  I  send  unto  Dr.  Franckius  in  the  Lower 
Saxony,  I  would  enclose  a  Present  of  Gold,  for  his  Orphan- 
house,  which  may  be  to  the  Value  of  four  or  five  Pounds 
in  that  Countrey. 

'  Nathaniel  Coney  ? 


MA  Y,     I  7  I  I  75 

2$d.  T,m.  Friday.  This  Day  I  sett  apart  for  Prayers, 
and  Psalms,  and  Alms,  with  Fasting,  before  the  Lord ;  that 
I  might  renew  my  Confession  of  my  Corruptions,  and  Mis- 
carriages, and  obtain  a  Pardon  thro'  the  Blood  of  the  great 
Sacrifice,  and  obtain  Grace  with  a  fresh  Consent  unto  the 
Influences  of  my  Saviour  in  the  Covenant  of  Grace,  to 
glorify  God  with  a  more  heavenly  Piety,  and  walk  more 
exactly  in  the  Fear  of  God.  And,  that  I  might  entreat 
the  Favour  of  Heaven  on  my  Ministry,  and  Family,  and 
on  His  People,  the  great  Concerns  whereof,  in  this  day  of 
doubtful  Expectation,  I  laid  before  Him, 

7.  G.  D.  I  would  anatomically  and  particularly  consider, 
every  Part  of  my  Body,  and  with  as  explicit  an  Ingenuity 
as  may  be,  consider  the  several  Actions,  and  Uses  thereof ; 
and  then  go  on  to  consider,  on  what  Methods  I  may  serve 
my  glorious  Lord  with  them,  and  in  what  Regards  the  Ser- 
vice done  by  them,  is  to  be  a  Service  for  the  Lord.  These 
Considerations  must  be  accompanied  with  Consecrations, 
and  Satisfactions,  entreating  the  Lord,  that  He  would  accept 
my  Body,  as  being  employ'd  for  Him,  in  these  Applications, 
and  preserve  me  from  ever  perverting  my  Body,  unto  any 
Employments  forbidden  by  Him.  As  I  would  sett  apart 
some  Times  for  an  effectual  Management  of  this  holy  Exer- 
cise, thus  I  would  occasionally  be  awakened  unto  something 
of  it,  when  I  suffer  any  Pain  or  Disorder  in  any  Parts  of 
my  Body.  Herein  I  would  propose,  not  only  to  have  my 
Body  more  notably,  made  a  Temple  of  God,  but  also  to 
praepare  for  a  blessed  Resurrection  of  this  Body  from  the 
Dead  by  the  Saviour  of  the  Body. 

I.  [May  2 J.]  G.  D.  Many  Strangers  come  among  us ; 
I  would  in  my  Ministry,  as  well  as  my  Exemple,  mightily 
press  it  on  my  Neighbourhood,  that  they  would  not  only 
maintain  the  Practice  of  religious  Duties,  but  also  treat 
the  Strangers  with  such  unspotted  Honesty,  and  such  oblig- 
ing Courtesy,  as  may  recommend  our  holy  Religion  unto 


70  DIARY    OFCOTTONMATHER 

them,  and  give  them  Cause  to  bless  God  for  bringing  them 
into  such  a  Place  as  this. 

27  (/.  3  m.  Lords-Day.  My  Errands  unto  the  Table  of 
the  Lord  were  these. 

First :  (And  at  the  Administration  of  the  First  Element)  I  con- 
sidered, the  Blessedness  of  the  heavenly  World,  as  purchased  and 
obtained  for  me  by  my  admirable  Sa\iour.  Then  I  received  Him  as 
the  Purchaser,  and  Promiser,  and  Bestower  of  that  admirable  Blessed- 
ness. Whereupon  I  assured  myself  of  my  Interest  in  it ;  and  I  pro- 
ceeded then,  to  take  up  the  Resolutions  of  a  patient,  fruitful,  heavenly 
Life ;  and  the  Dispositions  of  Love  to  my  Saviour,  who  had  been  the 
Author  of  eternal  Salvation  to  me. 

Secondly :  (And  at  the  Administration  of  the  second  Element ;) 
I  considered  certain  spiritual  Sins  in  my  Soul,  the  Desires  of  the 
Mind,  as  well  as  of  the  Flesh,  which  unfitted  me  for  the  heavenly 
Blessedness.  I  beheld  the  Blood  of  my  Saviour,  as  purchasing  for 
me  a  Deliverance  from  these  Corruptions ;  and  upon  this  blessed  and 
holy  Intention  I  received  it.  Hereupon  I  cried  unto  the  Lord,  that 
I  might  be  delivered,  first,  from  all  pride ;  secondly ;  from  all  ten- 
dencies to  envy  at  the  Prosperity  of  other  Men ;  thirdly ;  from  all 
Earthly-mindedness,  or  Inclination  to  seek  Satisfaction  in  the  Things 
of  this  World.  While  I  spent  my  Thoughts  and  Cries  on  each  of 
these  Corruptions,  I  meditated  on  the  contrary  Dispositions  of  my 
Saviour,  which  were  expressed,  when  He  came  to  shed  His  Blood 
for  my  Salvation  from  such  Things  as  these.  In  this  way  I  hoped 
for  the  Cure  of  them. 

2.  G.  D.  I  am  full,  full  of  Distress,  concerning  my 
little  Son  Increase;  lest  some  vicious  and  wicked  Lads  do 
corrupt  him  and  ensnare  him.  I  will  not  only  forewarn 
him  of  their  Company,  but  with  all  possible  Watchfulness 
also  find  out  what  Company  he  keeps :  and  see  that  it  be 
the  wisest  I  can  find  for  him.  And  I  will  cry  mightily  to 
God  for  the  Child.  O  my  God,  my  God;  give  to  my  Son 
Increase,  a  changed  Heart;  a  perfect  Heart  and  a  gracious! 

3.  G.  D.  I  have  a  Kinswoman  at  Glocester,  who  is 
very  poor  and  low,  and  aged.     (Ivfiovhs.)^    I  will  send 

'  Elizabeth,  widow  of  Harlakenden  Symonds. 


juNE,i7ii  77 

her,  with  an  agreeable  Book  of  Piety,  some  Releef  of  her 
Necessities. 

4.  G.  D.  In  the  Assembly  of  the  Ministers  from  all 
parts  of  the  Province,  I  design  to  propose  many  Things  of 
great  Consequence  for  the  pubHc  Welfare. 

But  then,  I  would  also  pursue  a  Proposal,  that  a  Com- 
mittee of  proper  Persons,  be  appointed  upon  each  Article, 
to  consider  it,  and  cultivate  it,  and  bring  it  forward  with 
a  desireable  Efficacy. 

5.  G.  D.  What  Things  may  be  proposed  among  the 
Ministers,  may  be  some  of  them  also,  very  agreeably  pro- 
posed in  the  Societies  for  Suppressing  of  Disorders.  And 
these  may  do  their  Parts  about  many  of  those  Things. 

6.  G.  D.  There  are  two  godly  Widowes  in  poor  and 
low  circumstances,  living  together  in  my  Neighbourhood, 
(ne/DKtt'9  and  ^dvav)  1  whom  I  will  take  into  my  more 
peculiar  Care,  to  visit  them,  and  releeve  them,  and  see  that 
they  want  nothing  that  may  be  good  for  them. 

.  7.  G.  D.  There  is  nothing  of  more  Consequence  to  my 
Safety  and  Welfare,  than  a  constant  Strain,  of  the  most  self 
abasing  Humility.  Wherefore,  I  would  constantly  chase  all 
vain  Thoughts,  and  vainglorious  Ones  out  of  my  Mind,  with 
the  greatest  Abhorrence  of  them.  And  if  at  any  Time  I  be- 
gin to  look  upon  any  of  my  Circumstances  which  may  carry 
in  them  any  Temptation  to  Pride,  I  will  presently  ballance 
them  with  some  other  of  my  Circumstances  (and  alas,  I  have 
enough  of  these !)  that  have  sufficient  Humiliations  in  them. 
I.  [June  3.]  G.  D.  The  Church  whereof  I  am  the 
Servant,  is  distinguished  by  God,  with  some  singular  Cir- 
cumstances of  Honour  and  Figure.  It  shall  be  improved 
by  me,  and  I  will  endeavour  that  they  may  also  improve 
it,  as  an  Awakening  unto  us,  to  be  a  people  of  singular 
Piety  and  Sanctity,  and  Fruitfulness,  and  an  Exemple  to 
all  the  People  of  God  in  the  Land. 

*  Perkins  and  Vaughan. 


78  DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

2.  G.  D.  The  Consideration  of  bringing  my  eldest 
Daughter  into  the  married  State,  now  she  is  arrived  unto 
such  Maturity,  and  has  enjoyed  so  poHte  an  Education, 
is  a  Thing,  that  -will  now  engage  my  more  than  ordinary 
Supplications  to  the  Lord. 

3.  G.  D.  There  is  in  my  Neighbourhood  an  ingenious 
Gentlewoman,  my  Sister-in-Law,  (Mrs.  Sapa  KXap/c,)  1  with 
whom  I  have  a  frequent  Conversation.  The  Lord  has  given 
me,  I  think,  a  great  and  undeserved  Esteem  \A'ith  her.  I 
would  at  all  Times  render  my  Conversation  useful  to  her ; 
never  take  a  Dish  of  Tea  with  her,  without  pursuing  some 
holy  Intention.  And  I  would  particularly  excite  and  assist, 
at  this  Time,  her  Preparations  for  Approaches  to  the  Table 
of  the  Lord. 

4.  G.  D.  I  would  do  my  part  in  presenting  to  our 
General  Assembly,  a  Memorial,  proposing  three  Things  of 
common  Concernment  and  Benefit.  First,  That  the  Grants 
of  new  Praecincts,  might  be  limited  unto  such  Numbers 
of  Inhabitants,  as  may  be  Capable  of  supporting  the  evan- 
gelical Ministry ;  and  inclined  and  resolved  to  do  it,  com- 
fortably. Secondly,  that  the  prudent  Projection  formerly 
ofifered,  and  in  some  Towns  already  practised,  may  be  now 
enforced  upon  all ;  To  cast  the  Tax  for  the  Salary  of  the 
Ministry,  into  one  Bundle  of  [  ]  with  what  is  made 
for  the  other  Town-charges.  Thirdly.  That  the  care  of 
our  paganizing  Plantations,  may  be  revived. 

5.  G.  D.  Among  the  Commissioners  of  the  Indian- 
affayrs,  there  are  diverse  good  Things  to  be  quickly  sett 
on  foot.  I  also  stirr  up  such  of  the  Representatives,  as  I 
am  acquainted  withal,  to  forward  on  the  General  Assembly 
many  good  Things,  for  the  Welfare  of  the  Province.  Espe- 
cially the  three  Things  proposed  in  the  former  Paragraph. 

6.  G.  D.  There  are  some  old  Professors  of  Religion  in 
my  Neighbourhood,  that  are  fallen  into  the  way  of  drink- 

*  Sarah  Clark. 


juNE,i7ii  79 

ing  to  Excess.  Their  Intoxications  begin  to  be  observed ; 
there  is  Danger  lest  they  hasten  upon  themselves  Rebukes 
and  Censures  from  the  Church  of  God ;  and  their  Souls 
are  in  the  mean  time  horribly  wounded.  I  would  consult 
with  some  Discreet  and  pious  Neighbours,  the  best  way  to 
admonish  them,  so  as  to  recover  them. 

7.  G.  D.  Tho'  my  Life  be  filled  '"(after  my  poor  Man- 
ner) with  continual  Services,  yett  I  have  now  litt  upon  a 
noble  Way,  very  much  to  increase  the  Number  of  them. 
When  I  behold  any  Services  to  the  Kingdome  of  the  glorious 
One,  done  by  any  one  whomsoever,  I  will  rejoice  in  them, 
and  I  will  give  Thanks  to  Him  for  them,  and  I  will  be 
pleas'd  with,  and  glad  of,  the  Use  He  makes  of  other  Men. 
As  a  Complacency,  will  involve  men  in  a  Fellowship  with 
the  Sins  of  other  men  ;  their  unfruitful  Works  of  Darkness ; 
thus  a  Complacency  will  interest  men  in  the  Services  done 
by  other  Men;  in  the  Consolations  thereof;  perhaps  in 
the  Recompences. 

1.  [June  ID.]  G.  D.  Worldly-mindedness,  the  PrcBcip- 
uuni  crimen  humani  Generis;  there  is  nothing  my  Flock 
is  more  in  danger  of.  I  must  preach  upon  it,  yett  more 
searchingly,  more  livelily ;  and  show  them  the  Snares  of 
Death,  which  they  are  in  danger  of. 

2.  G.  D.  My  dear  Katy  being  fallen  into  an  ill  State 
of  Health,  I  must  not  only  apply  myself  to  the  best  Methods 
for  the  Recovery  of  the  Health  she  has  lost,  but  also 
improve  the  Occasion,  for  her  Quickening  to  the  greatest 
Points  of  Christianity. 

And  for  all  my  Family,  at  my  Parting  with  them,  when 
I  go  to  my  Rest,  (and  sing  my  Song  of  the  Night  with 
them,)  I  would  not  only  still  enquire,  how  they  have  spent 
their  Time  in  the  Day ;  but  also  contrive  to  utter  some 
Sentence,  which  I  may  leave  with  them,  as  worthy  to  be 
remembred  and  applied,  in  the  Conduct  of  their  Lives. 

3.  G.  D.    As  I  would  bestow  a  new  Suit  of  Cloathes 


8o  DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

on  a  little  Nephew,  who  is  an  Orphan;  so  I  have  a  Neece, 
in  whose  Conduct,  there  are  some  Vanities  and  Fooleries, 
whereof  she  needs  to  be  admonished ;  and  I  would  endeavour 
for  her  the  most  engaging  and  efifectual  Admonitions. 

4.  G.  D.  From  the  Disposition  of  Things  in  the  Otto- 
man Empire,  I  have  a  confirmed  Hope,  that  things  may- 
have  a  Tendency  towards  a  great  Revolution.  I  have  much 
at  heart  the  Condition  of  the  poor  Greek  Churches,  and 
the  Millions  of  Christians  languishing  under  the  Oppres- 
sions of  that  Empire.  I  would  not  only  cry  much  to  God 
for  their  Deliverance,  but  also  excite  and  bespeak  Prayers 
in  all  the  Churches  throughout  this  Countrey  for  them. 

5.  G.  D.  Tis  a  Time  of  more  than  ordinary  Resort 
of  Strangers  to  this  Town.  It  requires  a  more  than  ordi- 
nary Study,  to  preserve  the  Morals  of  our  people,  from 
Corruption  at  such  a  Time.  I  would  move,  both  among 
the  Ministers,  and  in  the  Societies,  what  may  be  done. 

6.  G.  D.  There  is  a  woman  in  my  Neighbourhood,  full 
of  Afflictions  and  of  Difficulties,  in  regard  of  her  Husband, 
entangled  with  another  Woman,  with  whom  he  has  de- 
bauched himself  in  another  Countrey.  I  will  do  what  I 
can  to  support  her,  and  advise  her;  but  I  would  particu- 
larly write  unto  her  Husband,  such  Things  as  may  have  a 
Tendency  to  bring  him  home,  and  unto  Repentance. 

7.  G.  D.  Whenever  I  encounter  with  any  Thing  that 
is  not  as  I  would  have  it,  (any  crooked  Thing,)  I  would 
look  on  it  as  a  Call  from  Heaven,  to  entertain  a  Thought 
of  this  Importance;  My  Will  is  crossed;  hut  what  partic- 
ular Instance  of  my  Contradiction  and  Disobedience  to  the 
Will  of  God,  should  this  Affliction  lead  me  to  consider  of? 
Both  Repentance  and  Patience  may  be  produced  by  this 
Consideration. 

I.  [June  17.]  G.  D.  God  renews  His  Calls  unto  me, 
to  do  some  special  Service  for  Him,  in  catechising  the 
Children  of  the  Flock.     I  would  hasten  into  the  Service; 


JUNE,I7II  8i 

but  I  would  contrive  a  sweet  Variety  of  obliging  and  en- 
gaging Circumstances  to  attend  it ;  which  call  for  some 
further  Consideration.  My  God,  I  look  up  unto  thee  for 
thy  Conduct! 

2.  G.  D.  I  must  not  only  know  that  my  Children 
maintain  the  Religion  of  the  Closet,  but  also  know  what 
they  pray  for  there.  I  would  therefore  not  only  oblige 
them  to  write  the  Desires  of  their  Prayers  in  general,  but 
also  assign  them  the  several  Subjects  on  which  they  are  to 
employ  their  Prayers,  and  successively  have  them  to  write 
down  their  Petitions  on  each  of  those  Articles.  ^ 

One  to  whom  I  am  a  little  related,  has  a  great  Interest 
in  him  that  is  now  the  greatest  Man  in  Britain.  I  will 
write  unto  him  earnestly  to  improve  his  Interest  in  that 
great  Man,  and  putt  him  on  doing  of  great  and  good  Things 
for  Mankind. 

About  this  Time,  that  I  might  serve  the  Cause  of  God 
and  of  Truth,  both  at  home  and  abroad,  I  took  the  Testi- 
mony to  the  Doctrines  of  Grace,  formerly  published,  and  a 
Chapter  in  the  Supplies  from  the  Tower  of  David  relating 
thereto,  and  contrived  them  into  a  single  Sheet,  (adding 
an  advantageous  Circumstance,  of  a  Quotation  from  Dr. 
Edwards,  and  a  Dedication  to  him.)  and  I  printed  it,  espe- 
cially to  be  dispersed  in  the  Southern  Colonies,  where  the 
Christians  cry  for  Help  against  the  Pelagian  Encroach- 
ments. It  is  entituled,  The  old  Pathes  restored.  A 
brief  Demonstration,  that  the  Doctrines  of  Grace,  hitherto 
preserved  in  the  Churches  of  the  Non-conformists,  are  not 
only  asserted  in  the  Sacred  Scriptures,  hut  also  in  the  Articles 
and  Homilies  of  the  Church  of  England ;  And  that  the  Gen- 
eral Departure  from  those  Doctrines,  especially  in  those  who 
have  subscribed  them,  is  a  most  unaccountable  Apostasy."^ 

4.   G.  D.     There  seems  one  Thing  much  wanting,  to 

'  Six  lines  were  here  struck  out  in  the  MS. 

2  Printed  by  T.  Green,  171 1.     A  London  edition  appeared  in  17 13. 
II -6 


82  DIARYOFCOTTONMATHER 

the  Devotions  of  Christianity,  among  the  Professors  of 
it;  that  is,  the  Gospel  of  the  Rainbow.  That  Meteor  is 
a  Spectacle  and  a  Sacrament,  which  the  Holy  Lord  has 
afforded  and  appointed,  for  the  Encouragement  of  our 
Faith,  in  many  glorious  Articles.  And  the  Minds  of  Men 
may  be  awakened  from  it  unto  excellent  Points  of  Piety. 
I  will  take  the  Subject  under  my  Consideration,  and 
endeavour  with  the  Help  of  Heaven,  to  cultivate  it,  and 
prosecute  it,  for  general  Edification.^ 

5.  G.  D.  My  Treatise  of  Manly  Christianity,  which  I 
have  just  now  received  from  London,  (where  it  was  lately 
printed,)  I  would  procure  to  be  read  in  many  of  the  private 
Meetings ;  as  containing  Things  which  are  of  great  Impor- 
tance to  be  inculcated  on  our  Christians. 

And  my  Old  Pathes,  I  would  endeavour  to  gett  into 
the  Hands  of  the  Students  at  the  CoUedge,  that  so  the 
Doctrines  of  Grace  may  be  preserved  there. 

About  this  Time  I  have  another  Treatise,  in  the  Press. 
The  Discourse,  I  delivered  on  the  Occasion  of  the  Child, 
who  was  crush'd  to  Death,  two  Months  ago,  has  been  desired 
of  me.  I  have  accordingly  fitted  it  for  the  Press ;  in  Hopes 
to  do  Good  among  all  Sorts,  but  especially  our  younger 
People.  It  is  entituled,  Perswasions  from  the  Terror 
OF  THE  Lord.  A  Sermofi  concerning  the  Day  of  Judgment; 
preached  on  a  Soletnn  Occasion.'^ 

6.  G.  D.  There  is  a  poor  Widow  in  my  Neighbourhood, 
whom  I  would  invite  and  oblige,  to  be  at  least  one  Day 
in  a  Week  at  my  Table ;  besides  what  I  have  every  Lord's- 
Day. 

22  d.  4  w.  Friday.  This  Day  I  sett  apart  for  Prayers 
and  Alms  with  Fasting  before  the  Lord.  My  Occasions  for 
such  Duties  grow  upon  me,  in  the  critical  Time,  come  upon 
the  Countrey,  by  a  vast  Undertaking  to  subdue  the  Col- 

*  Sewall  also  has  an  entry  on  the  rainbow,  June  30.    Diary,  11.  318. 
'  Printed  by  T.  Green,  171 1.    See  p.  64,  supra. 


J  U  N  E  ,     I  7  I  I  83 

onies  of  our  Northern  Enemies ; '  and  in  the  sickly  State 
of  my  eldest  Daughter. 

It  proved  unto  me  a  Day  of  no  great  Enjoyments. 

7.  G.  D.  The  Disposition  with  which  I  enquire  after 
Newes,  needs  a  little  more  of  Regulation,  and  of  Sublima- 
tion. I  desire,  that  when  I  make  that  enquiry;  What 
occurs  remarkable?  it  may  be  with  a  Disposition  and  a 
Resolution  to  form,  if  it  may  be,  some  Lesson  of  Piety  upon 
the  Answer ;  and  putt  this  Lesson,  into  a  Wish  presently 
and  silently  sent  up  to  Heaven.  And  if  it  be  proper,  to 
mention  unto  the  Company,  that  Reflection  which  I  would 
have  to  be  made  upon  it. 

23/24  d.  4  m.  I  attended  something  of  a  Vigil  this 
Night  before  the  Lord.  The  main  Thing,  I  begg'd,  pros- 
trate in  the  Dust,  was,  that  I  may  first  know  the  Glory  of 
my  dear  Jesus,  and  then  be  alwayes  acknowledging  His 
Glory ;  and  then  be  the  happy  Instrument  of  bringing  many 
others  into  the  Acknowledgments  thereof.  Hereupon,  I 
was  assured,  that  I  loved  Him,  and  I  grew  into  a  joyful 
Assurance,  that  He  loves  me,  who  am  yett  the  Chief  of 
Sinners,  and  will  do  wondrous  Things  for  me.  Next,  I 
cried  unto  Him,  for  shelter  against  my  Enemies.  I  cried 
unto  Him  also,  for  wonderful  Effusions  of  His  Grace,  on 
my  Flock,  and  on  my  own  poor  Children.  Lastly,  I  begg'd 
of  Him  for  Illumination  and  Satisfaction,  in  the  true  Evi- 
dencing of  the  late  strange  Extasies  and  Prophecies,  which 
first  South  France,  and  then  both  Parts  of  Great  Britain, 
have  been  alarumed  withal,  and  entertained  with  so  much 
Derision :  That  I  may  comply  with  the  Will  of  God  in 
such  Things ;  but  be  preserved  from  Delusions. 

I.  [June  24.]  G.  D.  I  would  proceed,  not  only  in  con- 
sidering the  several  Callings  of  the  People  in  my  Flock,  but 
also,  the  different  Ages,  Estates,  and  Sexes,  and  suit  them, 
with  my  public  Discourses. 

'  See  Sewall,  Diary,  n.  316. 


84  DIARYOFCOTTONMATHER 

24  d.  4  m.  Lords-Day.  My  Errands  to  the  Table  of  the 
Lord,  were,  first,  to  seal  my  Consent  unto  the  Covenant 
made  between  the  great  God,  and  my  dear  Saviour  for  me. 
And,  secondly,  to  beg  for  that  grand  Blessedness  engaged  in 
the  Covenant,  that  I  should  have  the  Grace  to  do  the  Will 
of  God  in  every  good  work ;  for,  I  look  on  all  my  Duties  to 
be  indeed  but  so  many  Blessings. 

2.  G.  D.  I  have  some  Thoughts,  of  putting  my  Daugh- 
ter Katharin,  on  writing  brief  Essayes  of  Piety,  on  such 
agreeable  Subjects,  as  I  may  from  Time  to  Time  assign 
unto  her.  Who  can  tell,  of  what  use  these  Essayes  may 
prove,  to  the  Interests  [of]  Religion? 

3.  G.  D.  I  must  not  give  over,  but  renew  my  Appli- 
cations to  a  kind  Kinsman,  (Mr.  Koi^ei)  until  I  have 
prevailed  with  him,  not  only  to  give  up  himself  unto  the 
Lord,  but  also  unto  the  People  of  God,  and  come  to  the 
Fellowship  of  His  holy  Table. 

4.  G.  D.  Having  received  a  Collection  of  good  and  great 
Things  doing  of  later  years  in  Germany,  (excellent  Advances 
of  the  Kingdome  of  God,)  I  think  it  may  not  only  glorify  God, 
in  the  Praises  of  His  People,  but  also  animate  the  like  Things 
among  ourselves,  to  pubhsh  it  unto  the  Countrey. 

5.  G.  D.  I  have  an  intimate  Friend,  who  is  arrived 
and  admitted  unto  a  great  Intimacy,  with  the  greatest 
Minister  of  State  in  the  Nation.*  I  would  earnestly  write 
unto  him,  to  improve  this  Advantage,  for  the  doing  of  the 
most  extensive  Services  that  are  possible  unto  such  good 
Interests  as  he  may  think  upon. 

6.  G.  F.  There  is  a  poor,  pious,  praying  Woman, 
(AXXet')2  a  Widow,  that  lives  by  a  continual  Supply  sent 
in  from  a  Charity,  which  Heaven  directs,  in  answer  to  her 
Supplications.  I  will  take  a  particular  Care,  that  she  be 
well  and  oft  supplied. 

'  Sir  Robert  Walpole  is  probably  here  intended,  as  also  on  p.  81,  supra. 
« Allen. 


jULY.iyii  85 

7.  G.  D.  I  would  alwayes  have  about  me  some  little 
Matters,  (as  Pennies,  or  Fruits,  or  Paints,)  proper  to  be 
bestow'd  on  little  Children,  And  in  the  bestowing  of  them, 
I  would  alwayes  endeavour  to  commend  some  Lesson  of 
Piety,  to  be  remembred,  with  them :  and  the  more  likely 
to  be  remembred,  for  the  Token  that  accompanies  them. 

1.  [July  I.]  G.  D.  Tis  a  Time,  in  which  there  is  a 
vast  Access  of  Strangers  to  the  Town.^  It  is  probable,  that 
they  may,  some  of  them,  look  into  our  Congregations.  I 
would  cry  mightily  to  God,  that  His  Word  may  take  hold 
on  some  of  their  Hearts,  and  that  it  may  be  found.  He  has 
brought  some  of  His  Elect  hither,  on  purpose  to  be  in  the 
way  of  their  effectual  Calling  here. 

2.  G.  D.  My  little  Lizzy,  —  more  care  must  be  taken, 
about  the  Catechizing,  at  the  School  she  goes  to,  and  her 
own  particular  Share  in  it ;  And  every  Thursday,  and 
Saturday  in  the  Afternoon,  she  must  now  learn  by  Heart, 
some  Lesson  of  Piety. 

3.  G.  D.  A  Kinswoman  of  mine,  is  married  in  the  west 
of  England,  unto  a  Clergyman ;  if  her  Friends  here  advise 
me  to  it,  I  will  send  unto  her  some  Httle  Books,  and  what 
may  discharge  my  Duty  to  her,  in  regard  of  her  greatest 
Literests.2 

4.  G.  D.  Being  furnished  with  a  considerable  Number 
of  Bibles,  to  disperse  among  the  Poor,  in  the  most  edifying 
manner  that  may  be,  I  would  particularly  consider  my 
careless,  wretched  sea-faring  Tribe ;  and  lodge  in  many  of 
our  Vessels,  a  Bible  for  the  use  of  the  Ship's  Company, 
with  a  Promise  from  the  Captain,  that  there  shall  be  a 
suitable  Use  made  of  it.     (If  this  be  judg'd  necessary.) 

5.  G.  D.  There  is  one  good  Interest,  which  I  have 
never  yett  served,  and  yett  I  am  capable  of  doing  some 

*  The  English  transports  with  the  troops  for  Canada  were  in  the  harbor. 

'  He  is,  as  usual,  silent  as  to  the  commencement  exercises  in  Cambridge  on 
this  day.  They  were  of  more  than  usual  importance,  because  of  the  presence  of 
the  British  officers. 


86  DIARYOFCOTTONMATHER 

small  Service  for  it.  The  Improvement  of  Knowledge  in 
the  Works  of  Nature,  is  a  Thing  whereby  God,  and  His 
Christ  is  glorified.  I  may  make  a  valuable  Collection  of 
many  Curiosities,  which  this  Countrey  has  afforded ;  and 
present  it  imto  the  Royal  Society.  May  the  glorious  Lord 
assist  me,  in  this  Performance. 

6.  G.  D.  I  will  try  whether  I  cannot  with  the  most 
exquisite  Methods  of  Insinuation,  engage  in  the  Thoughts 
of  Piety,  some  of  the  Gentlemen,  belonging  to  the  Army, 
lately  arrived  from  Gr.  Britain  here. 

7.  G.  D.  When  the  good  God  blesses  me  at  any  time, 
with  a  real,  cordial,  useful  Friend,  I  would  make  an  holy 
and  a  various  Improvement  of  so  rare  a  Blessing,  more 
particularly. 

First,  I  would  return  my  Thanks  to  the  glorious  God,  who  has 
the  Hearts  of  all  men  at  His  Disposal,  and  behold  the  Friendship  of 
my  Neighbour,  as  one  effect  of  that  Reconciliation  with  Him,  which 
has  been  obtained  for  me,  by  my  admirable  Saviour. 

Secondly.  I  would  return  to  my  Neighbour  all  the  Acts  of  his 
Friendship,  and  even  disdain  to  be  outdone,  but  overcome  him  in 
kind  Offices ;  and  I  would  remember  his  Name,  and  whatever  I  may 
see  to  be  his  Case,  in  my  Supplications  before  the  Lord. 

Thirdly.  I  would  employ  the  Interest  which  the  Friendship  of 
my  Neighbour  gives  me  in  him,  as  an  Opportunity,  to  study  and 
enquire,  what  good  I  may  stir  him  up  unto  the  doing  of ;  that  so  the 
People  and  Kingdome  of  God,  may  fare  the  better,  for  my  Acquaint- 
ance with  such  a  Person. 

1.  [July  8.]  G.  D.  I  entertain  Thoughts  of  renewing 
a  Course  of  pastoral  Visits,  to  my  Flock.  I  would  earnestly 
cry  to  the  glorious  Lord  for  His  Direction  and  Assistence,  in 
so  important  and  laborious  an  Undertaking.  I  would  then, 
with  great  Exactness  and  Watchfulness,  consider  what  are 
those  Enquiries  which  I  should  make  in  every  Family; 
besides  the  various  Points  of  Discourse,  which  I  may  occa- 
sionally insist  upon. 

2.  G.  D.    The  Continuance  of  my  Life  seems  a  Thing 


JULY,I7II  87 

of  great  Consequence  to  the  Welfare  of  my  Family.  I 
must  therefore  not  only  make  my  own  fervent  Prayers  for 
it,  unto  the  God  of  my  Life,  but  also  oblige  the  Children  to 
pray  for  it  continually,  and  sett  before  them,  the  Importance 
of  their  making  this  an  Article  of  their  daily  Supplications. 

3.  G.  D.  I  have  a  Kinsman  at  Newhavcn,  who  was 
once  my  Scholar,  now  a  Physician  and  a  Justice  of  Peace, 
[Tapafx  Madep)  1  to  whom  I  will  send  such  Things,  as  may 
have  a  particular  Tendency,  to  rescue  him  from  his  Temp- 
tations, and  quicken  him  in  his  Services. 

4.  G.  D.  My  Essay  of,  The  old  Paihes  Restored,  I 
would  not  only  convey  to  our  Colledge,  but  also  to  that  of 
Connecticut;  yea,  and  unto  all  the  Ministers  far  and  near, 
as  I  have  Opportunity;  that  so  the  Doctrines  of  Grace, 
may  be  every  where,  exhibited  and  established;  and  the 
Kingdome  of  Truth  advanced. 

5.  G.  D.  It  may  not  be  amiss  for  me,  to  press  all  the 
Ministers  of  the  Town,  that  they  would  contrive  into  their 
public  sermons,  agreeable  and  awakening  Passages,  by 
which  the  Souls  of  the  many  Strangers  who  at  this  time 
especially,  drop  into  our  Congregations,  may  be  mett  withal.^ 

6.  G.  D.  A  worthy  Minister  (TtXXta/u?)  3  a  Chaplain 
to  our  Forces  now  going  against  Canada,  needs  the 
Kindnesses  of  some  good  People,  to  furnish  him,  with 
Convenencies  for  his  Voyage;  I  would  promote  his 
Accommodation. 

I  would  also  procure  him  to  be  furnished  with  Books 
of  Piety  to  be  dispersed  among  our  Souldiers. 

7.  G.  D.  From  my  private  Papers,  I  incline  to  make 
an  Extract  of  such  things  as  peculiarly  belong  to  the  Chris- 
tian Asceticks;  my  Life  having  been  filled  with  Projections 

*  Warham  Mather,  probably  son  of  Rev.  Warham  Mather  and  Elizabeth 
Davenport,  and  grandson  of  Eleazar. 

*  He  preached  his  sermon  on  the  Rainbow  this  day ;  "  many  chaplains  at 
meeting,"  says  Sewall,  Diary,  n.  319. 

*  Williams. 


55  DIARY    OFCOTTONMATHER 

and  Contrivances  for  Methods  to  carty  on  the  Conversation 
of  refined  Christianity.  This  Composure,  if  I  make  no 
further  use  of  it,  yett  by  having  my  own  Eyes  often  upon 
it,  I  may  keep  aKve  the  Notion  and  Practice  of  the  Things 
wherein  I  have  been  taught  of  God ;  whereas  now,  thro'  a 
vast  Variety  of  Employments  and  because  my  Proposals 
ly  scattered  here  and  there  among  thousands  of  other 
Things  in  my  Memorials,  I  many  times  forgett  the  Direc- 
tions of  Piety,  which  I  have  resolved  upon. 

1.  [July  15.]  G.  D.  I  would  not  only  consider  every 
Class  of  People  in  my  Flock,  by  preaching  on  Subjects  that 
may  be  most  suitable  for  their  Conditions,  but  also  I  would 
suit  their  Conections  in  my  Supplications.  Nor  would 
I  only  present  public  Petitions  for  them,  but  also  more 
secretly  cry  to  God,  on  the  behalf  of  each  of  these  Classes ; 
for  such  Mercies  to  them,  as  they  may  have  most  occasion 
for ;  and  for  such  a  Direction  likewise  of  my  own  Studies, 
as  may  be  most  for  their  Advantage. 

2.  G.  D.  I  would  shortly  keep  a  Day  of  Thanksgiving 
to  God,  in  private ;  chiefly  with  relation  to  His  Favours 
whereof  my  Family  partakes  in  various  and  wondrous 
Instances.  I  would  spend  a  great  Part  of  the  Day,  in  the 
agreeable  Exercises  of  Religion  with  my  Family.  And  I 
would  lay  hold  on  the  precious  Opportunities,  which  I  may 
therein  have  to  bring  every  Soul  in  my  Family,  home  unto 
my  Saviour. 

3.  G.  D.  My  Brother  at  Witney,^  is  praeparing  for  the 
Public,  an  Abridgment  of  our  Church-History.  I  would 
make  this  an  Occasion  of  putting  him  upon  several  Things, 
that  may  prove  Services  to  the  Kingdome  of  God. 

4.  G.  D.  That  sottish  Bigotry  is  growing ;  that  all  the 
pastoral  Acts  done  by  those  who  have  not  episcopal  Ordina- 
tion are  Invalid.  It  seems  necessary,  that  the  Churches 
be  fortified  against  it.     I  would  consult  and  agree  with 

*  Samuel. 


JULY,I7II  89 

some  of  the  Ministers  of  the  Neighbourhood,  about  the  best 
Methods  of  encountering  the  folhes  of  unreasonable  Bigots. 

5.  G.  D.  I  would  make  a  Motion  unto  each  of  the 
religious  Societies  in  our  Neighbourhood,  that  they  would 
sett  themselves  very  much  to  pray  for  Effusions  of  the 
divine  Grace  on  the  rising  Generation,  and  a  mighty  Suc- 
cess of  the  Gospel  among  us ;  and  sett  apart  special  Times 
on  this  holy  Intention. 

6.  G.  D.  The  Apostasy  of  that  famous  French  Con- 
fessor, Mr.  Elias  Nean^  at  N.  York,  is  to  me  one  of  the 
most  grievous  and  shocking  Things  that  I  have  mett  withal. 
I  desire  to  do  something  towards  his  Recovery,  or  at  least, 
a  Testimony  proper  for  this  Occasion. 

20  d.  5  m.  [July.]  Friday.  I  sett  apart  this  Day  for 
Prayers,  with  Alms,  on  the  usual  Occasions ;  and  because 
a  great  Force  is  now  going  from  hence  against  the  Canadian 
Enemy. 

My  Soul  arrived  unto  some  sweet  Assurances,  that  my 
Sin  is  pardoned,  and  that  in  Token  of  it,  I  shall  have  a 
pure  Heart  given  to  me,  and  be  filled  with  the  Grace  of 
God. 

But  by  reason  of  Illness  upon  me,  I  could  not  so  ply 
my  Supplications  as  I  would  have  done.  I  made  it  up  in 
Benignities. 

7.  G.  D.  There  is  a  beautiful  Creature  of  God,  whereon 
He  has  enstamp'd  a  sacramental  Character.  He  has  made 
the  Rainhowe,  a  Sacrament  of  His  Covenant  that  He  will 
preserve  His  Church  in  the  World.  And  His  faithful  Ser- 
vants may  apply  this  Covenant,  unto  their  own  particular 
Circumstances,  in  regard  of  any  Mischiefs  which  may 
threaten  to  overwhelm  them.  I  would  endeavour  more 
affectionately,  more  comfortably,  more  explicitly  than  ever, 
to  apply  the  Rainboive  unto  the  Use  for  which  the  glorious 
One  has  appointed  it,  when  I  see  the  Cloud  in  the  Day  of 

*  See  Vol.  I,  p.  300.     He  became  a  communicant  of  the  Church  of  England. 


go  DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

Rain  brightened  with  it,  and  have  proper  Meditations  raised 
in  my  Mind. 

About  this  time,  considering  what  an  Use  the  glorious 
Lord  has  assigned  unto  the  Rambowe,  but  how  much  the 
Use  of  it  is  neglected  among  His  People,  and  what  a  Service 
it  might  be  unto  Religion,  to  teach  our  People  the  Use  of 
the  Bowe,  and  recover  this  Engine  of  Piety  into  that  Improve- 
ment, for  which  the  Maker  of  it  intended  it ;  especially  now 
the  Time  is  coming  on,  for  an  Angel  to  descend  with  a 
Rainbowe  about  His  Head,  and  the  great  Covenant  of  God 
for  His  Church  in  the  World  is  hastening  to  an  Accomplish- 
ment ;  I  prepared  for  the  Public  a  Treatise  under  this  Title, 

Thoughts  for  the  Day  of  Rain.  In  two  Essayes. 
I.  The  Gospel  of  the  Rainbowe.  In  the  Meditations  of  Piety, 
on  the  Appearance  of  the  Bright  Clouds,  with  the  Bowe  of 
God  upon  them.  II.  The  Saviour  with  His  Rainbowe.  And 
the  Covenant  which  God  will  Remember  to  His  people,  in  the 
most  cloudy  Times  that  are  passing  over  thcm.^ 

I.  [July  2  2.]  G.  D.  The  Representation  of  the  par- 
ticular Cases  occurring  among  the  People,  is  not,  methinks, 
made  so  fully,  so  pungently,  so  usefully,  in  the  public  Prayers, 
as  it  might  be.  I  would  apply  my  Thoughts  this  way, 
with  more  Endeavours  to  accommodate  the  Edificacon  of 
the  Neighbourhood. 

22  d.  $  tn.  Lord's-day.  My  Errands  to  the  Table  of  the 
Lord,  were  especially  these  two. 

I.  I  considered,  That  my  Lord  Jesus  Christ  is  the  Object  of  His 
Father's  infinite  Love.  That  He  is  in  Himself  altogether  lovely. 
That  in  what  He  has  done,  and  what  He  will  do,  for  me,  He  has 
obliged  me  to  love  Him  with  all  my  Heart  and  Soul  and  Strength. 
I  considered,  That  the  Grace  of  Love  to  my  dear  Saviour,  is  that 
wherein  I  am  still  very  defective.  But  yett  it  is  purchased  for  me 
by  the  Death  of  my  Saviour,  wherefore  I  consider  the  Sacrifice  of 
my  Saviour,  as  procuring  for  me,  the  Pardon  of  the  Defects  in  my 

*  Printed  by  B.  Green,  171 2. 


JULY,I7II  91 

Love  to  Him.  And  such  a  precious  Gift,  as  an  Heart  full  of  Love 
to  him.  With  this  Disposition  I  took  the  Bread  of  the  Eucharist. 
I  proceeded  then  to  form  these  Resolutions,  of  the  Things  werein 
I  would  express  my  Love  to  my  Saviour.  That  I  would  often, 
often  think  of  Him,  and  with  unspeakable  Delight.  That  I  would 
watch  all  Occasions  to  make  an  advantageous  Mention  of  His 
Glories.  That  I  would  in  my  Sermon  and  in  my  Writings,  use 
extraordinary  Methods  to  declare  His  Glories.  And  that  I  will  Re- 
joice in  all  Conformity  to  Him ;  yea,  when  it  shall  be  in  the  most 
abasing  Circumstances. 

II.  I  considered,  that  Fruitfulness  is  a  most  illustrious  and  com- 
prehensive Blessing  of  the  new  Covenant.  But  that  it  is  a  Thing 
wherein  I  am  extremely  Wanting.  My  Barrenness !  My  Barrenness ! 
Tis  a  killing  Thought  unto  me.  I  considered.  That  in  the  Blood  of 
my  Saviour,  I  have  the  Pardon  of  my  criminal  Unfruitfulness.  And 
I  have  also  the  Purchase  of  Grace  to  glorify  my  heavenly  Father,  by 
bringing  forth  much  Fruit.  I  received  the  Cup  with  these  Dispo- 
sitions. And  with  Hopes,  that  the  Spirit  of  God,  who  makes  His 
People  fruitful,  would  now  more  than  ever  enter  into  me.  I  proceeded 
then,  to  contrive  and  resolve  the  Methods  of  being  very  fruitful. 

2.  G.  D.  I  would  carefully  observe  the  Tempers  of  each 
of  my  Children.  And,  first,  I  would  warn  them  against 
the  peculiar  Indiscretions  and  Temptations,  whereto  they 
may  be  exposed  in  their  Tempers.  Then  I  would  see, 
whether  I  can't  suit  their  Tempers  with  Motives  that  may 
encourage  and  animate  their  Piety. 

3.  G.  D.  My  Nephew  {IvKpeaae  TaXrep)  1  is  now  dis- 
posing to  fitt  himself  for  Service  in  the  Study  of  Physick ; 
I  would  more  than  ever  be  thoughtful  for  him,  and  direct 
and  supply  his  Studies,  and  do  all  I  can  to  render  him 
serviceable. 

4.  G.  D,  I  procure  a  Sum  of  Money,  to  be  laid  out  in 
Books  of  Piety ;  which  I  propose  to  lodge  in  each  of  our 
Transport-ships,  for  the  Good  of  the  Sailors,  as  well  as 
more  to  be  putt  into  the  Hands  of  our  Souldiers,  now  bound 
for  Canada. 

*  Increase,  son  of  Nehemiah  and  Sarah  (Mather)  Walter. 


92  DIARYOFCOTTONMATHER 

5.  G.  D.  There  are  some  hopeful  young  Merchants, 
of  whom  I  am  thinking,  whether  it  were  not  a  possible  and 
profitable  Thing,  to  associate  them  in  a  Conversation,  that 
may  turn  on  Points  of  Service  to  themselves  and  others. 

26  d.  5  tn.  Thursday.  This  Day,  I  attended  the  Prayers 
and  Alms  and  other  Duties  of  a  Fast,'  which  was  kept 
throughout  the  Province,  relating  to  our  great  Enterprize 
against  Canada. 

I  enjoy'd  a  gracious  Presence  of  the  Lord  with  me  in 
the  Works  of  the  Day. 

6.  G.  D.  There  is  a  minister  at  Eiidfield,  who  con- 
flicts with  distressing  Poverty.  ^  And  with  my  Letters  unto 
him,  to  direct  and  hearten  him,  I  would  also  send  him  such 
Releefs  as  I  am  able. 

7.  G.  D.  When  I  read,  or  see,  any  new  Book,  wherein 
the  Truth,  and  Church,  and  Cause  of  God,  has  any  notable 
Service  done  for  it,  I  would  offer  up  my  solemn  Thanks 
unto  the  glorious  Head  of  the  Church,  for  His  thus  express- 
ing His  Care  of  it,  and  His  Dispensing  such  Gifts  unto  the 
Children  of  Men. 

1.  [July  29.]  G.  D.  There  are  very  many  Widowes  in 
our  Neighbourhood.  I  incline  to  preach  a  Sermon  on  pur- 
pose to  them,  and  for  them.  Yea,  and  then  also  to  publish 
it,  and  so  to  disperse  it  among  them. 

2.  G.  D.  Would  it  not  be  for  my  Son's  Advantage,  if 
I  should  procure  him  the  Company  of  three  or  four  more 
serious  Lads,  to  join  with  him,  in  spending  the  Lord's-day 
Evening  together,  and  reading  over  by  Turns,  those  Things 
which  I  shall  recommend  unto  them,  and  forming  such 
Resolutions  of  Piety,  as  they  shall  acquaint  me  withal? 

3.  G.  D.  I  have  a  poor  Kinswoman,  a  Daughter  of  my 
cosen-german,  (Evt-i/ce  TtXXia/a?)  3  who  has  been  six  or  seven 

'  It  was  a  public  fast,  ordered  by  proclamation. 

'  Rev.  Nathaniel  Collins.  His  pay  appears  to  have  been  twenty  pounds 
a  year. 

•  Eunice  Williams.    See  Sewall,  Diary,  ii.  374. 


AUGUST,    lyii  93 

years  a  Captive,  in  the  hands  of  the  French  Popish 
Indians.  I  am  afraid,  I  have  not  considered  the  miserable 
Condition  of  that  Child,  with  such  a  frequency  and  fervency 
of  Supplication,  as  I  should  have  done ;  tho'  I  have  not 
forgotten  it.> 

But  I  would  now  with  a  more  importunate  Supplication 
than  ever,  continually  carry  that  Child  unto  the  strong 
Redeemer. 

4.  G.  D.  Upon  further  Thoughts,  I  grow  into  an 
Opinion  that  my  writing  a  Book  of,  Christian  AscetickSy 
may  prove  a  great  Service  to  the  Interests  of  Piety  in  the 
World.  I  will  make  my  Cries  to  Heaven,  for  Direction  and 
Assistence  in  it,  and  go  about  it,  as  soon  as  may  be. 

5.  G.  D.  I  would  write  such  things  unto  Annapolis ^ 
as  may  be  of  use  to  our  poor  People  there ;  and  procure 
some  good  People  to  join  with  me,  in  sending  thither, 
Bibles,  and  other  Books  of  Piety. 

6.  G.  D.  There  is  a  poor  Man,  a  prisoner  for  Debt, 
for  whom  I  would  do  all  possible  good  Ofiices ;  but  particu- 
larly, visit  him  and  supply  him  with  Books  of  Piety;  and 
counsel  how  to  spend  his  Time  well,  and  make  a  good  Use 
of  his  bad  Circumstances.     (VepKiv^)."^ 

7.  G.  D.  I  think,  it  will  be  highly  expedient  for  me, 
at  least  once  a  Month,  to  look  back  upon  my  Good  Devised^ 
and  in  the  Perusal  of  the  registred  Articles,  consider  what 
has  been  forgotten  or  neglected ;  and  so  quicken  the  Execu- 
tion of  my  Proposals. 

The  Lord's-day  Evening,  may  be  a  good  Season,  for 
these  Reflections. 

I.  [August  5.]  G.  D.  I  entertain  Thoughts  of  going 
thro'  my  large  Flock  again,  with  pastoral  Visits.  And  I 
will  therefore  cry  mightily  to  the  Lord,  for  His  Direction 

'Eunice  Mather  (i  664-1 704),  daughter  of  Rev.  Eleazar,  and  thus  cousin  of 
Cotton,  married  Rev.  John  Williams  of  Deerfield.  Her  daughter  Eunice  (1696- 
1786?),  the  captive,  married  an  Indian. 

^  Perkins.     Probably  John  Perkins,  the  physician. 


94  DIARYOFCOTTONMATHER 

and  Assistence,  in  so  great  an  Undertaking.     I  would  preface 
it  with  a  Day  of  Supplications. 

2.  G.  D.  I  will  cause  my  four  Children  (who  can  use 
their  pen,)  to  retire,  and  write  each  of  them  an  Answer  to 
that  Question :  What  will  be  the  best  Manner  and  Method 
of  my  spending  my  Time  in  the  World;  and  how  shall  I 
best  answer  the  End  of  my  coming  into  the  World?  When 
they  give  me  this,  I  will  as  far  as  I  can  oblige  them  to 
conform  unto  it. 

3.  G.  D.  I  have  a  sick  Parent,  unto  whom  I  owe 
Abundance  of  Duty,  that  I  may  render  his  Condition  com- 
fortable to  him.     I  will  ply  it,  with  all  possible  Assiduity. 

4.  G.  D.  From  the  Fright  on  the  Minds  of  the  People, 
apprehending  a  French  Invasion,  I  would  now  take  Occa- 
sion to  carry  the  People  unto  the  Thoughts  of  the  blessed 
Jesus  as  our  great  Preserver,  and  unto  those  Methods  of 
Piety  which  may  have  a  Tendency  to  our  Preservation. 

5.  G.  D.  I  would  lodge  in  the  Hands  of  the  old  Gentle- 
man, who  is  the  Master  of  the  French  School,  a  number 
of  my  Vrai  Patron  des  saines  Paroles;  to  be  studied  by 
the  Scholars;  that  they  may  at  once  learn  the  Language, 
and  improve  in  Knowledge  and  Goodness. ^ 

6.  G.  D.  An  Officer  of  the  Army  is  tak'n  sick,  and 
left  here ;  I  will  visit  him,  instruct  him,  do  all  I  can  to 
engage  him  in  the  wayes  of  our  holy  Religion ;  and  on  his 
begun  Recovery,  I  will  perswade  him  to  take  up  suitable 
Resolutions ;  and  putt  Books  of  Piety  into  his  Hands. 

10  d.  6  m.  [August.]  Friday.  This  Day,  our  Towti,  and 
the  adjacent  Countrey  have  had,  the  most  real  Alarm  that 
ever  we  had.^  The  Symptoms  of  an  approaching  Enemy 
appeared  in  very  awakening  Circumstances.  But  in  the 
Issue  it  proved  only  a  Fleet  of  our  Friends. 

*  The  congregation  of  French  Protestants  held  their  services  in  the  Free 
School  House  in  Boston.  Rev.  Pierre  Daill6  was  at  this  time  the  minister,  and 
possibly  the  master  of  the  French  school. 

'  Also  mentioned  in  Sewall,  Diary,  11.  321.  ' 


AUGUST,     I7II  95 

7.  G.  D.  Hereupon,  I  sett  myself  to  think,  In  what 
Points  my  Walk  with  God  should  be  quickened,  by  the 
continual  Preservation  of  this  Town,  from  the  Invasion  of 
a  formidable  Adversary  ? 

I  gave  to  my  glorious  JESUS,  the  Glory  of  being  our 
Preserver.  I  acknowledged  the  Sacrifice  He  has  offered 
for  the  Congregation,  as  the  Ransome  found  for  us.  I 
resolved,  that  I  would  continue  to  do  so.  I  considered, 
that  since  I  enjoy  the  Comforts  of  a  quiet  Habitation, 
delivered  from  Enemies,  I  ought  to  serve  the  Lord  in  more 
Holiness  and  Righteousness,  and  make  the  Religion  of  my 
Family  yett  more  full  of  hvely  Exercises,  and  study  to  have 
His  Worship  carried  on  with  a  more  heavenly  Assiduity; 
and  engage  every  Person  in  my  Family,  to  think,  what 
they  owe  unto  the  Lord  on  this  Occasion.  I  resolved  on 
these  Things,  and  on  doing  my  Endeavour,  that  the  People 
of  the  Town  may  all  come  into  the  like  Resolutions. 

1.  [August  12.]  G.  D.  A  Delinquent  must  appear  be- 
fore the  Church  with  his  Repentance.  I  would  make  it 
an  Occasion  to  proclame  unto  every  one  the  Necessity  of 
Repentance,  before  the  Gates  of  Heaven  can  be  sett  open 
to  us ;  and  quicken  every  one  to  examine  what  Evils  they 
may  find  in  themselves  which  call  them  to  the  Exercise  of 
Repentance.  I  would  also  make  it  an  Occasion  of  good 
unto  the  Man  himself. ^ 

2.  G.  D.  I  am  now  providing  Patrons  for  my  Children, 
when  they  shall  be  Orphans.  For  my  Daughter  Lizzy,  I 
particularly  have  my  Thoughts  on  a  religious  and  ingenious 
Woman  in  our  Neighbourhood ;  which  has  no  Children  of 
her  own.  I  will  visit  her,  and  I  will  do  what  I  can  to  engage 
her,  that  she  will  deal  with  that  Child  as  her  own. 

3.  G.  D.    I  have  a  Kinsman,  who  is  a  preacher  to  the 

*  "John  Brewster,  having  given  Scandal  by  assisting  a  Souldier  in  deserting 
from  the  Camp,  his  Repentance  and  Confession  was  this  day  [12th]  publickly 
offered  unto  the  Church  and  accepted." —  Cotton  Mather's  MS.  Records  of  the  Second 
Church,  n. 


96  DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

Indians.  I  would  endeavour  not  only  to  offer  him  Direc- 
tions, but  also  procure  him  Encouragements,  for  the  Service 
wherein  he  is  engaged. 

4.  G.  D.  The  Time  drawes  near,  for  the  Connedicot 
Ministers  to  meet  at  their  Commencement  in  Say-brook;  I 
will  sett  myself  to  think  what  matters  of  profitable  Enter- 
tainment and  Consideration  I  may  lay  before  them,  and 
seasonably  send  such  Things  thither  for  them. 

5.  G.  D.  Move  among  the  Ministers,  for  the  Encour- 
agement of  some  agreeable  Preacher,  to  be  sent  unto  the 
English  Garrison  at  Annapolis. 

6.  G.  D.  There  is  a  Family  in  my  Neighbourhood, 
which  are  People  of  no  ReHgion,  but  a  Composition  of 
Quaker  and  High-Church  and  a  little  Atheistical.  These 
are  in  great  Affliction ;  by  long  Sickness,  which  brings  on 
impoverishing  Circumstances.  I  will  make  their  Affliction 
an  Opportunity  to  visit  them,  and  releeve  them,  and  instruct 
them,  and  do  all  the  Good  that  is  possible  for  them,  and 
stir  up  the  Neighbours  to  do  so  too.     (Kput'o-iX) .  i 

17  d.  6  m.^  7.  G.  D.  I  would  never  putt  on  the  Civili- 
ties (of  a  Glove,  or  a  Ring,  or  a  Scarf,)  given  me  at  a  Funeral, 
but  endeavour  to  do  it,  with  a  Supplication  of  this  Impor- 
tance ;  Lord,  prepare  me  for  my  own  Mortality.  And,  Lord, 
Lett  me  at  my  Death  be  found  worthy  of  a  Remembrance  among 
the  Living!  And  inasmuch  as  I  have  a  distinguishing  Share, 
above  the  most  of  them  who  ordinarily  attend  a  Funeral, 
in  such  Civilities,  I  would  look  at  it,  as  an  Obligation  on 
me  to  press  after  the  Instances  of  Godliness  and  Usefulness, 
that  may  render  me  more  excellent  than  my  Neighbour; 
and  particularly,  in  an  holy  Behaviour  at  a  Funeral ;  exem- 
plary in  the  Religion  of  the  Funeral. 

1']  d.  6  m.  Friday.  This  Day  I  sett  apart  for  Prayers 
and  Alms,  with  Fasting  before  the  Lord,  (Tho'  I  had 
spent  part  of  a  Day,  praying  and  preaching,  in  the  Com- 

' '  Crowninshicld  ?         *  A  confusion  in  date,  as  the  1 7th  fell  on  a  Friday. 


AUGUST,     I7II  97 

pany  of  some  Godly  Christians,  with  a  dying  Gentleman 
in  my  Neighbourhood,  the  beginning  of  this  week.) 

My  Addresses  to  Heaven,  had  some  singular  Occasions ; 
besides  those  of  the  Public,  and  of  my  Houshold. 

Especially,  for  the  Direction  and  Assistence  of  Heaven 
to  me,  in  cultivating  the  Subjects  of  my  Ministry. 

For  a  mighty  Help  of  Heaven  to  me  in  Renewing  my 
pastoral  Visits. 

For  a  merciful  Smile  of  Heaven  on  the  Circumstances 
of  a  little  Journey,  I  have  some  Thoughts  of  undertaking. 

And  for  some  good  Newes  from  beyond-Sea,  relating  to 
the  Acceptance  and  Encouragement  of  my  Labours  to  serve 
the  Kingdome  of  God. 

1.  [August  19.]  G.  D.  Among  the  Exercises  of  my 
Ministry  among  my  People,  I  am  afraid,  whether  I  am  so 
edifying  as  I  should  be,  in  the  celebrating  of  the  Marriages, 
for  which  I  am  applied  unto.  I  would  therefore  more 
exactly  consider,  what  are  the  most  suitable  Confessions 
and  Petitions  to  be  made  in  the  Prayers  on  that  Occasion. 
And  what  Maxims  of  Piety,  I  may  with  Brevity,  but  Pim- 
gency,  lett  fall  on  the  People  with  whom  I  am  concerned. 

igd.  6  m.  Lords-Day.  My  Errands  to  the  Table  of  the 
Lord  this  Day  were,  to  mourn  over  what  there  is  in  me 
Displeasing  to  God ;  And  Plead  the  well-pleasing  Sacrifice 
of  my  Saviour  for  the  Pardon  of  it.  And,  profess  my 
Abhorrence  of  every  Thing  displeasing  to  God.  And,  obtain 
for  the  Sake,  and  by  the  Spirit  of  my  sacrificed  Saviour,  a 
work  of  His  upon  me,  and  the  Growth  of  it,  that  shall  dis- 
pose me,  and  strengthen  me,  to  the  Things  well-pleasing  in 
the  Sight  of  God;  And  make  an  Enumeration  of  those 
Things. 

2.  G.  D.  It  would  be  for  my  Wife's  Advantage,  and 
also  sett  a  good  Exemple  unto  others,  if  she  would  be 
prevailed  withal,  to  write  the  Sermons  after  the  Preacher 
in  the  Public. 

u-7 


gS  DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

3.  G.  D.  I  have  a  little  Kinsman,  (an  Orphan)  at 
Hampton,  for  whom  I  would  endeavour  to  do  all  possible 
Good  offices  on  all  Occasions ;  but  now  I  would  particularly 
send  him  the  Sermon  lately,  published,  which  was  preached 
on  the  sudden  and  awful  Death  of  a  Child.  (0o/xas  Ko^ov).^ 

4.  G.  D.  There  is  a  considerable  Church  in  my  Neigh- 
bourhood, which  is  falling  to  Peeces,  by  Temptations  gaining 
upon  them,  and  on  very  trivial  Occasions.  I  would  use 
all  possible  Endeavours  to  prevent  and  conquer  the  Devices 
of  Satan,  which  are  now  in  their  Operation  among  that 
poor  People.  It  may  be,  some  Letters  of  mine,  may  be 
blessed  for  that  Intention. 

22  d.  6  m.  A  Lord-Chancellor  of  England,  who  w^as  also 
Archbishop  of  York,"^  said  in  his  Latter  time,  "That  in  his 
time  he  had  pass'd  thro'  more  Posts  of  Office  and  Honour 
than  most  Men  in  the  World;  but  if  he  were  sure  that 
any  one  Soul  had  been  by  his  IMeans  converted  unto  God 
and  Christ  and  Holiness,  it  would  give  him  unspeakably 
more  Satisfaction,  than  all  the  Dignities  which  had  ever 
been  conferr'd  upon  him."  How  happy,  how  happy,  am 
I!  that  have  so  often  this  astonishing  Satisfaction!  I 
had  not  been  many  Months  a  Preacher,  before  I  found 
among  the  Declarations  of  those  who  joined  unto  my 
Father's  Church,  no  less  than  thirty  Seals  of  my  Ministry  P 
How  many  have  been  by  my  Addresses  to  them,  either  with 
Tongue  or  Pen  brought  home  to  God,  I  shall  never  know 
in  this  World.  I  will  now  only  take  some  thankful  Notice 
of  it,  that  some  excellent  Souls,  who  within  these  few  Dayes 
have  taken  their  Leave  of  this  World,  have  spoken  strange 
Things  to  me  on  their  Death-beds,  of  what  the  glorious 
Lord  has  by  my  Ministry  done  for  them.  And  on  this 
Day,  one  with  Rapture  triumphing  over  the  Sting  and 
Fear  of  Death,  cried  out  unto  me.   Oh!  Dear  Syr,  you  are 

•  Thomas  Coston. 

*  Probably  Thomas  Wolsey  (i47S?-iS3o)-  '  See  vol  i.  68. 


AUGUST,     I7II  99 

the  Man!  You  are  the  Man,  that  have  brought  me  home  unto 
God!  It  is  by  your  Means,  that  the  Lord  has  brought  me 
home  to  Himself.  I  must  love  you  dearly;  I  shall  do  so,  to 
my  last  Breath.     God  has  a  wondrous  Glory  for  you. 

Q,   Must  not  a  Messenger  of  Satan  buflfet  me  after 

this? 

5.  G.  D.  Tho'  in  my  Conversation  with  other  Men, 
I  am  continually  putting  them  upon  doing  of  the  Good, 
which  I  see  they  may  be  capable  of  doing,  and  thousands  of 
Things  projected  by  me  in  this  way  find  no  Place  in  my 
poor  Memorials:  yett  inasmuch  as  the  Day  now  recurrs 
in  which  my  Morning-Thoughts  are  to  consider  that  Ques- 
tion, what  Good  may  I  excite  any  other  Person  to  do? 
I  do  here  enter  my  Purpose,  that  when  any  of  my  Neigh- 
bours have  been  bless'd  with  a  good  Voyage,  or  an  Arrival 
of  their  Interests  from  Sea,  I  would  make  it  more  than 
ever  (tho'  it  has  heretofore  been  my  Practice  to  make  it) 
an  Opportunity  of  more  urgently  and  cogently  persuading 
them  to  apply  some  of  their  Gains  to  pious  Uses.  And  I 
would  be  alwayes  able  to  mention  a  Variety  of  pious  Uses, 
out  of  which  they  may  make  their  Choice  of  what  Good 
they  may  chuse  to  do. 

6.  G.  D.  I  am  in  Distress  for  a  Minister  in  my  Neigh- 
bourhood, embroiled  with  a  froward  people ;  I  will  en- 
deavour by  the  best  Methods,  to  make  him  and  them  also, 
prudent,  patient,  and  easy. 

24  d.  6  m.  This  Day  I  was  buffeted  with  a  libellous 
Letter  from  a  Merchant  in  this  Town,  fill'd  with  Scurrilities 
that  I  suppose  were  hardly  ever  gequalled  in  the  World. 
The  Divel  stared  in  every  Line  of  it.  A  Legion  together 
could  scarce  have  out-done  it.  It  is  a  little  odd ;  tho'  the 
Libeller,  were  one  of  the  last,  whom  I  find  mention'd  among 
the  Enemies  for  whom  I  projected  Kindnesses,  yett  one 
Article  of  his  Foam  is,  that  I  am  a  Stranger  to  the  Practice 
of  a  forgiving  Spirit  which  I  preach  unto  others. 


lOO         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

I  spred  the  Letter  of  this  Rabshakeh^  before  the  Lord. 
I  ask'd  the  Pardon  of  his  Sin,  and  the  Mercy  of  God  unto 
him.  I  ask'd  also  the  Pardon  of  my  own  Sin,  that  might 
provoke  the  Lord  to  sett  such  a  Dog  upon  me.  But  above 
all,  I  ask'd  the  Grace  of  Heaven,  for  a  wise,  patient,  fruitful 
Conduct,  under  such  Outrages  from  the  Wickedest  of  Men ; 
and  that  God  would  requite  me  Good  for  the  Cursing  of  a 

It  may  be,  some  remarkable  Good  is  coming  to  me. 

7.  G.  D.  It  is  a  Law  with  me,  that  when  Abuses  are 
offered  me,  I  be  awakened  unto  some  agreeable  Improve- 
ment in  Piety  upon  them.  I  see  especially  two  Things, 
I  am  now  called  unto.  First,  to  be  yett  more  consummate 
in  the  Exercise  of  a  forgiving  Spirit,  when  I  have  been 
Injured.  Secondly,  To  be  more  watchful  and  fruitful  in 
my  Visits  unto  my  Neighbours.  And  yett,  when  I  look 
back  on  my  Conduct,  I  find  it  scarce  possible  for  so  feeble  a 
Creature  as  I  am,  to  do  much  otherwise  than  I  have  done. 
But,  be  sure,  I  may  do  better,  and  I  will  endeavour  it. 

25/26.  I  kept  something  of  a  Vigil,  in  which  I  putt 
over  my  Cause  into  the  Hands  of  a  righteous  Lord;  and 
I  exercised  a  strong  Faith  in  my  glorious  Jesus,  for  His 
Defence ;  and  for  the  Rescue  of  my  Serviceableness  from 
the  Malice  of  One  very  wick'd  Man,  and  from  all  the  Floods 
of  the  Ungodly ;  and  that  some  remarkable  Good  may  fol- 
low the  Cursing  which  I  have  mett  withal.  But,  above  all, 
I  begg'd  the  Grace,  to  carry  it  as  I  ought  to  do. 

I.  [August  26.]  G.  D.  In  some  of  my  Vigils,  I  have 
proposed  it  unto  Heaven,  that  such  Things  may  happen 
in  my  Neighbourhood,  as  may  prove  exceeding  Serviceable 
unto  the  Kingdome  of  God,  and  furnish  me  with  Occasions 
to  awaken  the  Minds  of  the  People  unto  a  most  serious 
Consideration  of  their  greatest  Interests.  There  have  hap- 
pened several  such  Things,  whereof  I  have  taken  a  watch- 

i.  '2  Kings,  xvm,  XDC.  '  2  Samuel,  xvi. 


AUGUST,     1711  lOI 

ful  and  a  lively  Hold  in  my  Ministry.  And  now  there  is 
another.  The  dying  Woman,  whom  I  have  mention'd,  three 
pages  ago,  did  yesterday  speak  after  this  manner  to  me. 

Syr,  I  was  once  under  the  Power  of  a  foolish  and  wicked 
Perswasion,  that  it  was  in  my  own  power  to  Repent  at  my 
Pleasure.  With  this  Prcesumption,  I  went  on  in  my  Sins. 
I  only  begged  of  God  Almighty  that  He  would  not  send  a  sudden 
Death  upon  me.  I  then  thought,  there  was  no  Fear  of  such  a 
Repentance  as  would  make  sure  of  everlasting  Life.  But  God 
has  horribly  convinced  me  of  my  Error.  Oh!  it  has  cost  me 
the  dreadful  Anguish  of  six,  or  seven  sad  Months  to  come  at 
that,  which  I  thought  I  could  have  done  when  I  pleased.  Syr, 
I  desire  you,  that  you  would  from  me  warn  the  Neighbours, 
and  all  the  World,  against  this  dangerous  Opinion,  whereby 
so  many  Sotds  are  destroyed  forever. 

I  purpose  with  the  Direction  and  Assistence  of  the  Lord, 
to  do  what  has  been  thus  proposed  unto  me,  in  as  pathetical 
a  manner  as  may  be. 

2.  G.  D.  There  is  a  particular  Projection  to  be  pur- 
sued, relating  to  the  Welfare  of  my  Katy,  in  which  I  desire 
the  Conduct  of  Heaven,  and  would  seasonably  advise  with 
such  as  may  be  properly  spoken  to. 

3.  G.  D.  My  Kinsmans  widow  at  Hampton,  hears  of 
the  Death  of  her  only  Brother.  I  must  write  unto  her  the 
Consolations  of  God,  and  as  far  as  I  can,  do  the  Part  of 
a  Brother  unto  her. 

4.  G.  D.  The  next  Month,  a  Convention  of  Ministers 
in  the  Southern  Colonies  of  North-America,  meets  at  Phila- 
delphia. As  I  have  Occasion  to  write  unto  them,  on  the 
behalf  of  a  Church  on  Long-Island,  which  soUicit  me  to 
do  it;  So  I  will  take  the  Occasion,  to  animate  them  unto 
the  contriving  of  Things  that  may  be  of  extensive  Conse- 
quence to  the  Kingdome  of  God,  and  Services  for  me  to 
do  as  well  as  themselves;  and  particularly  also  to  keep  a 
Day  of  Prayer  together. 


I02         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

5.  G.  D.  It  is  this  Day  a  general  Fast  thro'  the  Prov- 
ince. It  would  be  a  proper,  and  may  be  an  useful  thing, 
for  me  in  my  Sermon  this  Day,  solemnly  to  call  upon  all 
the  religious  Societies  in  the  Neighbourhood,  that  they 
would  when  they  are  together,  take  this  Quaestion  into 
their  serious  Consideration ;  What  shall  we  do,  to  prmnote 
Religion  and  Piety  in  our  Neighbourhood? 

30  d.  6  m.  Thursday.  This  Day  was  a  general  Fast, 
thro'  the  Province,  on  the  behalf  of  our  Forces  gone  to 
Canada. 

The  Lord  graciously  assisted  me  in  the  Services  of  the 
Day. 

In  my  secret  Supplications  this  Day  my  Soul  was  Com- 
forted with  a  strange  and  strong  Perswasion,  that  my 
glorious  Jesus,  will  wonderfully  appear,  in  surprising  Dis- 
pensations of  His  Providence,  to  hearten  and  reward  my 
Serviceableness,  and  confound  my  malicious  Adversaries. 
But  for  our  Canadian  Enterprise,  oh!  I  fear,  I  fear,  an 
horrible  Tempest. 

6.  G.  D.  There  is  a  poor  Woman,  languishing  in  much 
Poverty,  and  by  long  Sickness  brought  into  a  very  helpless 
Condition ;  I  must  not  only  myself  releeve  her,  but  also 
unite  my  Counsels  with  others,  about  the  best  way  of 
having  her  well-provided  for.  {PoOa).^  There  is  a  poor 
Widow  also  whom  I  would  assist  and  advise  in  some  tem- 
poral Circumstances.     (PotaX).^ 

7.  G.  D.  It  must  be,  (and  it  has  been)  my  way,  when  I 
find  myself  barren  of  Good  Devices,  and  my  Enquiries  after 
them  in  my  Thoughts  not  presently  and  easily  answered, 
then  to  form  a  more  deliberate  Act  of  Resignation,  wherein 
I  confess  my  Inability  to  so  much  as  Think  a  good  Thought, 
and  I  beseech  the  glorious  God,  who  is  my  Father,  and  my 
Saviour,  and  my  Leader,  and  who  formes  the  Spirit  of  man 
within  him,  to  take  possession  of  my  Mind,  and  lead  me 

>  The  name  is  obscure,  but  may  be  Rotha.  *  Royal. 


SEPTEMBER,     171I  IO3 

to  such  Inventions  for  the  Doing  of  Good,  as  may  be 
pleasing  unto  Him,  and  for  the  Service  of  His  Kingdome 
and  Interest.  In  the  way  of  this  unexceptionable  Quietism, 
I  still  find  Thoughts  of  a  surprising  Tendency  to  Good, 
strangely  darted  into  my  mind ;  Thoughts  of  too  superiour 
a  Character  for  me  to  pretend  that  they  are  my  own. 

This  Morning,  on  my  Satureday  QucBstion,  finding  right 
Thoughts  not  arising  so  quickly  in  my  dull  and  dark  Mind, 
as  I  would  have  had  them,  I  took  this  Course.  And  my 
Thoughts  immediately  were  such  as  these.  When  I  hear 
or  see,  any  Person  using  any  singular  Industry  or  Contriv- 
ance, to  serve  his  own  Interest,  or  to  hurt  other  Men's,  I 
will  sett  myself  to  think  on  some  Interest  of  my  admirable 
Saviour,  or  Benefit  unto  Mankind ;  and  such  an  one,  as 
the  Circumstances  of  that  Man's  Pursuit  may  most  natu- 
rally lead  me  to  think  on  ;  and  I  will  then  propose,  how  my 
Industry  and  Contrivance  in  pursuing  of  that  Good,  may 
not  fall  short  of  his;  but  be  altogether,  as  exquisite,  as 
vigorous,  and  as  indefatigable. 

1/2  d.  y  m.  [September.]  Satureday. /Lords-day.  I  applied 
Myself  unto  the  Devotions  of  a  Vigil. 

I  begg'd  for  such  Tidings  from  beyond-sea,  as  might  Encourage 
my  poor  Essayes  to  do  Good.  I  begg'd  for  a  mighty  work  of  awaken- 
ing and  converting  Grace  on  the  People,  especially  the  young  People, 
of  the  Flock  whereof  I  am  the  Servant.  I  begg'd  also  for  a  DeUver- 
ance  from  the  Malice  of  those  horrid  Men,  who  are  the  venemous 
Enemies  of  my  Serviceableness;  unto  whose  maUcious  Abuses,  I 
make  no  Answer,  but  leave  them  in  the  Hands  of  my  glorious 
Redeemer;  He  will  graciously  appear  for  me,  and  confound  them 
wonderfully ! 

When  my  prostrate  Supplications  were  over,  I  went  into  my  Bed, 
and  kept  awake  for  some  while  there  singing,  (for  I  retired  into  a 
Chamber  where  I  lodged  alone)  unto  the  Lord.  It  was  a  little  Sur- 
prising to  me,  that  the  first  Place,  at  which  my  Psalter  opened,  was, 

Ps.  CXLIX.  5, 


104         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

The  Gracious  Holy  Ones,  Lett  them 

most  gloriously  rejoice. 
Lett  them  upon  their  Beds  also 

Lift  up  their  singing  Voice. 

The  next  Place  that  opened,  was,  Psal.  xxxvin.  14. 

^5  one  that  heareth  not  was  I, 

And  in  whose  Mouth  Reproofs  none  were. 

For  I,  O  Lord,  on  thee  rely. 

O  Lord  my  God,  Thou  wilt  me  hear.     etc.  etc. 

These,  and  many  more  such  Passages,  I  sang  unto  the 
Lord. 

1.  [September  2.]  G.  D.  Some  sad  young  Wretches  on 
their  Death-beds  lately,  had  earnestly  desired  me,  to  warn 
other  young  People,  against  such  Courses  as  have  ruined 
them.  This  gives  me  a  fresh  Occasion  for  the  dispensing 
of  new,  and  solemn,  and  lively  Warnings  in  my  public 
Ministry.  As  also  to  speak  more  privately  imto  certain 
particular  Persons  in  the  Flock,  such  Things  as  they  need 
to  be  advised  of. 

2.  G.  D.  When  any  of  my  Children  have  any  Illness 
upon  them,  I  would  make  it  an  Occasion  to  putt  them  in 
mind  of  the  Evil  in  Sin,  and  especially  of  such  Sin,  as  their 
Illness  may  most  naturally  mind  them  of;  I  would  show 
them  the  analogous  Distempers  of  their  Souls,  and  instruct 
them  how  to  look  up  unto  their  great  Saviour  for  the  Cure 
of  those  Distempers. 

3.  G,  D.  I  have  a  Kinswoman  (Ewt/ce  TtWia/i?) ' 
which  has  been  diverse  Years  a  Captive  in  the  Hands  of  the 
Indians.  As  I  have  often  pray'd  for  her  Deliverance,  I 
would  now  grow  in  the  Importunity  of  my  frequent  Suppli- 
cations for  her;  every  Day  constantly  remember  her  and 
mention  her.  And  I  would  make  her  condition  an  Argu- 
ment in  Discourses  with  my  own  children,  for  Thankfulness 
and  Piety. 

*  *  Eunice  Williams. 


SEPTEMBER,     171I  I05 

4.  G.  D.  Things  are  not  in  a  very  good  Condition  at 
Salem.  I  have  some  Thoughts  taking  shortly  a  Journey 
thither,  in  hopes  of  doing  Abundance  of  Good  there.  I 
will  humbly  commend  this  Matter,  in  all  the  Circumstances 
of  it,  imto  the  gracious  Conduct  of  the  Lord. 

5.  G.  D.  My  glorious  Lord  has  in  His  gracious  Provi- 
dence ordered  it,  that  very  eminent  Persons  beyond-sea, 
take  notice  of  me,  and  such  as  I  myself  never  have  written 
unto,  send  me  their  Letters  and  their  Presents,  which  I 
have  this  Week  received.  The  Cursing  of  a  Shimei  was 
but  to  prepare  me  for  such  Things ;  and  weighs  nothing 
in  the  Ballence  against  them.  I  had  a  secret  Faith,  I  should 
find  it  so.  Among  these,  I  must  in  the  first  Place  reckon 
the  admirable  Sir  Richard  Blackmore.^ 

Now  I  will  sett  myself  to  improve  these  new  Correspond- 
encies, for  the  Honour,  and  in  the  Service  of  my  dearest 
Saviour ;  and  I  will  sett  myself  to  think,  what  Service 
to  His  Kingdome  I  may  animate  each  of  these  eminent 
Persons  to  the  doing  of. 

6.  G.  D.  There  are  poor  Gentlewomen,  who  have  long 
been  confined  by  Illness ;  but  yett  are  able  to  read,  or  hear 
others  read  unto  them.  I  will  visit  them,  and  comfort 
them,  and  supply  them  with  Books  of  Piety,  that  may  be  a 
profitable  Entertainment  for  them. 

7.  G.  D.  It  is  a  Time,  when  many  in  the  Neighbour- 
hood, are  sick  and  weak,  and  some  sleep,  of  an  uneasy 
Malady ;  The  Flux  with  Vomiting.  As  my  Time  is  pretty 
much  spent  among  the  sick  and  weak,  so  I  have  myself 
been  this  week,  much  weakened  with  the  Distemper.  God 
calls  me  to  look  inward;  and  be  very  thankful  for  His 
merciful  Sparing  of  me;  and  to  consider  the  analogous 
Maladies  in  my  own  Soul,  which  I  am  to  deprecate.  First, 
I  must  be  careful  that  my  Soul  do  not  cast  up  any  glorious 

1  A  physician  and  voluminous  writer  in  prose  and  verse.  See  Dictionary  oj 
National  Biography,  v.  129. 


I06         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

Truths  of  God ;  nor  nauseate  any  Interests  and  Practices 
of  Piety.  Secondly,  I  must  be  careful,  that  my  Bowels  be 
alwayes  kept  in  a  due  Frame ;  even  those  of  Compassion 
to  all  the  miserable  in  the  World. 

8/9  (/.  T  m.  SaturedayJ Lords-day.  I  employ 'd  myself  in 
the  Exercises  of  a  Vigil  before  the  Lord.  Herein  I  cried 
unto  Him  for  a  Defence  against  the  ]\Ialice  of  the  wicked 
Men,  that  are  Enemies  unto  me,  and  unto  my  Serviceable- 
ness ;  and  for  a  mighty  Success  to  my  ]\Iinistry,  and  Pres- 
ence of  His  with  me  in  the  Services  of  the  Day  ensuing. 
But  that  which  called  me  more  particularly  into  the  Dust 
before  the  Lord,  was  this.  My  learned  Friend  Whiston 
(from  whom  I  have  this  week  received  an  Account  of  his 
Proceedings,)  is  likely  to  raise  a  prodigious  Dust  in  the 
world,  by  reviving  the  Arian  Opinions.  He  revives  them 
with  more  than  ordinary  Advantages,  and  I  am  likely  to 
have  my  own  Mind  shock'd  with  more  than  ordinary 
Temptations  on  this  Occasion.  WTierefore,  I  cry  most 
ardently  unto  the  glorious  Lord,  that  He  would  graciously 
enlighten  me;  cause  me  to  take  up  right  Thoughts  of  my 
dear  Jesus,  and  of  His  Holy  Spirit ;  lead  me  into  all  Truth, 
and  keep  me  from  Error,  and  show  me  my  Duty,  and  never 
leave  me  to  hurt  any  Interest  of  His  Kingdome  in  the 
World.i  And, 

1.  [September  9.]  G.  D.  Great  Prayer  and  Study, 
that  I  may  not  mislead  my  Flock  in  any  Thing,  must  be  one 
Article  of  my  Good  Devised  for  them.  And  an  Endeavour  to 
establish  them  in  the  true  Doctrine  of  the  Trinity. 

2.  G.  D.  I  will  write  down  certain  Questions  of  the 
last  Importance  to  his  great  Interests,  and  oblige  Cresy  to 
write  as  distinct  Answers  as  he  can  unto  the  Quaestions, 
and  show  me  his  Answers. 

*  It  could  not  have  soothed  Mather's  pride  to  hear  the  President  of  Harvard 
College,  at  Commencement  in  1712,  take  publicly  the  Whistonian  notion  of 
the  Flood.  Sewall,  Diary,  11.  355.  See  also  a  curious  letter  of  the  deist  Thomas 
Chu\)b  written  in  1745,  on  the  Whiston  theory.    Proceedings,  XLm.  648. 


SEPTEMBER,     171I  I07 

Q.  I.  What  was  the  Erratid  which  God  sent  you  into  the  world 
upon? 

Q.  2.  What  can  you  see  in  your  present  Conditiofi  to  be  bewaylcd? 

Q.  3.  What  is  your  Plea  with  God,  for  the  Pardon  of  your  Sin? 

Q.  4.  What  is  it  that  you  desire  your  great  Saviour  to  do  for  you? 

Q.  5.  What  Exercises  of  Piety  do  you  resolve  to  make  your  daily 
Practice? 

Q.  6.  How  do  you  desire  and  resolve,  with  the  Help  of  Heaven,  to 
spend  your  Time? 

3.  G,  D.  There  dwells  in  this  Town,  a  Daughter  to 
my  late  Kinsman  of  Hampton.  I  wiU  discourse  v/ith  her 
about  her  greatest  Interests,  and  bestow  some  agreeable 
Book  of  Piety  upon  her, 

4.  G.  D.  To  explain  and  maintain  the  glorious  Doc- 
trine of  the  Trimly,  is  now  like  to  be  as  great  a  Service  to 
the  Church  of  God,  as  can  be  called  for  since  the  learned 
Whiston,  does  with  so  surprising  Circumstances  of  Assur- 
ance, revive  the  Cause  of  Arianism.  That  Person  particu- 
larly applying  himself  to  me  on  this  Occasion,  it  wUl  be 
my  Duty  to  do  something  on  the  Behalf  of  the  Truth  which 
is  now  endangered  I  would  therefore  now  bend  my  Studies 
that  way;  and  lift  up  humble  and  fervent  Cries  to  the 
glorious  Lord,  for  His  Direction, 

5.  G.  D,  The  religious  Societies  are  languishing.  I 
would  in  my  public  Discourses,  earnestly  call  upon  the 
Christians  in  the  Neighbourhood,  to  revive  them,  and  in- 
crease them ;  and  among  the  Exercises  at  them ;  to  sett 
apart  Evenings  for  Prayers  that  the  Spirit  of  converting 
Grace  may  be  poured  out  upon  the  Neighbourhood. 

6.  G.  D.  Here  is  a  poor  Stranger  and  Scotchman  cast 
into  my  Neighbourhood,  who  is  languishing  with  an  Hectic, 
and  in  Circumstances  both  of  Soul  and  Body  which  call 
for  great  Compassion.  I  will  endeavour  to  do  all  I  can  for 
him,  and  stir  up  the  Neighbours  also  to  bestow  all  needfuU 
Succours  upon  him.     {apecxKivY 

'  Areskin. 


Io8  DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

14  d.  7  m.  Friday.  I  sett  apart  this  Day,  for  Prayers 
and  Alms;  with  Fasting  before  the  Lord;  that  I  might 
obtain  the  Pardon  of  my  manifold  Offences  to  Heaven,  and 
the  Elessings  of  God,  on  my  Ministry,  and  on  my  Family, 
and  on  His  People. 

This  Day  was  brightened,  with  sweet  Communications 
from  Heaven  to  my  Mind.  I  am  this  Day  assured,  that 
my  Sins,  which  are  majiy  are  forgiven  me ;  and  that  the 
glorious  Lord  has  wondrous  Blessings  in  store  for  me. 

7.  G.  D.  Our  Saviour  has  left  His  Peace,  as  a  Legacy 
to  His  Disciples,  and,  glorious  Things  are  spoken  of  thee, 
O  Thou  Peace  of  God!  I  am  afraid  whether  I  so  fully  under- 
stand the  Meaning  of  that  Peace,  as  I  ought  to  do ;  and 
much  more,  whether  I  Uve  in  the  Enjoyment  of  it.  I  will 
therefore  now  apply  my  Prayers  and  my  Studies,  this 
Way  more  than  ever  in  my  Life  before.  Oh !  that  I  may 
prosper  therein  and  arrive  to  that  Peace,  in  which  I  have 
hitherto  been  so  defective! 

I.  [September  16.]  G.  D.  The  Bills  putt  up  in  our 
Congregation,  will  not  only  direct  my  Visits,  but  also  afford 
a  Direction  to  my  Dispersion  of  Books  of  Piety  in  the 
Neighbourhood.     Especially  in  three  Cases : 

First,  when  Persons  are  bound  to  Sea ; 

Secondly,  when  Persons  are  fallen  into  some  great 
Aflaiction. 

Thirdly,  when  Persons  have  been  blessed  with  a  Re- 
covery from  Sickness. 

In  these  Cases,  I  would  endeavour  to  give  or  send  suit- 
able Books  unto  the  Persons  concerned  in  them. 

16  J.  7  m.  Lords-Day.  I  went  unto  the  Holy  One  at  His 
Table  this  Day,  on  two  important  Errands. 

First,  I  considered  the  Sacrifice  of  my  Saviour,  as  making  Atone- 
ment for  all  my  Sins,  which  are  Works  of  Darkness,  and  so  Redeem- 
ing and  Rescuing  of  me,  from  the  Darkness  which  my  Sins  have 
brought  upon  me.     I  considered  that  Sacrifice  as  purchasing  for  me 


SEPTEMBER,     171I  IO9 

a  Deliverance  from  eternal  Darkness ;  but  then  also  purchasing  my 
Deliverance  from  the  Darkness  of  Ignorance  in  the  Things  of  God. 
I  applied  this  in  a  singular  Manner  to  the  glorious  Mystery  of  the 
Trinity :  that  I  may  not  be  in  the  Dark,  or  left  unto  any  fatal  Errors 
about  that  Mystery ;  that  I  may  entertain  right  and  bright  Thoughts 
concerning  it ;  that  I  may  be  able  to  serve  the  Church  of  God  in  that 
grand  Concern,  when  it  shall  be  Labouring. 

Secondly.  I  considered,  that  astonishing  Benefit,  of  the  Peace, 
which  my  Saviour  has  made  His  Legacy  to  His  people.  I  considered 
the  Death  and  Blood  of  my  Saviour  as  purchasing  of  it,  I  pleaded  it 
with  God;  and  laid  Hold  on  the  Peace  of  an  offered  Reconciliation 
with  Him.  I  thereupon,  look'd  up  unto  the  Lord,  that  I  may  be 
brought  into  an  Acquaintance  with  the  whole  Mystery  of  Practical 
Christianity,  which  belongs  to  the  Peace  of  God,  ruling  in  the  Hearts 
of  His  children;  yea,  an  e.xperimental  Acquaintance  with  it.  And 
indeed,  the  Lord  now  gave  me  a  clear  Idea  of  it;  what  were  the  Dis- 
turbances which  are  allay'd  and  suppress'd  and  conquer'd  in  it,  and 
how  it  conquers  them,  and  on  what  Principles ;  and  what  Satisfac- 
tions it  fills  the  mind  withal.     I  may  hereafter  enlarge  upon  it. 

2.  G.  D.  Yesterday  preaching  on  the  Improvement  we 
should  make  of  the  Confusion  come  upon  us,  by  the  Defeat, 
which  an  horrible  Tempest  has  occasion'd  unto  our  Cana- 
dian Enterprise,!  I  described  the  Conduct  of  the  prudent 
and  pious  on  such  an  Occasion ;  especially  in  point  of  an 
awakened  Repentance ;  which  Advice  I  desire  myself  most 
particularly  to  conform  unto. 

But  then,  I  would  on  this  Occasion,  mightily  sett  before 
my  Children,  the  Evil  that  pursueth  Sinners,  and  warn 
them  to  avoid  it.  I  would  also  do  more  than  ever  to  gett 
my  Children  under  the  shadow  of  the  Wings  of  their  Saviour  ; 
since  tis  likely  to  be  a  very  calamitous  Day  among  our- 
selves, and  in  the  World. 

3.  G.  D.  I  have  a  Nephew  in  the  Town,  who  lives 
with  a  Ship-builder.  I  will  consider  his  Temptations,  and 
call  for  him,  and  talk  with  him,  and  bestow  Books  of  Piety 
on  him.     (IcuV  4)t\t7r9.)2 

*  See  Sewall,  Diary,  n.  322.  *  John  Phillips. 


no         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

4.  G.  D.  I  have  a  Thought  coming  into  my  mind, 
that  by  bespeaking  and  procuring  the  Praises  of  the  glorious 
God,  acknowledging  of  Him,  and  bringing  others  to  acknowl- 
edge Him,  I  answer  the  End  of  my  Being.  There  are  cer- 
tain Points,  wherein  the  great  God  has  infinitely  obliged 
Mankind,  and  yett  they  take  Uttle  Notice  of  His  Goodness. 
I  am  desirous,  as  soon  as  I  can  find  Time,  to  consider  cer- 
tain common  Favours,  wherein  Mankind  enjoy  most  com- 
prehensive Benefits,  but  are  not  suitably  affected  with  the 
divine  Goodness  in  them.  And  I  would  bespeak  the  Praises 
of  devout  Minds  unto  God,  on  these  Occasions.  Such  are, 
the  Use  of  Spectacles,  the  Mariner^ s  Compass;  Printing; 
Shorthand;  the  Instruments  whereby  Time  is  measured. 

5.  G.  D.  Propose  in  the  Society  for  Suppression  of 
Disorders,  whether  it  may  not  be  worth  the  while,  to  pub- 
lish and  scatter  thro'  the  Countrey,  a  very  brief  Essay, 
about  the  Nature  of  an  Oath,  with  some  serious  and  suitable 
Directions  about  the  Duty  of  Swearing;  because,  the  Fear 
of  an  Oath,  is  too  much  laid  aside,  and  forgotten  among 
us;  our  Courts  have  too  much  inconsiderate  Swearing  in 
them'. 

6.  G.  D.  There  is  a  poor,  helpless  Woman,  in  our 
Neighbourhood,  of  whom,  among  the  rest,  I  will  take  a 
very  particular  Care,  when  the  Winter  comes  on.     (Xa^.)  1 

7.  G.  D.  Happening  to  lodge  in  a  Place,  where  some 
Vermine  assaulted  me,  I  thought,  the  Assault  of  those 
Vermine  should  be  improved  by  me,  as  a  call  to  Repentance 
and  Piety;  not  only  in  the  way  of  considering  myself,  as 
among  the  Enemies  of  God,  contemptibly  pimished  by  these 
his  little  Armies ;  but  also,  in  the  way  of  occasional  Reflec- 
tion, considering  the  ill  Qualities  and  Actions  of  those 
Vermine,  and  what  I  have  Analogous  to  them  in  my  own 
Heart  and  Life,  and  bewayling  of  those  things  before  the 
Lord. 

*  « Lax. 


SEPTEMBER,     171I  III 

22/23  d.  7  m.  Satureday  night.  I  sett  apart  a  Portion  of 
this  Night  for  the  Exercises  of  a  Sacred  Vigil. 

First,  one  Prayer  from  the  Cheef  of  Sinners  prostrate  in  the  Dust, 
represented  unto  the  Lord,  my  Faith  of  One  God,  in  three  Subsist- 
ences, and  of  the  Second  of  these,  assuming  and  advancing  the  Man 
Jesus  into  an  ineffable  Union  with  Himself.  But  then,  I  cried  unto 
Him,  that  I  might  be  led  into  right  Thoughts  about  the  glorious 
object  of  my  Love,  and  Hope,  and  Joy,  and  of  all  my  Life ;  and  not 
be  left  unto  any  Errors  about  that  glorious  Mystery ;  and  that  I 
may  be  made  an  happy  Instrument  of  communicating  Light  unto 
His  People  Concerning  it.  I  declared,  my  only  Design,  and  Desire, 
to  be,  that  I  may  pay  due  Acknowledgments  unto  Him ;  and  bring 
others  in  a  right  Manner  to  acknowledge  Him.  I  thought  I  would 
then  go  Sing,  Psal.  xxv.  14.  and  Lo,  it  was  the  very  first  Place,  at 
which  my  Psalter  opened!  Then,  in  another  Prayer,  I  cried  unto 
the  Lord,  for  Defence  and  Shelter  against  the  Enemies  of  my  Service- 
ableness.  Having  obtained  the  Pardon  of  my  Sins,  with  a  joyful 
Assurance  of  my  pardon,  I  found  my  Heart  melted  easily  to  forgive 
and  forgett  all  the  Injuries  of  my  Enemies.  Yett  I  could  not  but  ask 
of  the  Lord,  that  the  Floods  of  the  Ungodly  may  not  be  able  to  hurt 
my  Serviceableness;  but  that  He  would  grant  me  some  further 
Tokens  for  Good,  that  may  confound  their  Malice  wonderfully.  Oh! 
For  some  good  News  from  the  other  side  of  the  Atlantic!  Rising  to 
sing  some  agreeable  Psalms,  my  Psalmbook,  again  surprizingly  opened, 
at  the  Conclusion  of  Psal.  LVI.  and  the  Beginning  of  Psal.  LVII. 

I  also  besought  of  the  Lord,  several  other  Favours.  The  Con- 
version of  my  Children  ;  especially  of  my  son  Increase;  and  a  mighty 
Effusion  of  the  Spirit  of  Grace  on  my  Flock.  And  a  right  Under- 
standing of  the  strange  Dispensations  of  Heaven  at  this  Day  in  the 
World;  Especially  in  the  late  Inspirations  of  so  many  Extaticks 
beyond  Sea;  which  appear  to  me,  a  Matter  to  be  entertained  and 
considered  with  a  very  great  Attention. 

And  a  Smile  of  Heaven,  on  my  intended  Journey  to  Salem. 

I.  [September  23.]  G.  D.  I  am  strangely  accommo- 
dated, with  a  Number  of  Bibles,  to  be  distributed  among 
the  poor  Children  of  my  Flock.  I  will  use  all  the  Discretion, 
and  all  the  Diligence  I  can,  in  making  the  Distribution. 
And  I  will  make  it  a  sweet  Occasion  to  bring  People  into  a 


112         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

Resolution,  to  Read  the  Word  of  God,  with  Supplications 
over  it. 

2.  G.  D,  It  is  Time  for  me  to  fix  my  three  elder  Daugh- 
ters, in  the  opificial  and  beneficial  Mysteries,  wherein  they 
should  be  well-instructed ;  that  they  may  do  good  unto 
others;  and  if  they  should  be  reduced  into  Necessities, 
unto  themselves  also. 

For  Katy,  I  determine,  Knowledge  in  Physic,  and  the 
Preparation,  and  the  Dispensation  of  noble  Medicines. 
For  Nibby,  and  Nancy,  I  will  consult  their  Inclinations. 

3.  G.  D.  I  have  a  young  Kinsman,  who  has  entred 
on  the  evangelical  Ministry,  and  has  taken  the  charge  of  a 
little  Flock  in  Connedicot-Colony.  I  would  not  only  dis- 
course to  him  such  Things  as  may  be  of  Use  to  him,  in  his 
Discharge  of  his  Ministry,  but  also  out  of  my  Library  bestow 
some  useful  Books  upon  him ;  such  as  P.  Martyr^ s  Common 
Places,  etc.  and  by  which  his  yoimg  Studies  may  be  assisted. 

4.  G.  D.  I  am,  with  all  possible  Resignation  to  the 
Disposals  of  the  glorious  Lord,  intending  a  Journey  to  Salem 
this  Week.  My  Intention  is,  to  endeavour  an  Healing  of 
all  Tendency  to  Discord  there,  and  to  do  all  the  other 
Good  that  I  can  possibly  devise.  Wherefore,  acknowledging 
that  the  Way  of  Man  is  not  in  himself,  I  humbly  cast 
myself  on  the  Conduct  of  my  admirable  Saviour. 

5.  G.  D.  The  worthy  Minister  of  Fairfield,^  meets 
with  much  Ingratitude  and  Discouragement  from  his  people. 
Tho'  they  be  a  very  numerous  People,  yett  they  afflict  him 
with  grievous  Meannesses  of  Subsistence. 

The  Deputy-Governour  of  that  Colony,'  is  a  member  of 
his  Church.  I  have  an  Inclination  to  write  as  cogently 
and  as  pungently  as  I  can  unto  that  Gentleman,  and  mind 
him  of  his  Duty ;  and  press  him  to  stir  up  the  People  unto 

'  Elcazar  Williams,  of  Mansfield,  Connecticut.. 

« Rev.  Joseph  Webb  (1666-1732).  *  Nathan  Gold  (1723). 


OCTOBER,     171I  113 

their  Duty;  it  being  in  his  Power  doubtless  to  do  much 
that  way,  if  he  do  what  he  ought  to  do. 

28  d.  ']  m.  6.  G.  D.  I  am  this  Day  undertaking,  with 
the  Leave  and  Help  of  my  glorious  Lord,  a  Journey  to 
Salem.  There  are  many  Poor  in  Salem.  I  would  endeavour 
there  to  sett  forward  Things  for  the  Releef  of  the  Poor. 
And  I  will  particularly  carry  a  Number  of  Bibles  to  be 
bestow'd  upon  them. 

7.  G.  D.  Putting  on  my  Cloathes  in  the  Morning,  I 
considered,  that  I  might  find  in  the  Habits  and  Actions  of 
Christianity,  something  that  might  be  very  Analogous  to 
the  several  Parts  of  my  Apparrel ;  and  that  I  might  here- 
upon be  furnished  with  such  Thoughts,  and  Wishes,  and 
Prayers,  as  that  having  them,  while  I  am  Dressing  myself, 
often  formed  in  my  Mind,  I  may  have  my  Soul  at  length 
cloathed  with  glorious  Garments.  I  must  reserve  this 
Design  to  be  prosecuted  and  exhibited  in  a  Collection  of 
Thoughts,  elsewhere  to  be  laid  together. 

1.  [September  30.]  G.  D.  Tho'  I  am  continually  doing 
such  a  Thing  in  my  Practice,  yett  I  would  hereafter  more 
explicitly  and  with  plainer  Intimations  of  my  Desire,  in 
my  Conversation  with  the  more  polite  Part  of  my  people, 
make  it  fashionable  to  have  this  Point  brought  into  Con- 
sideration, when  they  are  in  a  Conversation :  What  Good 
is  to  he  done  before  we  part? 

2.  G.  D.  The  Children,  whom  I  have  travelling  with 
me,  in  my  Chariot,  on  the  Road,  I  would  fill  my  Time, 
with  many  profitable  and  agreeable  Instructions  to  them. 

3.  G.  D.  And  here  at  Salem,  I  forward  the  setting  up 
of  a  charity  Schole. 

2  d.  Sm.  [October.]  Tuesday.  Returning  from  Salem, 
where  I  have  seen  marvellous  Blessings  and  Favours  of 
Heaven,  I  find  about  7  h.  in  the  Evening,  at  my  coming 
home,  the  poor  Town  of  Boston  in  Flames ;  A  Fire  broke 
forth  in  the  Heart  of  the  Town,  which  Consumes  the  famous 
n-8 


114         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

Old-Meeting  house,  and  the  Statehouse,  and  whole  Streets 
of  other  Buildings,  not  stopping  till  near  2  h.  in  the  Morning.^ 

4.  G.  D.  This  lamentable  Occasion,  brings  me  into  a 
new  Field  of  good  Devices;  and  a  large  one.  Wherefore  I 
sett  myself  this  Day,  to  go  among  the  afficted,  and  see 
what  is  to  be  done  for  the  Welfare  of  the  distressed  Inhab- 
itants ;  and  apply  myself  with  all  possible  Assiduities  to  be 
useful  unto  them.  The  Contrivances  are  not  capable  of 
Enumeration.  I  will  only  mention  this;  that  I  would 
endeavour  with  the  Help  of  Heaven,  on  the  Lecture  to 
morrow,  to  dispense  the  Admonitions  of  Piety,  that  shall 
be  most  agreeable  unto  the  present  Occasion. 

5.  G.  D.  Behold  also  a  fresh  Occasion  to  excite  the 
general  Society,  for  the  suppression  of  Disorders,  to  d© 
some  singular  Thing,  in  Prosecution  of  their  main  Inten- 
tion. Lett  that  be  the  Question  of  this  Evening;  What 
singular  Thing  shall  we  now  do,  under  our  present  Awakenings  ? 

4d.  8  m.  Thursday.  The  Glorious  Lord  tliis  Day  re- 
newes  to  me  astonishing  Testimonies  of  His  Favour  for 
me.  A  very  vast  Assembly  of  people  came  together,  at 
the  Place  assigned  for  the  Lecture.  I  was  greatly  assisted 
of  the  Lord,  in  praying  with  them,  and  yett  more  in  preach- 
ing to  them.  I  had  an  Opportunity  to  entertain  the  People 
of  this,  and  the  Neighbour  Towns,  with  such  Things,  as 
were  seasonable  to  the  solemn  Occasion,  which  the  late 
awful  Dispensations  of  the  divine  Providence  had  laid 
before  us.  The  Hand  of  the  Lord  was  mightily  with  me ; 
and  the  People  were  after  an  unusual  Manner  affected  with 
what  was  delivered ;  a  strange  Impression  was  made  upon 
them.     These  Triumphs  of  Serviceableness,  are  marvellous 

•  He  prefixed  to  the  sermon  preached  two  days  after  the  fire,  an  account  of 
the  visitation,  which  was  reprinted  in  i.  Mass.  Hist.  Collections,  v.  52.  One  of  the 
shops  destroyed  was  that  of  N.  Boone  the  printer,  but  six  other  printers  suffered 
in  the  same  way.  A  volume  of  Mather's  was  "pluckt  out  of  the  burning"  and 
afterwards  printed,  with  a  title  Meditations  on  the  Glory  of  the  Heavenly  World. 
See  Sewall,  Diary,  11.  323. 


OCTOBER,     1711  115 

Answers  of  Prayer,  Tokens  for  Good,  and  Confusions  to 
my  foolish  Adversaries. 

I  am  this  Day  also  surprised  with  some  other  Favours 
of  the  Lord,  graciously  hearing  my  Supplications. 

One  of  them  is  this.  Letters  from  London,  this  Day 
received,  give  me  to  understand,  that  the  Libels  which  an 
abominable  Crue,  sent  over  from  hence  thither  the  last 
Winter,  to  be  published  for  my  Defammation  there,  were 
suppressed  and  destroyed  and  burnt,  by  the  Influences  of 
one,  from  whom  I  had  as  little  Reason  to  expect  such  a 
Thing,  as  from  almost  any  Man  in  the  World.  God  raised 
up  our  new  Lieutenant  Governour^  to  be  a  mighty  Friend 
unto  me  there. 

6.  G.  D.  Poverty  appears  in  very  many  new  Objects 
of  Charity,  made  such,  by  the  late  Conflagration.  I  now, 
first  encourage  the  charitable  Gentlemen,  who  are  looking 
out  for  them.  And,  then;  I  am  dispensing  among  them 
so  many  Kindnesses,  that  it  is  unto  no  Purpose,  for  me  to 
mention  particular  Instances. 

7.  G.  D.  There  is  a  particular  Improvement  in  Piety, 
to  which  I  am  to  be  awakened,  by  the  Circumstances  of  the 
late  Calamity,  brought  upon  this  Town  of  my  Nativity. 

1.  [October  7.]  G.  D.  The  sad  Condition  of  the  Old 
Church  in  the  Loss  of  their  Temple,  by  the  late  Fire,  admin- 
isters unto  me  an  Occasion  of  warning  my  own  Church,  to 
take  heed  of  offending  Heaven  by  such  Things,  as  may 
procure  to  us,  the  same  Calamity. 

2.  G.  D.  Good  God,  quicken  me  to  a  greater  Vigour, 
and  Fervour,  and  Frequency,  in  inculcating  these  great 
Points  upon  my  Children ;  even  with  daily  Admonitions. 

First :  That  and  how  the  Acknowledgments  of  God 
are  to  fill  their  Lives ;  this  to  be  made  the  chief  End  of 
their  Lives ;  and  what  Encouragements  they  have  to  live 
unto  God. 

» William  Tailer. 


Il6         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

Secondly.  The  Methods  of  Conversing  with  their 
admirable   Saviour. 

Thirdly.  The  Worth  of  Time,  and  the  noblest  Way 
of  spending  it. 

Fourthly.  The  Excellencies  and  Expedients  of  Useful- 
ness as  far  as  they  can  extend  their  Influences. 

Fifthly.  A  Spirit  reconciled  unto  low,  mean,  humbling 
Circumstances  in  an  evil  World. 

3.  G.  D.  My  Wife  has  a  Cosin-german,  who  is  a 
Gentlewoman,  capable  not  only  of  Improvements  in  re- 
fined Piety,  but  also  of  doing  much  Good  with  her  Estate 
in  the  World.  The  feeble  State  of  her  Health,  will  add 
unto  my  Opportunities  in  my  Conversation  with  her,  to 
pursue  both  of  those  Intentions;  and  I  would  accordingly 
endeavour  it.     (Mrs.  KXa/a/c)  1 

4.  G.  D.  It  may  serve  the  Interests  of  Piety,  and  be 
serviceable  and  agreeable  to  many  good  Purposes,  if  I  give 
to  the  Public  by  the  way  of  the  Press,  the  Sermon  which 
I  preached  the  last  Thursday. 

Wherefore  I  do  transcribe  it  for  the  Press,  and  give  it 
the  Title  of.  Advice  from  Taberah.  A  Sermon  preached 
after  the  Terrible  FIRE,  which  (attended  with  some  very 
lamentable  and  memorable  Circumstances)  on  Oct.  2.  j,  171 1), 
laid  a  considerable  Part  of  Boston  in  Ashes .^ 

5.  G.  D.  There  is  a  single  Gentlewoman  in  this  Town, 
who  is  Mistress  of  a  pretty  good  Estate ;  I  would  endeavour 
to  have  some  effectual  Advice  convey'd  unto  her,  that  she 
may  both  living  and  dying  devote  a  considerable  Interest 
unto  pious  Uses. 

11  d.  Sm.  Thursday.  This  Day  was  devoted  unto  Sup- 
plications with  Fasting,  thro'  the  Pro\ance.  I  bore  my 
Part,  and  had  the  Help  of  Heaven,  in  the  Work  of  the  Day. 

'  Mrs.  Sarah  Clark.      See  p.  78,  supra. 

'  Printed  by  B.  Green.  Taberah  was  the  name  of  a  place  in  the  wilderness 
of  Paran,  given  from  the  fact  of  a  burning  among  the  people  by  the  "fire  of  the 
Lord"  which  there  occurred.    Num.  xi.  3. 


OCTOBER,     171I  117 

Our  Congregation  also  did  theirs.  And  they  made  a 
Collection  for  the  Releef  of  the  poor  Sufferers  by  the  Fire, 
amounting  to  near  two  hundred  Pounds. 

6.  G.  D.  There  are  poor  Men,  wounded  in  the  late 
Fire,  by  the  Blowing  up  of  Houses.  I  would  visit  them, 
and  use  my  best  Endeavours,  that  they  may  come  as  Gold 
out  of  the  Fire.  I  would  also  take  some  Care  that  they 
and  their  Families  be  releeved  from  the  Money  which  the 
public  Charity  has  provided  for  them. 

7.  G.  D.  The  glorious  Lord  having  remarkably  pre- 
served me  and  my  Serviceableness  (my  darling,)  from  the 
Power  of  the  Dog,  I  propose  quickly  to  keep  a  Day  of  Thanks- 
giving in  Secret  on  that  Occasion ;  and  then  I  shall  more 
particularly  excogitate  further  Methods  of  Improvement  in 
all  Holiness  of  Conversation. 

I.  (14  d.  8  m.)  G.  D.  This  Day,  being  the  Day  for 
the  Administration  of  the  Eucharist,  I  earnestly  call  upon 
the  Church,  whereof  I  am  the  Servant,  especially  for  four 
Things.  First ;  that  none  of  them  secretly  indulge  them- 
selves in  any  Way  of  Wickedness.  Secondly;  that  many 
watchful,  fruitful,  exemplary  Christians  may  be  found 
among  them.  Thirdly;  that  they  be  not  unmindful  of 
the  Holy  Covenant,  whereof  they  ly  under  the  Strongest 
Obligations.  Fourthly;  that  they  approach  and  observe 
the  Supper  of  the  Lord,  with  all  possible  Solemnity.  I 
warn  them,  that  I  am  afraid  the  glorious  Lord,  is  coming 
out  against  the  Church,  and  going,  perhaps  quickly  to  give 
a  terrible  Shake  unto  it. 

i^d.  8  m.  Lords-Day.  This  Day  at  the  Lord's-Table, 
my  Errands  were,  to  acknowledge  the  Mysteries  of  Redemp- 
tion, and  venture  my  Soul  upon  the  evangelical  Revelation 
of  them.  And  to  lay  hold  on  the  Benefits  proposed  in  them  ; 
especially  the  Cure  of  the  Maladies  yett  remaining  in  my 
Spirit ;  most  of  all,  my  Disposition  to  envy  the  Favours 
of  God  unto  other  Men.     But  then,  I  laboured  mightily  to 


Il8         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

obtain  it  of  the  Lord,  that  His  Displeasure  against  the  Church 
may  be  turned  away ;  and  that  abundance  of  Holy  watchful, 
fruitful  Christians,  may  therefore  be  found  among  us. 

2.  G.  D.  Tis  a  Consideration  that  should  find  some 
room  in  my  Mind.  I  am  continually  crying  to  God,  for 
His  Favour  to  my  Children ;  that  they  may  be  pious, 
useful,  happy  Children,  But  I  ought  to  bewayl  some 
inexpressible  Circumstances  of  Meanness,  relating  to  their 
Original,  their  Production  and  Conception.  I  ought  to 
obtain  a  Pardon  thro'  the  Blood  of  that  Holy  Thing,  which 
was  Born  of  the  Virgin.  That  so  no  Vileness  of  that  Nature 
may  have  any  Influence,  to  render  them  abominable  to 
Heaven,  and  cast  them  out  of  its  favourable  Protection. 

3.  G.  D.  The  Husband  of  my  late  Sister  Jerusha,  what 
shall  I  do  for  him  ?  ^  Such  Discourses  as  may  befriend  and 
advance  the  Interests  of  Piety  in  him,  whereof  he  is  an 
hearty  Lover ;  the  presenting  of  him  with  agreeable  Books 
of  Piety ;  and  the  perswading  of  him,  to  unite  with  a  Num- 
ber of  serious  young  Men  of  a  suitable  Quality,  in  a  con- 
versation of  a  religious  Importance;  these  are  the  Things, 
which  I  do  at  present  think  of. 

4.  G.  D.  My  Advice  from  Taberah,  will  be  published 
this  week;  I  would  use  my  Endeavours,  that  all  or  most 
of  the  Persons,  who  have  been  Sufferers  in  the  late  Fire, 
may  have  the  Book  presented  unto  them.  It  may  be  very 
seasonable  to  lodge  these  Admonitions  with  them,  while  the 
Sense  of  their  Calamity  is  yett  fresh  upon  them. 

5.  G.  D.  Methinks,  it  would  be  a  practicable,  and  a 
profitable  Thing,  for  me,  once  a  Quarter,  to  have  either 
the  principal  Persons  belonging  unto  our  several  religious 
Societies  together,  or,  separately  to  discourse  with  them, 
about  the  Interests  of  the  Societies ;  what  may  be  further 
done,  that  Piety  may  flourish  in  them,  and  by  their  Means, 
in  the  Neighbourhood. 

'  » Peter  Oliver. 


OCTOBER,     171I  119 

6.  G.  D.  Here  is  in  my  Neighbourhood,  a  Family, 
where  the  poor  old  Man,  has  for  more  than  threescore 
Years  followed  the  Sea,  and  is  to  this  Day  in  his  Sins ;  the 
Woman,  is  sick,  and  in  Distresses.  I  must  endeavour  to 
releeve  their  Wants;  and  to  do  what  I  can  for  the  Souls 
of  both  of  them. 

7.  G.  D.  In  order  to  the  Comfort  of  my  own  Mind, 
and  that  I  may  the  better  walk  in  the  Light,  I  form  an 
Examination  of  myself,  relating  to  the  grand  End  of  my 
Life,  and  all  my  Actions ;  and  relating  to  the  three  Idols, 
to  which  all  ungodly  men  devote  themselves. 

The  End  at  which  I  would  aim  in  all,  is,  that  the  great  GOD, 
and  His  CHRIST,  may  be  acknowledged,  gratified  and  glorified. 
My  supreme  Satisfaction  lies  in  serving  this  End.  When  I  find,  that 
I  reach  unto  this,  here  I  stop.  I  ask  to  go  no  further.  I  am  satis- 
fied ;  I  am  fill'd  with  Joy  unspeakable  and  full  of  Glory. 

I  abhor  and  I  renounce,  all  that  gives  any  obstruction  to  me,  in 
prosecution  of  this  glorious  End. 

More  particularly, 

I  renoimce  the  FLESH. 

I  make  no  further  Allowance  to,  and  Provision  for,  the  Flesh, 
than  God  allows  me. 

I  durst  not  please  the  Flesh,  with  anything  that  is  displeasing  to  God. 

I  rebuke,  I  restrain,  I  deny  the  Flesh  in  its  irregular  Inclinations. 

I  don't  place  my  chief  Good,  in  having  my  Flesh  accommodated. 

I  renounce  the  WORLD. 

I  do  no  wicked  Thing  to  gain  the  World;  would  not  sin  for  the 
Gain  of  the  whole  World. 

I  am  content  with  such  a  Condition  in  the  World  as  God  will 
order  for  me ;  it  appears  well-ordered. 

I  dream  not  of  Happiness  in  the  great  Things  of  this  World;  I 
see  nothing  here  will  make  me  happy. 

The  sinful  Customes  of  this  World  do  not  carry  me  down  the 
Stream  thereof. 

I  renounce  the  DIVEL. 

I  do  not  hearken  to  my  grand  Adversary. 

I  am  afraid  of  his  Devices. 

My  Life  is  a  continual  Warfare  against  his  Temptations. 


I20         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

1.  [October  21.]  G.  D.  The  grievous  Losses  that  are 
suffered  by  our  Neighbours  in  their  Interests,  both  at  Sea, 
and  on  shore,  give  me  fresh  Opportunities,  which  I  would 
employ  with  all  possible  Contrivance  and  Fervency  to  putt 
them  upon  such  an  Improvement  in  Piety,  as  these  Dis- 
pensations call  for.  Oh !  how  earnestly  will  I  now  bespeak 
an  Abatement  of  their  Love  and  Zeal  for  this  World,  and 
their  Concern  to  secure  a  Portion  in  a  better  World ! 

2.  G.  D.  My  Evening-Sacrifice  in  my  Family  when 
the  Evening  arrives,  must  have  some  Accessions  made 
unto  it.     I  am  considering,  what? 

3.  G.  D.  I  am  thinking,  that  I  will  sett  myself  to 
consider,  which  of  my  Relatives,  have  not  yett  very  visible 
and  credible  Marks  of  serious  Piety  upon  them ;  and  I 
would  in  various  Methods  address  them,  and  address  Heaven 
for  them,  with  unspeakable  Importunity,  that  victorious 
Grace   may   visit  them. 

I  take  Notice  of  it  with  Wonder.  We  have  religious 
People,  whose  nearest  Relatives  are  poor,  vain,  carnal 
Creatures,  utterly  destitute  of  the  Symptomes  of  Regen- 
eration. And  yett  they  seem  very  easy  and  thoughtless 
about  them.  While  they  are  in  this  World  well  provided 
for,  and  carry  it  well  towards  them,  they  seem  to  take  no 
further  Thought  about  them.  I  would  therefore  not  only 
myself  be  concerned  for  unregenerate  Relatives,  but  also 
in  my  Ministry  awaken  all  religious  People  to  be  more  so, 
than  many  of  them  seem  to  be. 

4.  It  will  be  a  Service  unto  the  common  Cause  of  our 
holy  Religion,  to  obtain  from  the  southern  Colonies,  an 
Account,  how  the  Missionaries  of  the  Society  for  Propa- 
gation of  Religion,  invade  and  molest  the  Churches  which 
are  well  instructed  in  Christianity,  but  leave  neglected  the 
Plantations  that  are  paganizing. 

5.  G.  D.  I  have  now  obtained,  that  by  a  prudent  and 
faithful  Visitation  of  the  Indians,  we  are  furnished  with  a 


OCTOBER,     1711  121 

very  punctual  Account  of  the  State  of  Christianity  among 
them.  We  have  a  distinct  and  exact  Account  of  their 
Circumstances ;  and  we  have  something  on  which  we  may 
proceed  unto  numberless  Actions  for  the  Kingdome  of  our 
Saviour,  and  the  Welfare  of  that  miserable  People.  I  pro- 
pose, that  the  Commissioners  of  the  Indian-affayrs,  may 
now  have  their  very  frequent  Meetings,  and  I  suppose  that 
we  shall  at  every  one  of  them,  be  led  into  such  Projections 
and  Purposes  as  will  be  of  a  lasting  Advantage. 

Those  which  I  am  now  upon,  are,  to  render  Thanks 
unto  some  that  have  been  useful  unto  our  Affairs.  To 
augment  the  Salaries  of  some  that  have  been  meritorious 
in  the  Service.  To  procure  some  Strength  unto  the  Indian- 
Justices.  And,  to  commission  a  worthy  Englishman  to  be 
a  Ruler  unto  them  at  Little  Compton. 

6.  G.  D.  Diverse  in  my  Neighbourhood,  have  uncom- 
fortable Tidings,  concerning  the  Death  of  desireable  Rela- 
tives abroad  ;  I  would  immediately  visit  them,  and  comfort 
them,  and  putt  into  their  Hands  those  Books  of  Piety, 
which  may  help  to  carry  them  thro'  their  Afflictions. 

7.  G.  D.  A  morning  Cough,  a  little  tussient  Expectora- 
tion, at  my  first  Waking  and  Rising  in  a  Morning,  has  these 
many  Years  attended  me.  It  is  doubtless  become  useful 
to  me ;  and  the  Stopping  of  it  would  be  an  hazardous  Incon- 
venience. But  now,  it  ought  to  raise  a  Disposition  of  Piety 
in  me.  I  would  have  my  Cough  alwayes  accompanied 
with  a  Thought  of  this  Importance  ;  Oh!  that  I  may  alwayes 
cast  up,  and  throw  off,  whatever  may  be  inimical  to  the  Health 
of  my  Soul!  Every  Lust,  which  like  this  Flegm,  should  he 
parted  with;  Lord,  help  me  to  part  with  it;  yea,  to  take  Pains 
that  I  may  do  so! 

I.  [October  28.]  G.  D.  I  find  it  a  marvellous  Consola- 
tion, and  Satisfaction  unto  the  Neighbours,  and  a  sensible 
Advantage  unto  the  Exercise  of  Piety  in  them;  for  me  in 
the  Conclusion  of  my  public  Prayers,  earnestly  to  entreat 


122         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

of  the  glorious  Lord,  that  He  would  graciously  and  suitably 
look  down  on  the  unmentionable,  conceled,  and  reserved 
Cases  in  the  Neighbourhood ;  the  Bitterness  known  only 
to  the  Hearts  that  feel  them.  I  would  go  on ;  and  in  this 
Action  study  to  be  yett  more  pathetical. 

2.  G.  D.  One  of  my  Servants  going  to  marry  away,  I 
must  make  it  an  Article  of  special  Supplications  before  the 
Lord,  that  He  would  send  a  good  Servant  into  my  Family. 
I  would  therefore  bewayle  the  Sins  of  my  Behaviour  towards 
my  Servants ;  and  bewayl  my  ot\ti  being  so  poor  a  Servant 
of  the  Lord;  and  plead  the  Sacrifice  of  my  Saviour,  who 
appear'd  in  the  form  of  a  Servant,  for  my  pardon,  and  for 
the  desired  Blessings. 

3.  G.  D.  I  have  a  Brother-in-Law,  that  meets  with 
new,  and  sad  and  sore  Losses.  I  am  afraid,  I  am  afraid, 
the  Spirit  of  this  World  is  too  much  yett  upon  him ;  the 
Business  of  this  World  still  too  much  hurries  and  ensnares 
him ;  a  new  Business  adds  to  his  Entanglements.  I  wish, 
I  could  see  his  Conversion  to  God  accomplished.  I  would 
now  take  this  Occasion,  with  all  possible  Insinuations,  to 
prosecute  the  Intentions  of  Piety  upon  him. 

4.  G.  D.  It  may  be  a  Service  to  my  Countrey,  and  an 
Imitation  of  our  glorious  Advocate  in  the  Heavens,  for  me 
to  vindicate  this  poor,  envied,  abused  People  of  God,  from 
the  Reproaches  of  its  malignant  Adversaries.  I  purpose 
in  the  Audience  of  the  General  Assembly  to  make  a  Reca- 
pitulation and  Acknowledgment  of  the  good  Things  as  yett 
found  in  the  Countrey.  If  they  see  cause  to  order  the 
Publication  of  it,  it  will  give  some  satisfaction  to  the  People 
of  God  abroad  in  the  World.  If  they  do  not,  however,  I 
shall  hereby  be  enabled  with  the  more  of  Insinuation  and 
Efficacy,  to  bear  my  faithful  Testimonyes,  which  I  propose 
to  do,  against  the  ill  Things  that  are  also  found  among  us.' 

'  He  preached  this  day  the  Lecture,  but  the  Governor  remained  away  because 
Mather  was  the  preacher. 


NOVEMBER,     1711  I23 

5.  G.  D.  The  Society  for  the  Suppression  of  Disorders; 
must  be  extraordinarily  call'd  upon,  to  do  something  extraor- 
dinary upon  their  great  Intention.  Several  Things  are  to 
be  proposed  unto  them.  Especially  two  orders,  which  are 
of  late  not  observed.  The  one,  that  at  least  one  good 
Proposal,  be  written  down  every  Meeting,  to  be  afterwards 
again  examined,  whether  it  have  been  prosecuted.  The 
other  that  he,  at  whose  [House]  we  meet  in  the  Turn, 
shall  be  particularly  obliged  to  offer  one  Proposal  unto 
Consideration. 

6.  G.  D.  I  am  advised  of  some  young  Men  in  my 
Neighbourhood,  who  are  undoing  their  Souls  by  runnmg 
away  from  God,  into  great  Apostasies  and  Impieties.  I 
must  earnestly  call  upon  as  many  of  them  as  I  can,  and 
endeavour  to  recover  them. 

7.  G.  D.  I  am  very  sensible,  that  Envy  is  a  very  con- 
siderable part  of  the  Satanic  Image  in  the  Soul ;  and  the 
working  of  it,  very  displeasing  to  the  good  Spirit  of  God. 
The  Charity  that  envies  not,  is  a  very  vital  and  lovely  Stroke 
in  the  Image  of  my  sweet  Saviour,  after  which  I  ought  to 
aspire  exceedingly.  And  how  far  it  may  engage  the  good 
Providence  of  the  Holy  One,  to  look  favourably  upon  me, 
tis  with  Him.  I  am  desirous  to  have  one  Stroke  more  at 
this  Matter,  by  more  distinctly  forming  these  Resolutions, 
with  an  Eye  unto  my  dear  Saviour,  to  form  in  me  the  Dis- 
positions proper  for  them,  and  to  help  me  in  the  Executing 
of  them. 

First :  The  first  and  least  Ebullition  of  an  envious  Thought  at  the 
Prosperity  of  another  Man,  I  would  rebuke  it  and  suppress  it  immedi- 
ately, with  all  possible  Indignation ;  and  in  a  Way  of  the  most  expres- 
sive Contradiction  to  it,  lift  up  my  Heart  unto  God,  with  my  Thanks 
to  Him  for  the  Good  He  has  done  to  that  Man,  and  my  Prayers  and 
Hopes  for  the  Continuance  of  it. 

Secondly ;  Upon  all  occasional  Views  of  the  Blessings  and  Com- 
forts enjoy'd  by  other  Men,  I  would  shape  a  Thought  of  Satisfaction 
in  the  Sovereignty,  and  the  Wisdome,  and  the  Goodness  of  the  Glorious 


124         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

God,  which  is  exercised  in  it ;  and  make  that  Article  of  their  Pros- 
perity, a  particular  Article  of  my  Praises  unto  the  Lord  on  their 
behalf;  with  my  Wishes,  that  they  may  improve  it  for  His  Glory. 
Thirdly.  When  I  am  sitting  with  my  Friends  in  their  Houses, 
and  walking  the  Streets  where  I  may  see  some  of  then:  most  visible 
Possessions,  I  would  employ  the  Ejaculations  of  my  Mind,  unto  the 
blessed  God,  in  as  real,  and  sincere  Acknowledgments  of  His  granting 
this  Prosperity  vmto  them,  and  with  as  true  a  Pleasure  of  Soul  at  the 
Prospect,  as  if  it  were  all  my  oimi.  Yea,  and  I  would  obtain  a  Liesure, 
to  walk  about  the  Place;  and  go  round  about  the  Neighbourhood, 
and  tell  the  Smiles  of  God  upon  it,  and  mark  well  their  Enjoyments, 
and  consider  their  Consolations,  and  upon  each  of  them  gett  my 
Soul  raised  into  those  Dispositions  of  Joy,  which  I  ought  to  have, 
when  I  see  the  Goodness  of  the  blessed  God  shining  forth  in  so  oblig- 
ing a  Manner ;  with  Supplications  for  my  Neighbours,  that  they  may 
bring  forth  much  of  that  Fruit,  by  which  He  may  be  glorified. 

1.  {November  4.]  G.  D.  Entertaining  a  Purpose,  if  the 
glorious  Lord,  will  give  me  Life  and  Strength,  to  visit  again 
all  the  Families  of  the  Flock,  I  would  furnish  myself  with 
an  agreeable  Book,  to  be  left  in  them  all.  I  wotdd  therefore 
compose,  and  preach,  and  print  a  little  Book,  that  shall 
contain  the  principal  Things  which  a  Pastor  has  to  desire 
from  and  for  his  People.  I  would  form  the  Composure, 
with  all  suitable  Contrivance  and  Adaptation,  and  look  up 
to  Heaven  about  it ;  and  when  tis  in  my  Hands,  I  would 
putt  it  into  theirs. 

2.  G.  D.  My  Little  Daughter  Nancy,  is  under  an  ill 
State  of  Health.  I  must  not  only  look  up  to  God  and  use 
all  due  Means  for  the  Health  of  the  Child,  but  also  make 
her  Illness  an  Occasion  for  most  earnest  Inculcations  of 
Piety  unto  her. 

3.  G.  D.  The  Minister  of  Water-town  Farms  is  my 
Kinsman,  and  one  desirous  to  do  good  in  the  World. '  The 
best  Service  I  can  do  for  him,  is  to  procure  him  Opportuni- 
ties of  being  serviceable.  I  would  particularly  procure  him 
some  Opportunities  to  be  useful,  in  the  Inspection  of  the 

'  Rev.  William  Williams. 


NOVEMBER,     1711  I25 

Indians  at  Natick;  where  the  Interests  of  Christianity  are 
extremely  languishing. 

4.  G.  D.  God  has  blessed  my  Applications  unto 
Woburn,  for  the  bruising  of  Satan,  who  had  begun  to  raise 
grievous  Contentions  there. ^  It  was  thought,  that  it  would 
be  a  confirming  and  Finishing  stroke  on  that  Good  work, 
if  I  would  give  a  Lecture  unto  that  People.  I  assign  a 
Time  for  it;  purposing  to  preach  as  charming  Things  as 
I  can  unto  them,  on  Rom.  15.  14.  /  am  perswaded  you  are 
full  of  Goodness. 

T  d.  g  m.  [November.]  Wednesday.  This  Day  I  accom- 
plish my  Purpose  for  Woburn,  and  had  many  Smiles  of 
Heaven  on  my  Journey ;  some  that  were  surprising  ones. 

5.  G.  D.  Tis  moved  that  the  Ministers  in  this  Place 
may  join  in  an  Address  to  the  Queen,  that  may  be  of  Conse- 
quence to  these  Colonies.  I  would  consider  the  Motion ; 
and  if  it  may  do  any  good,  I  would  prosecute  it. 

6.  G.  D.  There  is  a  Woman  arrived  in  my  Neighbour- 
hood, who  was  once  in  better  Circumstances,  but  is  now 
reduced  unto  the  lowest  Poverty ;  and  but  meanly  provided 
for  the  Circumstances  of  the  approaching  Winter.  I  will 
dispense  Releefs  unto  her.     (Aa^te).2 

gd.  gm.  Friday.  I  sett  apart  this  Day  for  Prayers  and 
Alms,  with  Fasting  before  the  Lord,  that  I  might  procure 
such  Blessings  as  I  want  for  myself,  my  Family,  my  Min- 
istry, my  Friends,  and  the  People  of  God.  And  especially, 
that  I  may  from  Scotland,  and  from  England,  receive  such 
Things,  as  may  further  encourage  me  in  the  Service  of  the 
Lord. 

The  Work  of  the  Day  left  a  desireable,  and  a  purifying 
Impression  on  my  Mind. 

7.  G.  D.  Tis  a  practice  that  I  am  not  unus'd  unto  ;  but 
I  find,  it  will  be  for  the  Interest  of  God,  and  the  Advance- 

*  On  the  "disorderly  seating  of  many  persons  in  the  house  of  God."  Sewall, 
History  of  Woburn,  i86.  *  Davie. 


126         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

ment  of  His  Kingdome,  in  my  Heart  and  Life ;  that  I  should 
most  explicitly  and  pathetically  renew  my  Resolutions  for 
the  Practising  of  it ;  that  whenever  I  perceive  an  ill  Thought 
arising  in  my  Mind,  I  will  forever  extinguish  it,  and  con- 
tradict it,  with  forming  a  good  Thought,  that  shall  be 
directly  contrary  unto  it.  More  particularly ;  upon  a 
proud  Thought,  I  will  immediately  form  a  Thought  that 
shall  carry  the  greatest  Self-abasement,  and  Self-abhorrence 
in  it.  Upon  an  impure  Thought,  I  wdU  immediately  form 
a  Thought,  that  shall  carry  in  it,  a  Resignation  of  myself 
unto  the  Spirit  of  Holiness,  and  an  Invocation  of  Him  to 
take  possession  of  me.  Upon  an  envious  Thought,  I  will 
immediately  form  a  Thought  that  shall  carry  in  it,  some 
ardent  Wish  for  the  Prosperity  of  the  Person  whom  I  had 
in  my  View.  Upon  a  revengeful  Thought,  I  will  imme- 
diately form  a  Thought  that  shall  carry  in  it  some  sincere 
Desires  for  Blessings  on  the  Person  that  has  injured  me. 
Finally,  upon  a  Thought  of  Discouragement,  from  the  Labour 
of  being  serviceable,  or  from  the  Malice,  and  the  Number, 
and  the  Power  of  them  that  are  Enemies  to  my  Serv-iceable- 
ness,  I  will  immediately  form  a  Thought,  that  shall  carry 
in  it,  a  cheerful  Dependence  on  the  Assistence,  and  Pro- 
tection of  the  glorious  Lord,  and  an  unfainting  Resolution 
to  be  alwayes  abounding  in  the  Work  of  the  Lord.  My 
best  Way  will  be  to  putt  these  Thoughts  usually  into  the 
Form  of  Ejaculations,  and  so  send  them  up  to  Heaven. 

I.  [November  ii.]  G.  D.  There  has  been  this  last 
Week,  a  remarkable  Instance  of  the  divine  Judgments  on 
an  infamous  Harlott.  There  are  more  of  her  Tribe,  and  of 
their  bewitched  Followers,  in  the  Neighbourhood.  I  would 
make  a  public  Improvement  of  this  Instance;  to  warn 
them  against  the  Pathes  of  the  Destroyer. 

II  d.  g  m.  Lord's-Day.  The  special  Errands  on  which  I 
went  this  day  unto  the  Table  of  the  Lord,  were  these. 


NOVEMBER,     171I  I27 

First,  I  considered,  that  as  Bread  strengthens  the  Children  of 
Men,  so  my  Spirit  was  to  look  for  Strength  to  be  comunicated  from 
a  Christ,  becoming  my  Food,  in  the  ordinance  now  before  me.  I 
considered  such  a  spiritual  Strength  as  purchased  for  me,  by  the 
Death  of  my  dear  Jesus,  and  conveyed  from  Him  to  those  who  rely 
upon  Him  for  the  Conveyance  of  it.  I  declared  my  Faith  of  this ; 
and  in  Token  thereof  received  the  Bread  of  the  Eucharist.  Then  I 
considered,  and  confessed  my  own  Feebleness  in  many  Instances. 
And  I  look'd  up  to  my  glorious  Lord,  for  Strength ;  to  be  more  fixed 
with  my  Thoughts  on  the  proper  Objects  and  Matters  in  the  Worship 
of  God ;  to  be  more  able  in  Reasoning  and  Arguing  for  the  Cause  of 
God;  and  in  Discerning  some  dark  Things  about  His  Kingdome. 
To  be  more  vigorous  and  courageous  in  doing  my  Duty.  To  repel 
Temptations  with  more  of  Resolution.  To  overcome  the  Lusts  of  the 
Flesh,  with  a  Strength  within.  To  bear  AfHictions  from  God,  and 
Injuries  from  Men.  And  be  strong  in  every  Grace  of  Christ  Jesus ; 
especially,  strong  in  Faith  giving  Glory  to  God. 

Secondly.  Being  very  sensible,  what  need  I  have  to  grow  in 
Humility,  I  entred  into  a  Contemplation  of  the  Humiliation  whereto 
my  humble  Jesus,  did  submitt,  when  He  appeared  among  us.  I 
herein  beheld  the  Price,  for  the  Grace  of  Humility  to  be  given  unto 
His  People.  I  declared  my  Desire  of  this  Grace.  And  receiving  the 
Cup,  I  proceed  thereon  to  implore  my  glorious  Lord,  that  I  may 
have  the  Grace ;  to  think  so  meanly  of  myself,  as  a  Sinner  of  such 
Vileness  ought  to  do.  To  justify  God  in  all  my  abasing  Circum- 
stances, and  entertain  them  with  a  due  Judging  and  Loathing  of 
myself.  To  entertain  the  common  Lott  of  mankind  in  various  Frail- 
ties, with  a  suitable  Submission  to  them.  To  be  afraid  of  seeking 
to  aggrandize  myself  in  this  World.  To  encounter  Indignities  with 
much  Patience,  and  Silence ;  and  be  only  driven  thereby  to  be 
more  afi'ected  with  my  own  evil  Deservings.  And  be  one  of  the 
poor  in  Spirit,  and  of  the  lowly  whom  the  most  High  will  have 
Respect  unto. 

2.  G.  D.  If  any  little  Occasion  for  my  Anger,  do  occur 
by  any  Neglect,  or  by  something  amiss,  in  my  Family,  I 
would  with  all  possible  Decency  govern  my  Passion.  My 
Anger  shall  not  break  out,  into  any  froward,  peevish,  inde- 
cent Expressions.  I  wUl  only  lett  them  see,  that  I  don't 
like  what  I  take  notice  of.     But  this  is  not  all.     I  would 


128         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

on  such  an  Occasion,  immediately  divert,  and  break  off,  — 
But  what  shall  I  say?  —  and  proceed  unto  the  sorrowful 
Mention  of  some  greater  Miscarriage,  in  our  Conduct  about 
our  Souls,  which  what  now  offends  me,  may  lead  me  to 
reflect  upon. 

3.  G.  D.  I  have  a  Nephew  now  a  Student  at  Cam- 
bridge. I  would  use  various  Means,  both  to  preserve  him 
from  Temptations  and  prepare  him  for  Services.  I  would 
send  for  him,  talk  with  him,  and  bestow  agreeable  Books 
of  Piety  upon  him.     {6ofia<;  TaXrep.) ' 

I  thought  it  might  be  a  service  for  this  poor  Countrey 
abroad  in  the  World ;  especially  among  our  European 
Brethren  that  enquire  after  us ;  if  my  late  Sermon  wherein 
I  vindicated  the  Countrey  might  be  published  at  London. 
My  Concession  for  such  a  Publication,  has  the  more 
of  something  like  Vertue  in  it,  inasmuch  as  the  General 
Assembly  shew'd  themselves  covetous  and  ungrateful  and 
unworthy  enough,  in  their  taking  no  public  Notice  of  a 
Service,  which  they  would  Man  by  Man,  every  one  confess 
to  be  a  meritorious  one.  Wherefore  I  sent  the  Sermon  to 
our  Agent  in  London,  with  an  agreeable  Dedication  thereof 
unto  him ;  that  it  may  be  there  printed,  if  he  please,  and 
sent  into  all  Parts,  where  it  may  be  serviceable.  As  I 
thought  a  sweet  Satisfaction  in  the  Neglects  of  a  people 
here,  to  acknowledge  the  good  that  is  done  for  them,  is 
an  Imitation  of  my  dear  Saviour ;  so  it  would  be  to  be  an 
Advocate  for  them  in  a  far  Countrey.  I  entituled  it ;  The 
Balances  of  Equity.  A  brief  Essay  on  the  Just  Allow- 
ances, to  be  made,  both  for  Good  Things,  and  for  Evil,  wherever 
they  are  to  be  mett  withal.  And  some  Justice  particularly 
done,  to  a  countrey,  that  has  been  sometimes  Misrepresented 
in  the  world. 

4.  G.  D.  With  the  Service  newly  mention'd  which  will 
be  productive  of  many  more,  if  God  smile  upon  it,  I  am 

'  Thomas  Walter. 


NOVEMBER,     1711  I29 

now  furnishing  our  Agent  at  London,  with  such  things  as 
may  be  serviceable  to  our  distressed  Countrey. 

14  c?.  9  w.  Wednesday.  This  Day,  I  endeavour  to  exe- 
cute of  my  purpose  of  keeping  a  Day  of  THANKSGIVING, 
in  Secret  before  the  Lord ;  Especially,  to  render  my  Thanks 
unto  Heaven,  from  my  Remarkable  praeservations  from  the 
Malice  and  Envy  of  the  Men,  that  are  disaffected  unto  me, 
and  unto  my  Serviceableness. 

After  the  praeparatory  Duties  of  the  Morning ;  and  after  the 
Praises  offered  up  to  God,  for  personal  and  domestic  Blessings,  in  my 
Family-Sacrifices,  and  with  Endeavours  to  have  my  Mind  filled  with 
parenthetical  and  occasional,  and  ejaculatory  Hallelujahs  dispatch'd 
unto  Heaven,  upon  all  Occurrences  that  presented  themselves,  I 
spent  much  of  the  Forenoon,  in  such  Acknowledgments  of  the  glori- 
ous Lord,  as  I  intended  in  the  Devoting  of  this  Day  unto  Him. 

In  particular,  prostrate  in  the  Dust  before  the  Lord,  I  humbly 
confessed  my  Sins,  which  had  provoked  Him,  to  raise  me  up  Adver- 
saries, who  were  many,  and  hate  me  with  a  cruel  Hatred;  and  I 
begged  the  Pardon  of  them,  thro'  the  Blood  of  the  great  Sacrifice. 
But  then  I  did  with  Admiration  and  Astonishment,  celebrate  the  good 
Hand  of  God ;  which  had  restrained  these  Adversaries,  and  prevented 
from  time  to  time  the  Publication  of  their  Libels ;  and  continued  and 
multiplied  my  Opportunities  to  do  good ;  and  employed  me  in  the 
Greatest  Congregations;  and  made  use  of  my  Pen  to  write  many 
Books  for  the  Advancement  of  His  Kingdome ;  Yea,  and  had  strangely 
encouraged  and  fortified  my  Serviceableness,  by  such  Marks  of  Re- 
spect from  other  Parts  of  the  World,  as  no  Person  in  America  has  ever 
yett  received  before  me.  And  I  praised  the  Lord  for  this,  as  a  Favour 
not  inferiour  to  the  rest;  that  He  had  made  my  Adversaries  useful 
unto  me,  for  the  increasing  of  my  Circumspection,  in  my  Walk,  and 
my  Conversation  with  Heaven ;  and  He  had  also  helped  me  to  for- 
give my  Adversaries,  and  to  treat  them  with  the  meek  Spirit  of  Chris- 
tianity. In  these  Things,  I  magnified  the  sovereign  Grace  of  God 
unto  the  Chief  of  Sinners.  I  adored  His  Power,  His  Wisdome,  His 
Mercy,  and  His  Faithfulness,  and  His  Readiness  to  hear  the  Prayers 
of  them  that  seek  Him,  and  serve  Him.  I  glorified  God  as  the  Father, 
who  had  used  a  fatherly  Compassion  in  His  Dealings  with  me ;  God 
the  Son,  who  had  brought  me  into  an  Adoption  by  the  Father ;  God 
the  Spirit,  who  had  made  me  one  of  His  Temples,  and  kept  me  from 
n-9 


130         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

Hurt  by  the  Stones  thrown  at  me.  But  I  more  particularly  addressed 
with  my  Praises,  God  the  Son,  as  Incarnate  in  my  blessed  JESUS. 
I  glorified  Him,  as  the  Head  of  the  Church,  and  as  having  the  divine 
Providence  in  the  Government  of  the  World  under  His  more  immedi- 
ate Management.  I  glorified  Him,  as  having  purchased  my  Deliver- 
ance from  Reproaches,  by  His  own  suffering  Reproaches,  and 
matchless  Indignities  and  Contumelies,  when  He  made  Himself  a 
Sacrifice  on  my  behalf.  I  glorified  Him  as  having  the  Divels  in  a 
Chain,  and  as  having  chained  up  the  wicked  Men  who  are  under  the 
Energy  of  the  Divels.  I  glorified  Him,  as  having  the  good  Angels 
imder  His  Command,  and  as  having  sent  His  Angels  to  do  good 
OflSces  for  me.  I  gave  myself  up  to  Him ;  and  resolved  with  His 
Help,  to  go  on  in  serving  Him  unto  the  uttermost;  serving  Him 
with  all  possible  Activity  all  my  Dayes ;  trusting  Him  to  shelter  me 
from  the  Rage  of  wicked  Men,  to  which  my  Activity  for  Him  and 
His  Interest  may  render  me  obnoxious. 

I  sang  agreeable  Psalms. 

In  the  Afternoon  again  prostrate  in  the  Dust  before  the  Lord,  I 
begg'd  of  Him,  to  show  me  how  I  might  glorify  Him,  in  more  sig- 
nificant Wayes  than  meer  verbal  Acknowledgments.  Particularly  to 
direct  me,  and  assist  me,  in  my  Design  to  preach  over  the  Body  of 
Divinity,  with  considerations  of  the  Interest  which  the  glory  of  my 
admirable  Saviour  has  in  every  Part  of  it.  And  because,  I  thought 
these  two  were  very  expressive  Wayes  of  glorifying  Him ;  first,  I 
forgave  my  Adversaries,  and  heartily  pray'd  that  they  might  have 
the  Blessings  of  Goodness  heaped  upon  them.  I  declared,  how  much 
I  should  rejoice  to  see  them  turned  unto  God,  and  prosperous  in 
the  good  Wayes  of  Piety.  I  entreated,  like  a  Child  of  Jacob,  that 
these  wicked  Edomites  might  have  their  Hearts  turned  and  changed. 
Secondly,  I  putt  my  Trust  in  my  great  Saviour  to  rescue  me  from 
the  Mischiefs  which  these  Adversaries  may  do  unto  me ;  to  defend 
me  from  their  implacable  Fury ;  to  make  me,  and  keep  me,  a  green 
OHve-tree  in  the  House  of  my  God.  I  left  my  Cause  in  His  Hands ; 
I  utterly  forbore  all  Revenge  upon  them.  I  did  it  purely  out  of 
Obedience  to  Him.  I  reUed  upon  Him  to  fulfil  His  Word  unto  me, 
in  pleading  my  Cause  against  them. 

After  this,  in  some  other  Exercises  I  proceeded  unto  some 
Acknowledgments  of  the  glorious  God,  in  mentioning  His  Favours 
to  me ;  which  I  reduced  unto  two  Heads ;  those  which  related  unto 
my  Ministry,  and  those  which  related  unto  my  Family.  Adding  such 
as  my  Friends  and  the  Public  were  Partakers  of. 


NOVEMBER,     1711  I3I 

O  my  dear  Saviour,  wilt  thou  not  encourage  me  in  my  Essayes 
to  offer  praise  and  glorify  thee  I  Ah,  my  Lord,  I  will  hope  continually, 
and  I  will  yett  praise  thee  more  and  more. 

5.  G.  D.  I  have  now  litt  upon  a  good  Projection  to 
revive  the  languishing,  and  near  expired  Society,  for  Sup- 
pression of  Disorders,  in  our  part  of  the  Town ;  which  I 
would  immediately  putt  in  Execution. 

6.  G.  D.  There  be  two  or  three  poor  Creatures,  under 
the  Watch  of  our  Church,  who  are  fallen  into  Scandal. 
I  must  first  of  all,  do  all  that  I  can  to  Recover  them,  and 
bring  them  unto  Repentance,  by  private  Applications  to 
them.  I  must  then  proceed  with  the  Discipline  of  the 
Church,  that  others  may  hear  and  fear. 

7.  G.  D.  I  am  now  getting  on  my  Winter-Garments. 
I  would  endeavour  to  do  it,  with  agreeable  Dispositions  of 
Piety. 

First,  I  would  heartily  bless  the  glorious  God  for  supplying  me 
with  suitable  and  sufficient  Garments.  I  would  bewayl  my  Sin  in 
my  first  Parents,  that  sinned  away  the  Garments  of  Glory  with  which 
we  were  at  first  accommodated,  and  brought  a  wretched  Nakedness 
upon  us.  I  would  confess  my  Obligations  to  my  dear  JESUS,  who 
by  submitting  to  the  sufferings  of  being  disrobed,  purchased  the 
Comforts  of  my  Garments  for  me. 

Secondly.  I  would  putt  on  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  by  a  new  Con- 
sent of  my  Soul,  to  be  found  in  His  Righteousness;  and  by  fresh 
Contemplations  and  Resolutions,  of  such  a  Conformity  to  Him,  that 
they  who  see  me,  may  see  much  of  Him. 

Thirdly.  I  would  come  into  a  further  Degree  of  Solicitude, 
that  I  may  be  clothed  with  the  Spirit;  and  possessed  by  the  Holy 
One,  evidently  resting  on  me,  in  the  Inclinations  of  Holiness  and 
Usefulness. 

Fourthly.  I  would  be  sollicitous,  to  provide  Clothing  for  the 
Poor  that  want  it,  and  convey  some  Garments  unto  those  who  in 
the  Cold  may  want  a  Covering. 

I.  [November  i8.]  G.  D.  Having  dispatched  a  Course 
of  Sermons  on  the  Parable  of  the  Prodigal,  I  would  humbly 
look  up  to  my  glorious  Lord,  for  His  Direction,  about 


132         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

another  Subject,  which  I  may  spend  some  Time  upon,  if 
He  please  to  allow  me  any  longer  Time  among  His  People. 

2.  G.  D.  There  are  Books  of  Piety,  which  I  would 
look  out  for  my  wife,  and  commend  unto  her  the  Perusal 
of  them. 

And  I  would  particularly  advise  her,  that  in  the  Re- 
ligion of  the  Closet,  which  I  know  she  maintains,  it  may 
[be]  her  practice,  not  only  to  preface  her  Prayers  with 
Reading  somewhat,  either  in  the  sacred  Scriptures,  or  in 
such  Books  as  these,  but  also  to  fetch  from  thence,  and 
form,  still  some  new  Matter  of  Supplication. 

3.  G.  D.  I  have  an  aged  Father-in-Law  at  Charlestown, 
concerning  whom  I  have  a  Suspicion  arising  in  my  Mind, 
that  he  may  be  very  speedily  and  suddenly  call'd  out  of 
this  world.  I  would  visit  him  as  soon  as  I  can,  and  in  my 
Visit  address  him  with  such  Discourse  as  may  have  a  mighty 
Tendency  and  Cogency,  to  quicken  his  Prasparation,  for 
the  heavenly  World,  and  putt  his  Mind  into  the  Posture 
wherein  his  Change  is  to  be  waited  for.^ 

4.  G.  D.  The  Town  of  Jamaica,  on  Long-Islatid,  is  a 
sort  of  a  Frontier  for  the  Interests  of  the  Non-Conformists 
and  of  true  Piety  in  these  Colonies.  The  Settlement  of  a 
worthy  Minister  there,  would  be  a  real  Service  to  Religion. 
I  have  already  laboured  pretty  far  in  it,  and  brought  it 
near  to  an  Accomplishment.  But  some  further  Strokes  are 
necessary,  which  I  [am]  now  endeavouring  to  give,  that  it 
may  be  perfectly  accomplished.  ^ 

5.  G.  D.  It  will  be  of  little  Importance  for  me  to 
enter  into  my  Memorials,  the  Things  projected  and  pro- 
posed from  time  to  time,  when  I  have  my  Interviews  with 
the  Commissioners  for  the  Propagation  of  the  Gospel  among 
the  Indians.     However  I  will  at  this  time  insert  here  two 

*John  Phillips,  who  is  intended,  lived  until  1726. 

'George  McNish,  who  came  to  this  country  in  1705,  with  Rev.  Francis 
Makemie,  became  minister  at  Jamaica  some  time  in  171 1.  Macdonald,  Sketch 
of  the  History  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  Jamaica,  49. 


NOVEMBER,     1711  I33 

or  three  Proposals,  which  I  no  sooner  make  than  they  are  ^ 
putt  in  Execution.  One  is,  to  send  a  couple  of  Mission- 
aries unto 'the  Mohegin  Indians,  and  their  Neighbours,  in 
the  Colony  of  Connecticot,  which  unto  the  Shame  of  us  all, 
continue  still  in  Paganism.  Another  is,  to  hasten  the  Ordi- 
nation of  a  fitt  Person  unto  the  Church  of  Indians,  whereof 
Japhet  is  the  Pastor. ^  I  also  procured  Presents  to  be  made 
unto  certain  Indians,  who  are  uncommon  Examples  of 
Temperance,  and  Abstemiousness,  and  Sobriety.  An  Hatt 
for  each  of  them ;  which  may  be  an  Encouragement  unto 
others  to  follow  the  Pattern  these  have  given  them. 

6.  G.  D.  There  is  a  Family  of  a  Justice  in  this  Town, 
wherein  the  Man  and  his  Wife,  live  in  horrible  Variance ;  a 
strife  which  threatens  confusion  and  every  Evil  work.  They 
wUl  both  of  them  hearken  to  me  sooner  perhaps  than  to  any 
Person  in  the  world.  I  will  do  what  I  can  to  sweeten  their 
Spirits  towards  each  other,  and  perswade  them  to  such  a 
Behaviour  as  may  be  for  their  Comfort  and  Honour.  (Lw8?.)  2 

7.  G.  D.  Many,  many,  and  marvellous,  are  the  Obliga- 
tions which  my  dear  Saviour  has  laid  upon  me,  to  love  Him, 
and  serve  Him.  Among  the  astonishing  Favours  with 
which  He  has  obliged  me,  I  find  my  Heart  very  deeply 
affected,  with  this,  that  He  has  given  me  His  Laws,  which 
are  all  holy  and  just  and  good ;  He  has  taught  me  how  to 
live  unto  God ;  He  has  prescribed  me  Rules  how  to  escape 
the  Pollutions  and  Confusions  of  this  World ;  He  has 
instructed  me  in  the  Methods  of  Piety ;  He  has  directed 
me,  and  commanded  me  to  do  those  Things,  by  which  my 
Mind  immediately  becomes  rectified,  enriched,  and  en- 
nobled beyond  all  Expression.  And  He  has  advised  me, 
how  to  spend  my  Time,  in  such  a  Manner,  as  is  most  worthy 
of  a  reasonable  Creature. 

'  An  Indian  minister,  who  had  labored  for  some  years  in  the  Narragansett 
country.      Mather,  Bonifacius,  igg.      See  p.  igo,  infra. 
*  LjTides. 


134         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

It  may  not  be  amiss  for  me  to  cultivate  this  Disposition 
in  me. 

1.  [November  2^.]  G.  D.  I  have  distinguished  my  large 
Flock,  into  many  Tribes.  There  are  many  Sorts  of  People 
whereof  it  is  composed.  The  Condition  of  the  Souls  in 
each,  ought  to  be  pertinently,  and  pathetically  considered 
with  me.  I  would  not  only  suit  it  in  my  Sermons,  but  also 
in  the  public  Prayers,  wherefore,  when  I  am  going  forth 
to  Minister  before  the  Lord,  I  would  often  sett  myself  to 
think,  what  part  of  my  Flock  shall  I  now  single  out,  and 
employ  one  considerable  Part  of  the  public  Prayers  on  the 
Condition  of  it?  By  this  Method,  that  Part  of  the  Flock 
may  be  singularly  awakened  unto  the  Consideration  of 
their  own  Condition.  They  may  be  instructed  how  to 
pray  for  themselves.  They  may  be  quickened  themselves 
to  ask  for  the  Blessings  which  we  desire  on  their  behalf! 
Yea,  who  can  tell,  how  far  the  Holy  Spirit  of  God  may 
fall  upon  them? 

2.  G.  D.  There  has  been  a  surprising  Display  of  Provi- 
dence, and  Answer  of  Prayer,  in  the  neat  Garments,  where- 
with my  Cresy  is  clothed  and  armed  for  the  Winter.  I 
will  have  the  Child  apprised  of  it,  and  made  sensible  what 
an  efficacious  Thing  tis  to  trust  in  the  Lord,  and  do  good ; 
and  I  would  improve  it  as  a  most^  Encouragement  unto 
him,  to  apply  himself  unto  the  Service  of  his  only  Saviour. 

3.  G.  D.  I  have  another  Kinsman  at  the  Colledge,  to 
whom  I  purpose  to  dispense  Books,  with  such  Admonitions 
of  Piety,  as  may  be  useful  to  him.     (Srei^ai'  TtXX(a/Lt9.)  ^ 

I  would  particularly  press  upon  my  Kinsmen  there,  the 
Reading  of  two  Lives  in  our  Church-History ;  The  Youngest 
Shepards,  and  my  Brother's. 

4.  G.  D.  The  Minister  of  Newhaven,  having  preached 
a  Sermon  in  our  Assembly,  about  the  False  Hopes,  where- 
with many  deceive  themselves,  and  some  of  our  Hearers 

'  A  word  omitted.  *  Stephen  Williams. 


NOVEMBER,     171I  I35 

being  willing  to  publish  the  Sermon,  I  encourage  that 
Matter ;  and  more  than  so ;  because  I  take  the  Subject  to 
be  of  great  Consequence  for  the  Interests  of  Piety,  and  the 
Souls  of  Men.     I  will  write  a  Praefatory  Discourse  upon  it.^ 

5.  G.  D.  My  Religious  Fisherman,  is  now  pubhshed.^ 
I  will  now  have  my  Agents  in  several  parts  of  the  Countrey, 
to  lodge  the  Book  where  it  is  intended ;  and  I  will  also 
address  diverse  Merchants  who  carry  on  much  of  the  Trade 
of  the  Fishery,  that  when  they  have  made  good  Voyages, 
they  will  apply  a  few  Pieces  of  Eight,  unto  the  further  dis- 
persing of  this  Book  among  those  for  whom  it  is  designed. 

2()d.  gm.  171 1.  Thursday.  The  Mixtures  of  Mercy  re- 
membred  in  the  Midst  of  Wrath,  to  this  poor  People  in  the 
year  Past,  have  obliged  us  unto  a  public  Thanksgiving; 
which  was  this  Day  attended.  The  Lord  favoured  me  with 
precious  Assistences,  both  in  the  private  and  the  public 
Duties  of  the  Day.  Especially  in  this  thing ;  I  sett  myself 
to  consider,  that  an  Improvement  in  the  Love  of  God,  is 
the  Use,  that  I  should  make  of  all  His  favourable  Dealings 
with  me  and  others.  And,  I  hope,  I  found  the  Flame  of 
that  Holy  Love  enkindled  in  my  Soul,  with  all  the  Dispo- 
sitions of  it.  My  Heart  also  expanded  in  one  Article  of 
praising  the  Lord  in  the  Congregation ;  this  was,  when 
with  a  Soul  purified  from  Envy,  I  gave  Thanks  unto  the 
blessed  God,  for  His  Blessings  granted  unto  other  men. 
I  was  glad  of  their  Prosperity,  and  gave  Thanks  to  a  good, 
and  a  wise  God  for  it,  as  for  my  own. 

6.  G.  D.  I  have  a  Neighbour,  my  next  Neighbour, 
who  is  a  very  froward,  frappish,  peevish  Creature;  and 
who  in  his  ungoverned  Passion  committs  many  Offences ; 
He  is  an  Aged  Professor  of  Religion.  I  must  therefore,  as 
lovingly,  as  winningly,  as  prudently  and  faithfully  as  I  can, 
take  him  into  my  Hands,  and  labour  to  recover  him  out  of 

1  Printed  by  T.  Green,  1712.     Rev.  James  Pierpont  was  the  minister. 
'  The  Fisher-mans  Calling,  appearing  in  171 2  without  a  printer's  name. 


136         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

a  Distemper,  which  renders  him  so  uneasy  unto  himself, 
and  unto  all  about  him. 

7,  G.  D.  As  it  is  a  great  Point  of  Religion  with  me 
to  keep  out  of  Debt,  so  when  I  pay  any  Thing  that  I  owe, 
be  the  Summ  larger  or  smaller,  I  would  have  this  Thought 
still  raised  in  my  Mind ;  0  my  dear  Saviour,  Thou  hast  paid 
my  Debt  unto  the  Justice  of  Heaven.  Oh!  help  me  to  love 
thee,  and  praise  thee,  and  serve  thee  for  thy  Goodness. 

1.  [December  2.]  G.  D.  I  have  newly  written  a  brief 
Manual  for  Self -Examination.  I  incline  to  pubhsh  it,  and 
furnish  myself,  with  what  Numbers  of  Copies  I  can,  to  be 
lodg'd  in  the  Hands  of  all  our  Comunicants.  It  may  prove 
a  considerable  Service  to  the  Interests  of  Piety  among  them. 

2.  G.  D.  I  would  putt  each  of  my  Children  (capable 
to  do  it)  on  Pondering  and  Answering,  that  Question  ;  What 
Course  do  I  take,  and  must  I  take,  that  I  may  have  the  Fatherly 
Providence  of  the  Great  God,  and  my  Saviour,  concerned  for 
me?  that  I  may  not  be  abandoned  of  God  unto  the  Miseries 
that  some  Orphans  are  left  unto?  Yea,  lett  them  write  their 
Answer  to  it. 

3.  G.  D.  There  is  a  Family  related  unto  me,  in  which 
Family  I  am  treated  with  exceeding  Affection  and  Civility. 
I  have  done  something,  but  never  done  enough,  in  the 
Service  of  that  Family,  and  for  the  Welfare  of  it.  I  would 
visit  them,  and  entreat  them  to  think  for  me,  and  show  me 
what  I  shall  do  for  them.  I  will  myself  also  think ;  and 
in  all  their  Exercises  and  Difficulties,  I  would  study  all 
possible  Wayes  to  comfort  them. 

4.  G.  D.  The  Time  is  drawing  on,  for  the  Sailing  of 
our  Mast-fleet  into  Europe.  I  have  many  and  great  Cor- 
respondencies to  cultivate,  with  my  Letters  hither ;  which 
I  am  quickly  beginning  to  write.  I  will  impose  it,  as  a 
Law  on  myself,  that  still,  when  I  am  going  to  write  any  of 
these  Letters,  I  will  sett  myself  to  think,  what  Service  may 
I  do  for  the  Kingdome  of  my  admirable  Saviour  in  what  I 


DECEMBER,     1711  I37 

now  address  to  my  Friend?  And,  what  Service  is  there  that 
I  may  putt  my  Friejid  upon?  I  shall  not  have  Time  to 
record  the  Services  which  I  shall  thus  think  upon ;  and  it 
may  be,  t'wil  be  of  no  Importance  to  do  it.  It  is  enough, 
that  they  will  aU  be  known  unto  the  glorious  Lord, 

5.  G.  D.  There  is  a  small  Society  of  younger  Persons, 
who  are  Communicants  in  our  Church,  and  hold  a  Meeting 
in  the  Friday  Evening  prasparatory  to  the  Communion.  I 
will  send  some  very  agreeable  and  profitable  Things  unto 
them,  to  be  read  at  their  Meeting. 

6.  G.  D.  I  hear  of  a  very  poor,  but  a  very  pious. 
Woman,  at  the  South  End  of  the  Town ;  to  whom  I  would 
therefore  not  only  dispense  my  own  Charities,  but  also 
procure  those  of  other  Peoples. 

7  d.  10  m.  [December.]  Friday.  I  am  this  week  pretty 
much  confined,  and  very  much  afflicted,  with  grievous  Pains 
on  the  right  Side  of  my  Head  and  in  my  Jawes.  I  improve 
these  Pains  as  Admonitions  unto  me,  to  humble  myself 
before  the  Lord,  for  the  Barrenness  of  my  Head,  which  has 
had  no  more  good  Thoughts  in  it,  and  so  few  Designs  to 
do  Good.  And  adore  the  Love  of  my  dear  Saviour,  who 
has  delivered  me  from  everlasting  Pains.  My  Miseries  the 
last  Night  were  almost  insupportable ;  But  I  found  so 
much  Releef  by  an  epispastick,  that  I  was  able  to  sett 
apart  this  Day  for  Prayer  with  Fasting  in  my  Study,  as  I 
use  to  do.  However  I  went  thro'  the  Duties  after  a  feeble 
Manner.  And  what  I  fell  short  in  the  Prayers,  I  made 
up  in  Dispensations  of  Instruments  of  Piety,  which  I  sent 
this  Day,  with  short  Letters,  to  many  Quarters.  I  much 
cried  unto  the  Lord  this  Day,  that  I  may  have  such  Tidings 
coming  over  the  Water  to  me ;  as  may  encourage  me  in 
my  poor  Endeavours  to  serve  Him. 

7.  G.  D.  I  thought,  it  might  contribute  unto  the 
Intentions  of  Piety,  not  only  in  my  own  Soul,  but  also  in 
my  Family,  if  I  should  have  a  short  Hymn,  relating  to  the 


138         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

Lord's-day,  to  be  sung  (besides  the  many  others  which  I 
so  employ,)  with  my  Family,  every  Lord's-day  Morning. 
That  which  I  prepare  for  this  purpose,  is  this. 

The  Sons  of  God  shouting  for  Joy  at  the  Arrival 
of  the  Lord's-day. 

My  Saviour's  risen  from  the  Dead, 

And  lives  enthron'd  Above. 
The  Price  of  my  Salvation's  paid; 

My  Life  is  in  His  Love. 
With  holy  Sabbaths  and  Peace 

Hath  me  victorious  Blest. 
Lord,  bring  thou  me  Holiness, 

To  Victory  and  Rest. 

()  d.  10  tn.  Lord's-Day.  The  Prevailing  of  my  Pains 
upon  me,  has  this  Day  chased  me  from  the  Services  and 
Enjoyments  of  the  Sanctuary;  and  particularly  those  of 
the  Holy  Table,  at  which  I  should  have  ministred  before 
the  Lord.  I  desire  to  improve  this  Humiliation,  as  a  great 
Incentive  to  Repentance  for  my  many  Miscarriages,  by 
which  I  have  rendred  myself  unworthy  of  the  Blessings  in 
the  Sanctuary.  Especially  my  Unthankfulness  for  such 
Mercies,  and  my  Unfruitfulness  under  them,  and  my  unsuit- 
able Attendence  on  them ;  as  also  the  many  Impurities  of 
my  Life,  which  make  me  deserve  to  be  shut  out,  from  the 
Sanctuary,  as  one  too  unclean  to  be  admitted  there.  On 
these  Accounts,  my  Flight  unto  the  great  Sacrifice,  is  quick- 
ened this  Day. 

I.  [December  9.]  G.  D.  But  I  would  endeavour  that 
my  Flock,  as  well  as  myself,  may  reap  some  Good  out  of 
my  Affliction.  I  would  make  up  what  I  have  left  of  an 
Opportunity  to  serve  them  this  day,  by  arriving  more  ser- 
viceable to  them,  when  I  come  abroad  again.  My  next 
Sermon  may  very  seasonably  and  serviceably  be  on  the 
Communion  which  the  great  God  maintains  with  His 
People,  in  His  Institutions ;  the  Calamity  of  a  Banishment 


DECEMBER,     1711  I39 

from  that  Communion ;  the  Importunity  wherewith  such  a 
Communion  is  to  be  desired ;  and  the  Voice  of  God  com- 
muning with  each  sort  of  People  from  the  Mercy-seat  in 
the  Sanctuary. 

2.  G.  D.  I  must  keep  a  strict  Eye  on  my  Servant 
Onesimus;  especially  with  regard  unto  his  Company.  But 
I  must  particularly  endeavour  to  bring  him  unto  Repent- 
ance, for  some  Actions  of  a  thievish  Aspect.  Herein  I 
must  endeavour  that  there  be  no  old  Theft  of  his  unrepented 
of,  and  left  without  Restitution. 

But  then,  upon  every  observable  Miscarriage  of  any 
Person  in  my  Family,  I  must  make  my  Flight  unto  the 
Blood  of  my  Saviour,  as  a  Family-Sacrifice ;  that  so  the 
Wrath  of  God  may  be  turned  away  from  my  Family. 

3.  There  is  an  horrid  and  very  wicked  Blade,  a  Finished 
Rake,  who  a  year  ago,  (and  ever  since)  has  treated  me  with 
all  the  Malignities  and  Indignities,  that  Hell  could  inspire 
him  withal,  and  now  in  a  long  Journey  made  it  his  business 
to  load  me  with  his  lying  Calumnies,  wherever  he  has  come. 
I  have  begg'd  of  my  glorious  Lord,  that  He  would  pitty 
and  pardon  this  poor  Man,  and  give  him  a  new  Heart,  but 
graciously  stop  him  in  his  Career  of  Wickedness.  I  have 
entirely  left  him  in  the  Hand  of  the  Glorious  One.  Last 
night,  I  understand,  that  God  has  broken  the  Arm  of  the 
wicked  Wretch ;  by  a  Fall  he  has  received  in  his  Journey. 
I  thought  it  now  a  Time  to  pray  for  him,  (which  I  did  before 
I  slept,)  that  God  will  be  merciful  to  him,  and  sanctify  to 
him  his  AfHiction,  and  bring  him  to  Repentance.  And  I 
now  renew  my  purpose  to  do  so ;  and  mightily  to  keep 
under  the  Awe  of  that  Word,  Rejoice  not  when  thine  Enemy 
falleth. 

This  Day  I  had  a  surprising  Experiment.  I  have  been 
for  some  while  Afflicted  with  grievous  Pains  in  my  Head, 
that  seem  to  have  a  gouty  Aspect  upon  them.  A  neigh- 
bour-Minister last  Night  asked  me,  whether  the  Dragon 


I40         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

might  not  be  (by  the  wise  Permission  of  Heaven)  taking 
some  Revenge  upon  me,  for  some  notable  Mischief,  which 
my  Head  may  have  lately  done  unto  His  Kingdome  ?  The 
Consideration  of  a  Peece  of  Work,  which  I  am  now  upon, 
harmonizes  well  enough,  with  such  a  pleasant  Fancy.  But 
I  am  now  passing  from  the  evil  Angels  to  the  good  ones. 
All  Methods  and  Medicines  for  my  Cure,  fail  me.  I  have 
used  Unguents,  and  Plaisters,  and  Cataplasms,  and  Epis- 
paspicks,  and  Sinapisms,  and  Catharticks,  and  what  not! 
But  all  to  no  purpose.  My  Physicians  are  of  no  value. 
My  Pains  this  Morning  are  more  violent  than  they  use  to 
be.  I  ly  down  like  a  Stag  in  a  Nett,  with  a  very  despairing 
Discouragement.  However,  I  thought,  I  would  make  one 
Experiment  more.  But  before  I  made  it,  I  fell  do\Mi  before 
the  Lord.  I  acknowledged  the  Power  of  my  Enthroned 
Saviour,  over  the  World,  and  over  Diseases ;  and  His 
Empire  over  the  mighty  Angels.  I  bewailed  before  His 
holy  Majesty,  my  Foolishness  and  Filthiness,  and  my 
Unworthiness  of  His  Favours.  I  begg'd  the  Removal  of 
my  Malady,  that  I  might  go  on  with  His  desired  Service ; 
and  that  the  Pains  which  He  suffered  might  be  the  Price 
of  my  Deliverance.  I  pleaded  with  Him,  that  His  good 
Angels  were  able,  at  His  Order,  to  do  marvellous  Kind- 
nesses for  the  Children  of  men,  in  releeving  of  their  Weak- 
nesses, and  those  kind  and  sweet  Spirits  took  Delight  in 
helping  us,  especially  if  they  might  look  on  us  as  their 
Fellow-Servants.  I  besought  Him  to  send  one  of  His 
Angels,  to  touch  my  Head  with  His  healing  Hand ;  which 
I  knew  would  immediately  releeve  me.  Behold,  I  had  no 
Occasion  for  any  further  Application.  My  Pains  imme- 
diately went  off.  And  as  yett  (I  write  the  Day  following,) 
I  have  no  Return  of  them.  This  Occurrence  has  a  very 
sanctifying  Effect  upon  my  Mind.  It  causes  me  to  resolve, 
Oh  lett  me  now  be  more  Industrious  than  ever ;  in  the 
Service  of  my  Glorious  Lord!    Oh!   lett  me  be  more  solli- 


DECEMBER,     1711  I4I 

citious  to  avoid  every  Thing  that  may  be  offensive  to  the 
Angels  of  the  holy  Lord." 

4.  G.  D.  My  Book  of,  The  true  way  to  shake  of  a 
Viper  is  published  in  London,  and  this  week  arrived  here. 
I  would  sett  myself,  in  the  Dispersion  thereof,  to  consider 
how  it  may  be  most  serviceable  unto  the  great  Interests 
of  Religion. 

5.  G.  D.  I  would  write  unto  Sir  Richard  Blackmore, 
my  Desires,  that  His  incomparable  Pen  may  make  its 
furthest  Efforts,  in  paying  an  Homage  to  our  admirable 
JESUS ;  in  celebrating  His  Beauties,  before  which  those  of 
the  whole  Creation  languish  and  vanish;  in  uttering  the 
awakened  Songs  of  His  Love  to  the  Children  of  Men ;  in 
describing  the  illustrious  Exemple  of  all  Goodness,  which 
He  has  given  us ;  in  asserting  His  Government  over  the 
Works  of  God ;  and  Painting  out  the  Grandeurs  wherein 
He  shall  come  to  raise  the  Dead  and  judge  the  World,  and 
the  Delights  of  the  new  Heavens  and  the  new  Earth,  which 
shall  succeed  the  Resurrection. 

6.  G.  D.  I  hear  of  a  very  poor  Woman  in  my  Neigh- 
bourhood, perishing  in  three  woful  Circumstances ;  Wicked- 
ness, Poverty,  and  a  Consumption.  I  would  sett  myself  to 
do  all  that  I  am  able  for  her.     {Treppte.)  i 

After  two  or  three  Dayes  of  unaccountable  Repose,  I 
suffered  some  Return  of  my  Pain ;  upon  which  I  made 
my  Renewed  Supplications  unto  the  Lord,  as  before. 
And  I  putt  on  an  Epispastic,  which  suddenly  and  mightily 
releeved  me. 

7.  G.  D.  It  has  long  been  my  Custome,  when  I  write 
a  Letter,  tho'  it  be  but  a  short  one,  to  think.  What  honour- 
able Mention  can  I  make  of  my  dear  Saviour  here?  What 
Occasion  can  I  make  to  insinuate  Something  of  His  Glory? 
But  I  would  more  than  ever  carry  on  my  Consideration, 
to  this  further  Point :   What  Service  may  I  do  for  the  King- 

'  Perry. 


142         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

dome  of  my  dear  Saviour,  on  this  Opportunity?    What  Good 
may  I  putt  my  Friend  upon  the  doing  of? 

And  now,  taking  my  Correspondencies  into  Considera- 
tion, I  would  add  these  three  Resolutions  more.  First ; 
when  I  am  sealing  a  Letter  and  sending  it  away,  I  would 
with  an  Act  of  Resignation  putt  it  over  into  the  Hand  of 
the  divine  Providence,  for  the  Safety  and  Success  of  it. 
Secondly,  when  I  am  going  to  open  any  Letter  that  arrives 
with  a  Direction  to  me,  I  would  hft  up  my  Heart  unto 
God,  that  He  would  prcepare  me  for  whatever  Matter, 
grievous  or  joyful,  I  am  therein  to  encounter  withal. 
Thirdly,  in  my  last  Prayer  in  my  Study,  before  I  go  to 
my  Rest,  I  would  call  to  Mind,  from  whom  I  have  received 
any  Letter  this  Day,  and  make  a  particular  Mention  of 
that  Person,  unto  the  Lord,  with  Supplications  for  suitable 
Mercies  to  him. 

1.  [December  i6.]  G.  D.  There  are  two  Persons  of 
some  Fashion  and  Interest,  whom  I  may  \\ath  a  little  of 
my  Advice  bring  into  our  Communion.  It  may  be  a  Ser- 
vice, not  unto  them  alone,  but  also  unto  the  whole  Flock ; 
and  therefore  I  would  endeavour  it. 

2.  G.  D.  By  the  gracious  Providence  of  God,  it  is 
come  to  pass,  that  the  religious,  ingenious,  and  sweet- 
spirited  Isaac  Watts,  hath  sent  me  the  new  Edition  of  his 
Hymns;  wherein  the  Interest  of  Piety  are  most  admirably 
suited.  I  receive  them  as  a  Recruit  and  a  Supply  sent  in 
from  Heaven  for  the  Devotions  of  my  Family.  There  I 
will  sing  them,  and  endeavour  to  bring  my  Family  in  Love 
with  them.  I  would  also  procure  our  Booksellers  to  send 
for  a  Number  of  them ;  and  perswade  my  well-disposed 
Neighbours  to  furnish  themselves  with  them ;  and  in  this 
way  promote  Piety  among  them. 

3.  G.  D.  Great  Service  may  be  done  for  the  Church 
oi  God,  and  some  for  my  Brother  himself,  by  giving  my 
Excitations  and  Assistences  to  my  Brother  Samuel,  for  the 


DECEMBER,     1711  I43 

Work  he  is  upon  ;  the  abridging  and  pubUshing  our  Church- 
History.     I  am  now,  for  that  Purpose  writing  to  him. 

4.  G.  D.  In  my  Letters  to  Britain,  I  would  call  upon 
the  Non  Conformists,  to  institute  an  Enquiry  into  the  Re- 
proaches and  Calumnies,  with  which  their  Enemies  do  load 
them,  and  the  Prejudices  against  them,  with  which  their 
Enemies  Endeavour  to  leaven  the  Minds  of  them  who  do 
not  know  them ;  and  consider  hereupon,  what  is  the  Voice 
of  God  unto  them  in  all  these  things ;  what  Lessons  they 
have  to  learn  from  the  Abuses  of  their  Adversaries ;  what 
should  be  their  Studies  that  they  may  effectually  confute 
the  Ignorance  of  them  that  speak  Evil  of  them ;  Wherein 
they  may  have  given  any  Shadow  of  Occasion  unto  dis- 
affected Men  to  be  so ;  or,  what  other  Miscarriages  in  them 
the  Holy  God  may  design  to  chastise  in  the  Abuses  of 
unreasonable  Men ;  and,  in  fine,  what  Improvement  in 
the  Things  that  are  excellent,  they  should  make  under  the 
Discipline  of  the  disadvantageous  Character,  which  foolish 
and  factious  Men  endeavour  to  putt  upon  them ;  and,  thus 
to  gain  Wisdome  from  their  Enemies. 

5.  G.  D.  Would  it  not  be  a  thing  of  good  Consequence, 
if  I  should  write  unto  some  of  the  Ministers  employ'd  in 
the  evangelical  Service  among  the  Indians,  that  they  would 
procure  as  soon  as  may  be,  a  Consultation  with  the  Rest 
of  their  Brethren  ;  about  the  Mischiefs  which  most  threaten 
the  Christian  Indians,  and  the  Methods  of  preventing  those 
Mischiefs ;  and  be  more  in  earnest  than  ever  to  advance 
the  Kingdome  of  God  and  of  His  Christ  among  them; 
and  with  a  true  evangelical  Spirit  give  Demonstration, 
that  the  little  Pension  received  by  them,  is  the  least  Thing 
they  aim  at  ? 

6.  G.  D.  I  have  now  gott  by  me,  a  pretty  large  Summ 
of  Money,  to  be  dispersed  among  the  poor.  I  will  first  cry 
to  the  glorious  Lord  for  His  Direction.  I  will  then  look 
out  for  Objects  of  Piety,  both  at  home  and  abroad.    And 


144         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

I  will  annex  Books  of  Piety,  to  accompany  the  Parcels  in 
the  Dispensing  of  them. 

7.  G.  D.  There  is  a  Thought  which  I  have  often  had 
in  my  mind  ;  but  I  would  now  lay  upon  my  Mind,  a  Charge 
to  have  it  yett  oftner  there ;  that  the  Light  of  Reason,  is 
the  Work  of  God ;  the  Law  of  Reason  is  the  Law  of  God ; 
the  Voice  of  Reason  is  the  Voice  of  God;  We  never  have 
to  do  with  Reason,  but  at  the  same  time  we  have  to  do 
with  God;  Our  submission  to  the  Rules  of  Reason  is  an 
Obedience  to  God.  How  much  will  this  Expedient  con- 
tribute unto  a  Life  of  Obedience  to  God  ?  Lett  me  as  often 
as  I  have  evident  Reason  sett  before  me,  think  upon  it; 
the  great  God  now  speaks  unto  me!  And  lett  me  from  this 
Principle  yeeld  a  present  Compliance  with  it ;  alwayes 
hearken  to  Reason,  from  this  Consideration. 

1.  [December  23.]  G.  D.  There  are  some  religious  So- 
cieties belonging  to  the  Flock,  to  whom  I  would  earnestly 
recommend  it,  that  in  the  Close  of  every  Meeting  they 
would  effectually  discourse  on  certain  Points  of  Considera- 
tion, which  may  render  them  great  Blessings  to  the  Neigh- 
bourhood, and  promote  the  Good  and  Growth  of  the  Flock 
in  very  many  Instances. 

2.  G.  D.  There  is  an  Ingenuity,  which  I  may  use,  to 
insinuate  the  Maxims  and  Lessons  of  Piety,  into  the  Minds 
of  my  younger  Children.  I  would  observe  what  Games 
and  Sports  they  are  upon,  when  the  Hours  of  Recreation 
recur  unto  them.  And  I  would  by  way  of  occasional  Re- 
flection, as  plainly  as  tis  possible,  mind  them  of  those 
pious  Instructions,  which  the  Circumstances  of  their  play 
may  lead  them  to  think  upon.  Hereby  their  Minds  will 
insensibly  improve,  and  be  drawn  on  to  higher  Matters; 
and  perhaps  the  Maxims  and  Lessons  thus  convey'd  unto 
them,  will  be  of  use  to  them,  and  abide  by  'em  all  their 
Dayes. 

3.  G.  D.    I  have  a  Sister,  a  Widow,  in  some  Wants 


DECEMBER,     lyil  I45 

and  Straits.     I  will  dispense  Releefs  unto  her  particularly 
in  regard  of  her  Habit.     (/SiXe?.)  i 

4.  G.  D.  It  may  prove  many  Wayes  a  Service  to  the 
Interests  of  Piety,  if  I  compose  a  short  Essay,  on  the  most 
agreeable  Points,  and  in  the  most  agreeable  •  Terms  that 
I  can,  about  the  Methods  of  Piety,  wherein  we  may  pro- 
pose to  meet  with  our  blessed  Saviour  at  His  Temple  in 
the  Winter;  and  first  utter  this  Discourse  unto  the  People 
of  the  Town,  in  a  Lecture  on  a  Winter-day,  and  then  publish 
it  by  the  Way  of  the  Press,  if  I  meet  with  Encouragement. 

5.  G.  D.  There  is  a  great  Concern  which  the  Minis- 
ters of  this  Town  have  now  before  them.  A  Party  in  the 
old  Church  are  in  a  distempered  and  a  discontented  Frame 
and  are  for  separating  themselves  into  a  new  Church  by 
themselves.  There  is  hazard  of  a  greater  Fire,  than  what 
raged  the  Second  of  October.  The  Ministers  of  this  Place 
have  great  Occasion  hereupon,  to  consult  what  is  to  be 
done,  and  use  exquisite  Wisdome,  and  Meekness,  and  a  very 
nice  Conduct.  I  would  on  this  occasion  give  my  best 
Assistences,  and  ask  for  those  from  above. 

I  would  make  this  an  Article  of  my  Advice  to  the  N.  C. 
Ministers  in  London;  that  whereas  the  Societies  pretending 
the  Propagation  of  Religion,  do  disperse  numberless  Books, 
which  obtrude  a  very  defective  Christianity  on  the  Nation, 
the  N.  C.'s  would  write  little  Books,  on  the  same  Argu- 
ments, with  more  of  the  true  Spirit  of  the  Gospel  in  them ; 
and  erect  Funds  for  the  Publishing  and  the  Dispersing  of 
them.  And  send  Numbers  of  them  over  to  our  southern 
colonies;  with  little  Books  of  the  same  import  with  the 
Letter  of  the  Aged  N.  C.  to  arm  the  People  there,  against 
Seducers. 

6.  G.  D.  There  is  an  aged,  (I  hope,  a  pious)  Woman 
in  my  Neighbourhood ;  reduced  unto  very  low  Circum- 
stances.    I  will  take  some  Care  that  her  Condition  may 

1  Byles. 

n  •  10 


146         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

be  made  more  easy  and  comfortable  to  her.  She  is  the 
Daughter  of  one,  who  was  once  a  noted  Servant  of  the 
churches,     [irpviq  the  Daughter  of  Sv/x?.]  1 

There  is  also  a  poor  pious,  praying  widow,  who  has 
two  Sons,  under  the  unhappy  Character  of  Deserters  from 
Annapolis;  in  her  Distress  for  them,  she  applies  herself 
to  me.  I  will  endeavour  to  make  her  Heart  sing  for  Joy, 
and  do  all  I  can  to  accomplish  their  Deliverance  from  their 
unhappy  Circumstances. - 

7.  G.  D.  It  is  most  certain,  I  am  a  man  full  of  Igno- 
rance, and  full  of  Corruption,  and  my  Life  has  been,  yea, 
still  is  full  of  Miscarriages.  That  I  may  have  the  due 
Temper  of  Humility  alwayes  preserved  in  me,  I  would  im- 
pose it  as  a  Law  upon  myself ;  that  whenever  I  have  darted 
into  my  Mind,  the  least  Thought  of  any  exalting  Circum- 
stances with  which  the  sovereign  God  has  favoured  me, 
or  whenever  any  of  my  Friends  do  happen  to  flatter  me 
with  the  mention  of  any  Thing  that  they  apprehend  con- 
siderable in  me,  I  will  immediately  make  my  Flight  unto 
some  of  my  abasing  Circumstances,  for  which  I  have  cause 
to  abhor  myself  before  God  and  Man  ;  and  especially  single 
out  such  Abasements  as  do  carry  most  of  Opposition  to 
my  proposed  Advancements,  and  may  be  employ'd  as  a 
dead  Weight  against  them.  Thus  would  I  ly  exceedingly 
low,  and  in  the  Dust  before  the  Lord  continually. 

I.  [December  2)0.]  G.  D.  I  hear  of  a  Number  of  young 
People  of  both  Sexes,  belonging,  many  of  them,  to  my  Flock, 
who  have  had  on  the  Christmas-night,  this  last  Week,  a 
Frolick,  a  revelling  Feast,  and  Ball,  which  discovers  their 
Corruption,  and  has  a  Tendency  to  corrupt  them  yett  more, 
and  provoke  the  Holy  One  to  give  them  up  unto  eternal 
Hardness  of  Heart.  I  must  acquitt  myself  as  prudently 
and  as  faithfully  as  ever  I  can,  in  the  Discharge  of  my 

*  Prue,  daughter  of  Syms. 

'  This  paragraph  is  written  in  the  margin. 


DECEMBER,     171I  I47 

Duty  to  them,  on  this  Occasion,  and  endeavour  to  bring 
them  unto  Repentance,  and  prevent  such  FolHes  for  the 
Time  to  come.^ 

2.  G.  D.  It  must  be  a  particular  Article  of  my  Con- 
ference with  my  Children,  and  I  will  with  much  Artifice 
manage  it ;  how  exceeding  acceptable  to  me,  their  Conduct 
is,  in  that  they  steer  clear  of  such  Company  as  may  give 
any  Taint  unto  them,  and  they  keep  an  unspotted  Char- 
acter ;  how  honourable  it  is  also  to  themselves,  and  likely 
in  the  issue  to  prove  more  than  a  little  Serviceable. 

3.  G.  D.  I  have  a  Kinswoman,  who  dishonours  God, 
and  wounds  her  own  Good  Name,  and  brings  a  Blemish 
on  her  Friends,  by  her  inconsiderate  Behaviour.  I  must 
use  the  kindest  and  wisest  Method  I  can,  to  save  her  out 
of  her  Follies. 

About  this  Time,  I  gave  to  the  Public  in  the  Form  of  a 
Treatise  by  itself,  what  I  had  prepared  for  a  Preface  unto 
a  Sermon  published  by  the  Minister  of  Ncwhaven;  a  little 
composure  entituled,  a  soul  well-anchored.  A  Little 
Manual  for  Self -Examination;  To  assist  a  Christian,  in 
Examining  his  Hopes  of  a  Future  Blessedness.-  I  thought 
it  a  Subject  of  the  greatest  Consequence.  And  I  laid  out 
a  Quantity  of  Silver,  in  purchasing  a  Number  of  them,  to 
disperse  where  they  might  be  serviceable. 

4.  G.  D.  I  must  endeavour  to  save  the  Town  of  New- 
bury in  this  Countrey,  from  some  Devices  of  Satan,  which 
manage  a  little  and  wretched  Party,  that  pretend  for  the 

'  On  this  last  day  of  the  year  the  ministers  of  Boston  assembled  at  the  house 
of  Major  [John]  Walley,  to  pray  for  his  recovery  from  some  disorder  that  affected 
his  foot.  Sewall,  Diary,  11.  330,  with  unconscious  humor  describes  it  as  an  exer- 
cise in  prophecy  on  the  part  of  two  of  the  ministers.  "Mr.  Wadsworth  insisted 
pretty  much,  that  several  in  the  room  might  dy  before  Major  Walley;  all  of  them 
might.  Dr.  C.  Mather  very  near  the  conclusion  of  his  Prayer,  said.  Probably 
some  remarkable  person  in  the  room  might  dye  before  Major  Walley.  Major 
Walley  was  easy  all  the  time  of  the  exercise,  had  not  one  Twinging  pain."  All  the 
same  he  died  eleven  days  later. 

*  Printed  by  B.  Green,  171 2.     Rev.  Mr.  Pierpont  was  the  minister. 


148  DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

Church  of  England  there.'    A  true  Account  sent  home, 
will  be  of  some  consequence. 

This  Week  I  also  publish,  what  I  prepared  the  Last. 
It  is  Entituled,  Winter-Piety.  A  very  brief  Essay,  on  the 
Methods  of  Piety,  wherein  a  serious  Christian  may  propose  to 
meet  with  his  blessed  Saviour,  at  the  Temple,  in  the  Winter.^ 

5.  G.  D.  I  write  unto  the  N[on]  C[onformist]  Minis- 
ters, that  their  having  been  putt  upon  raising  Money  for 
the  Support  of  Missions,  for  which  they  have  Reason  to 
express  the  greatest  Aversion,  may  excite  them  to  erect 
Funds  on  the  other  Hand,  for  the  Encouragement  of  more 
evangelical  and  agreeable  Missions ;  and  in  the  mean  time, 
with  kind  Presents,  or  at  least  Letters,  encourage  their 
excellent  Brethren  who  are  conflicting  with  extreme  Difli- 
culties,  in  our  southern  Colonies. 

6.  G.  D.  I  have  Thoughts  of  sending  a  Uttle  Quantity 
of  Silver,  with  some  agreeable  Books  of  Piety,  to  be  dis- 
pensed as  from  an  unknoA;\Ti  Hand,  unto  certain  Widows  in 
Salem;  that  are  poor,  but  pious  and  praying  Handmaids 
of  the  Lord. 

4  d.  11  m.  [January.]  I7ii[-i2.]  Friday.  I  sett  apart 
this  Day  for  Prayers  and  Alms,  with  Fasting  before  the 
Lord.  The  Occasions  were  such  as  are  usual  with  me. 
As  also,  to  ask  for  a  Blessing  on  the  Letters  and  Packetts 
I  am  now  sending  to  Britain. 

I  did  this  day  comfortably  receive  and  apply  the  pardon- 
ing Mercy  of  God,  with  the  Blood  of  my  dear  Saviour. 
And  importunately  cried  unto  Him,  for  Abundance  of 
Grace ;  in  regard  of  the  abundant  Occasions,  which  I  have, 
and  am  like  to  have,  to  exercise  it. 

'"Some  of  the  inhabitants  living  in  the  vicinity  of  Sawyer's  hill,  by  the 
advice  and  with  the  assistance  of  Mr.  John  Bridger,  of  Portsmouth,  N.  H.,  erected 
in  171 1  'Queen  Anne's  Chapel.'  On  Sundays  and  holy  days  they  held  service 
there  'according  to  the  rubrics  and  ritual  of  the  established  Church  of  England' 
until  the  close  of  the  year  1766."  Currier,  Uislory  oj  Newbury,  228. 
'  Printed  by  B.  Green,  1712. 


JANUARY,     1711-12  149 

7.  G.  D,  Whenever  I  am  sensible  of  any  good  and 
great  Instrument,  raised  up  to  serve  the  Church  and  Cause 
of  my  dear  Saviour;  particularly,  in  the  Reading  of  any 
Books  written  by  such ;  I  would  make  it  an  Article  of  my 
rapturous  Thanksgiving  to  the  glorious  Lord.  I  would  fly 
to  Him,  with  my  Thanks  and  Praise  on  the  Occasion.  I 
would  have  this  to  be  very  particularly  considered  by  me, 
among  my  many  Invitations  into  Communion  with  God. 

1.  [January  6.]  G.  D.  Having  some  special  Occasion 
for  it,  I  would  in  the  publick  Exhortations,  with  most 
pathetical  Importunity  commend  unto  the  Flock,  the  Duties 
and  the  Tempers  of  a  good  Neighbourhood;  and  then  also, 
of  heroic  Piety,  which,  alas,  may  be  called,  uncommon  Piety, 
in  the  several  Conditions  which  God  has  assign'd  unto  them. 

6  d.  II  m.  Lord's-day.  I  visited  the  Table  of  the  Lord, 
(and  administred  the  Eucharist,)  in  a  very  cold  Season.  I 
went  upon  the  usual  and  proper  Errands.  But  I  very 
particularly  look'd  up  to  Heaven  for  Grace  to  bestow  a 
very  excellent  Education  on  my  Children. 

2.  G.  D.  There  is  hardly  any  Thing,  that  would  more 
contribute  unto  a  Religion  and  excellent  Education  for  my 
Children,  than  to  revive  my  Cares  to  have  them  fill  their 
blank  Books,  with  agreeable  and  valuable  Things.  I  would 
therefore  first  of  all,  settle  an  Hour  with  them,  have  a 
stated  Hour,  that  shall  be  for  this  Purpose  constantly  kept 
unto.  I  would  then  furnish  them,  with  Materials,  both 
devotionary  and  scientifical,  that  may  fill  the  Chambers 
of  their  Souls,  with  precious  and  pleasant  Riches. 

Moreover,  at  the  Time  of  my  Short-supper,  I  would 
endeavour  to  hold  a  Conference  with  my  Children,  that 
shall  be  as  instructive,  and  impressive,  as  it  can  be  made, 
by  a  Father,  in  my  Circumstances,  who  am  quickly  to  be 
taken  from  them.  I  have  done  something  this  way;  but 
I  would  improve  to  a  greater  Exactness  in  it. 

3.  G.  D.     My  honest  Brother-in-Law,  who  was  made  a 


150         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

Widower,  a  year  ago,  shall  have  my  best  Advice  and  Assist- 
ence,  in  his  Return  to  the  married  State ;  and  I  will  en- 
deavour every  Way  I  can  devise,  to  be  useful  unto  him. 

4.  G.  D.  I  incline  to  write  a  little  Treatise,  about  the 
Peace,  which  is  the  Legacy  of  our  Saviour  unto  His  People. 

5.  G.  D.  I  am  sensible  of  some  Disorders  in  the  Place, 
which  I  would  animate  the  Societies,  to  rebuke  with  their 
Admonitions. 

I  am  again  writing  to  the  University  of  Halle  in  the 
Lower  Saxony,  sending  a  present  of  Gold  for  the  Orphan- 
house  there.  I  would  move  their  Translating  some  English 
Books  of  Piety,  into  their  own  Language. 

6.  G.  D.  It  is  a  Time  of  more  than  ordinary  Severity 
for  the  Cold.  The  last  Night,  I  joined  with  several  other 
good  Men,  in  sending  a  Portion  to  seven  of  the  poor ;  for 
whom  I  have  my  Soul  grieved  at  this  Time.  I  am  also 
assisting  the  Distribution  of  a  Legacy  of  an  hundred  Pounds 
left  them  about  ten  months  ago.  IMy  Catalogue  of  the 
Poor,  which  has  more  than  four  score  in  it,  is  that  which 
directs  the  Distribution. 

7.  G.  D.  At  a  Time,  of  severe  Cold,  I  and  mine  are 
surrounded  with  so  many  Conveniencies  and  Consolations, 
that  I  would  have  my  Heart  raised  up  to  the  highest  Fhghts 
of  Thankfulness,  not  only  in  my  Retirements,  but  also  in 
the  Sacrifices  of  my  Family.  Yea,  I  entertain  Thoughts, 
of  Keeping  a  Day  of  Thanksgiving  with  my  Family. 

1.  [January  13.]  G.  D.  There  are  some  Objects  of 
Rebuke  and  Censure,  in  the  Church.  I  must  with  all 
Faithfulness  dispense  what  belongs  unto  them.  I  hope, 
God  will  sanctify  what  is  to  be  done,  both  unto  them, 
and  unto  many  others. 

2.  G.  D.  I  find  it  requires  exquisite  Study,  and  a 
Mind  intensely  sett  upon  doing  of  Good,  and  mindful  of 
Death;  but  I  would  prosecute  this  Matter  with  yett  a 
more  lively  Application ;  rarely  to  lett  one  of  my  Children 


JANUARY,     1711-12  151 

to  come  anear  me,  and  never  to  sitt  any  Time  with  them, 
without  some  expHcit  Contrivance  and  Endeavour,  to  lett 
fall  some  Sentence  or  other,  that  shall  carry  an  useful 
Instruction  with  it. 

But  my  Son  Increase,  now  being  of  Age  for  it,  I  would 
often  call  him  into  my  Study,  especially  on  the  Lord's-day 
Evenings,  and  make  him  sitt  with  me  and  hear  from  me 
such  Documents  of  Piety,  and  of  Discretion,  as  I  shall 
endeavour  to  suit  him,  and  to  shape  him  withal. 

3.  G.  D.  I  would  repeat  my  Endeavours  to  prepare 
my  aged  Father-in-law  for  his  approaching  Change ;  and 
allow  to  his  wife  also  a  Share  in  my  Endeavours  that  way ; 
by  putting  some  extremely  suitable  Books  for  that  purpose 
into  theirs  which  are  now  in  my  Hands. 

4.  G.  D.  The  high-flying  Church  of  England,  are 
Endeavouring  to  poison  and  seduce  and  divide  the  Dutch 
Christians  which  are  under  the  Government  of  New  York. 
I  have  thoughts  of  writing  and  sending  to  the  University  at 
Utrecht,  several  Things  that  may  be  of  great  Consequence  to 
the  general  Interests  of  Religion.  But  among  other  Things, 
I  would  remonstrate  this  Matter  to  them  ;  that  so  they  may 
admonish  and  caution  their  People  in  those  Colonies. 

16  d.  11m.  Wednesday.  This  Day  I  was,  with  some 
Christians  at  Roxhury,  keeping  a  solemn  Thanksgiving  with 
and  for  a  Family,  that  has  received  special  Favours  of  God, 
for  which  we  made  our  Supplications,  two  Years  ago. 

5.  G.  D.  Into  my  Catalogue  of  excellent  Things,  I 
propose  to  insert  some  Directions  relating  to  our  religious 
Societies,  that  may  have  a  Tendency  to  render  them  all, 
yett  more  serviceable  to  the  Intentions  of  Religion. 

Moreover,  having  Occasion  to  dispense  a  Releef  of 
Cloathing  this  Week,  unto  a  poor  Mohegin  Indian,  and  his 
wife,  sojourning  at  Braintree,  I  would  at  the  same  time  send 
unto  the  Ministers  there,  to  take  the  poor  Pagans  into  their 
Hands,  and  bestow  the  best  Instruction  in  Christianity  upon 


152         DIARY  or  COTTON  MATHER 

them,  and  make  our  Kindness ;  an  occasion  of  recommend- 
ing the  christian  ReHgion  imto  them. 

6.  G.  D.  My  List  of  the  Poor  to  be  cared  for,  has 
about  Ninety  in  it;  and  it  is  a  time  wherein  a  particular 
care  is  to  be  exercised  about  most  or  all  of  them.  WTiere- 
fore  to  distinguish  One,  in  the  Thoughts  of  my  Friday- 
moming,  seems  too  confining  an  Action.  Yett  there  is  one 
poor  old  Man,  to  be  a  little  Distinguished.  (Svao-te)i 
And  another  poor  old  woman,  to  be  particularly  this  Day 
look'd  after.     {TapKe^ep)  2 

7.  G.  D.  It  is  now  a  very  extreme  Winter ;  and  we 
are  now  in  the  Extremity  of  it. 

As  I  have  already  from  the  Circumstances  of  the  Win- 
ter, been  awakened  unto  many  Strokes  of  Winter-Piety ; 
particularly,  to  consider  and  acknowledge,  the  Sufferings 
of  my  dear  Saviour,  as  purchasing  for  me,  the  Comforts 
that  succour  me  in,  and  shelter  me  from,  the  Difficulties 
of  the  Winter ;  so  I  would  now  go  on  to  form  certain  Sup- 
plicationes  Hyemales  or,  Winter-Desires  and  Prayers,  which 
from  the  several  Accidents  of  the  Winter,  I  would  be  quick- 
ened both  to  insist  upon  myself,  and  also  to  draw  my  Friends 
with  me  to  take  notice  of. 

On,  The  Distance  of  the  Sun  from  us. 

Ok/  Lett  not  my  Soul,  nor  the  World,  languish  in  a  miserable 
Distance  from  our  Saviour. 

The  Snow.  Lord,  Thro'  the  Blood  of  my  Saviour  applied  unto  me, 
render  my  Guilty  and  stained  Soul,  whiter  than  the  Snow. 

The  Frost.  Lord,  Lett  not  my  Capacities,  and  Activities  for  thy 
Service,  ly  under  any  Congelation. 

The  Ice.  Lord,  save  me  from  the  Fate  and  Fall  of  them  whom  thou 
hast  sett  in  slippery  Places.  Glory  be  to  Him,  who  is  able  to  keep  me 
from  Falling. 

The  V ermine  suppress'd.  Lord,  Lett  the  Lusts  in  my  Soid,  which 
are  worse  than,  the  worst,  and  most  noxious  of  all  Creatures,  be  destroyed, 
without  ever  being  revived  any  more. 

•  Swasie.  *  Worcester? 


JANUARY,      1711-12  153 

The  Fruitless  Face  of  the  Earth.  Lord,  Tho'  my  Life  be  loo  much 
without  good  Fruits,  yett  thou  canst  bring  me  to  be  Fruitful  in  good  Works. 
And  tho'  the  Face  of  the  world  at  this  Day  be  horribly  barren  and  wretched, 
yett  I  will  hope  in  thee,  to  give  it  a  better  Face,  and  bring  on  a  better 
Time. 

My  Garments.  Lord,  I  am  not  afraid  of  the  Winter,  because  of  my 
double  Cloalhing.  But,  oh!  putt  upon  me  the  Righteousness  of  my 
Saviour;  lett  me  be  also  cloathed  with  thy  Spirit;  under  such  Influ- 
ences of  the  Spirit,  that  none  other  shall  be  seen  upon  me!  O  glorious, 
0  durable  Cloathing! 

My  Fuel.  Lord,  Enable  me  to  warm  all  that  are  about  me,  with 
holy  Dispositions,  and  speak  those  gracious  Words  to  them,  which  may 
cause  their  Hearts  to  burn  within  them.  And,  oh!  save  me  and  mine 
from  the  eternal  Burnings;  from  the  Fiery  Indignation,  which  is  to, 
devour  thine  Adversaries. 

1.  [January  20.]  G.  D.  It  might  be  attended  with  a 
Train  of  excellent  Consequences,  to  preserve  and  promote 
the  Interests  of  Religion  in  this  Neighbourhood,  if  such  a 
Projection  as  this  might  be  accomplished.  We  have  many 
religious  Societies  in  this  Neighbourhood.  What  if  I,  fur- 
nishing myself,  with  a  List  of  all  the  Names  belonging  to 
each  of  them,  should  appoint  an  Evening  once  in  two  or 
three  Months;  and  single  out  one  or  two  Members  from 
each  Society,  and  direct  them  to  meet  me  at  the  Time  and 
Place  assigned ;  and  then  learn  from  them  the  State  of  each 
Society ;  and  concert  with  them,  and  propose  to  them,  such 
Things,  as  may  have  a  Tendency  to  serve  the  Cause  of  Christ 
and  Piety  in  the  Neighbourhood.  I  would  see  what  I  can 
do,  to  accomplish  this  comprehensive  Design  for  Good. 

2.  G.  D.  It  may  be  many  Wayes  for  the  Advantage 
of  my  Daughters,  to  have  them  well-instructed  in  Short- 
hand. I  would  therefore  apply  myself  unto  this  part  of 
their  Education ;  and  make  the  Stated  Hour  in  the  Day 
for  this,  an  opportunity  to  employ  their  Pens  in  all  those 
Things,  that  may  fiU  the  Chambers  of  their  Souls  with 
precious  and  pleasant  Riches. 

3.  G.  D.    I  have  several  Cosin-germans  and  their  off- 


154  DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

spring,  living  at  Salisbury.    I  would  this  week  send  agree- 
able Books  of  Piety,  to  each  of  them. 

4.  G.  D.  There  has  been  this  Winter,  an  horrible 
Mortality  raging  in  the  Colony  of  Connecticot.^  The  Mor- 
tality has  very  much  fallen,  on  their  more  useful  People, 
and  their  more  hearty  People.  I  incline  to  preach  a  Ser- 
mon on  that  Occasion ;  and  then  to  print  it ;  and  so  to 
send  a  good  Number  of  the  Copies,  into  the  afflicted  Colony. 
By  this  I  propose,  not  only  that  my  Neighbours  here,  may 
make  a  due  Improvement  of  the  divine  Dispensations 
towards  our  Brethren ;  but  also  that  the  Survivors  in  the 
smitten  Colony  may  be  Entertained  with  suitable  Admoni- 
tions, at  a  time,  when  God  makes  their  Heart  soft;  and 
the  Almighty  sends  Troubles  on  them,  that  may  awaken 
them  to  hearken  unto  the  Maxims  of  Religion. 

5.  G.  D.  What  if  I  should  move  among  the  Ministers 
that,  in  case  the  Sickness  continue  among  our  Brethren, 
we  should  in  this  Town  publickly  keep  a  solemn  Day  of 
Prayer  for  them?  This  would  not  only  express  our  Charity 
to  our  Brethren,  but  also  bespeak  our  own  Preservation. 

6.  G.  D.  A  poor  Man,  and  now  an  old  one,  that  has 
been  fifteen  Years  under  the  Censure  of  the  Church,  is 
now  so  far  coming  out  of  his  Impoenitency,  that  he  is  apply- 
ing himself  unto  us,  to  be  Restored.  I  would  with  great 
Love  and  Joy  cherish  his  Dispositions,  and  assist  him  in 
this  Action ;  and  also  do  my  best,  that  it  may  not  be  a 
Peece  of  Hypocrisy  (KoXe/Ltai/.)^ 

*  The  disease,  then  believed  to  be  a  species  of  putrid  pleurisy,  broke  out  in 
Waterbury,  and  raged  for  eleven  months.  It  was  so  general  that  nurses  could 
scarcely  be  found  to  tend  the  sick. 

*"id.  12m.  Mr.  William  Coleman,  appearing  this  day  before  the  Church, 
with  an  expressive  Acknowledgment  of  the  miscarriages  for  which  he  had  been 
censured,  and  with  some  Testimony  of  a  reformed  Conversation,  the  Church  did 
by  order  vote,  restore  him  to  their  Fellowship,  and  also  allow  him  to  transfer  his 
Relation,  when  he  shall  desire  it,  unto  that  Flock  in  this  Town,  with  which,  for  a 
Reason  well  known  unto  us  all,  he  may  chuse  to  give  his  most  usual  Attendance." 
Cotton  Mather's  MS.  Records  of  the  Second  Church,  u. 


JANUARY,      171I-12  155 

7.  G.  D.  My  Mind,  with  all  the  Dispositions,  and  all 
the  Operations  of  it,  is  continually  under  the  Eye  of  the 
omnipresent  God.  Not  only  my  Wayes,  and  my  Words, 
but  also  all  the  Thoughts  and  Frames  of  my  mind,  come 
under  the  Observation  of  the  glorious  One.  He  takes 
Notice  of  all  that  passes  in  my  Mind,  and  is  intimately 
acquainted  with  it  all.  This  is  a  Consideration,  that  often 
visits  my  Mind,  and  chases  away  from  it  such  Things  as 
ought  not  to  be  lodged  in  it.  But  then  I  also  consider, 
that  it  is  unto  the  glorious  One,  a  graceful  Thing,  to  see 
His  Image  on  my  Mind ;  and  my  Spirit  employ'd  as  a 
Temple  for  Him,  in  the  Inclinations  and  Contemplations 
of  a  godly  Mind.  I  propose,  to  improve  exceedingly  in  my 
most  frequent  and  cogent  Employing  of  this  Reflection ; 
Is  my  mind  now  tending  that  way,  and  doing  that  Work,  that 
is  most  pleasing  to  the  glorious  God?  And  walk  under  the 
Power  of  it. 

0  my  dear  Saviour,  Help  me,  help  me,  to  a  great  Im- 
provement in  this  Piety ! 

1.  [January  27.]  G.  D.  It  may  administer  many  and 
solemn  Occasions,  to  disperse  very  serviceable  Admonitions 
unto  the  Flock,  if  I  take  the  Parable  of  the  Tares,  and  handle 
it  in  a  Course  of  Sermons  upon  it.  This  I  propose  to  do, 
and  pray  the  Direction  and  Assistence  of  Heaven,  in  the 
doing  of  it. 

2.  G.  D.  It  may  prove  of  excellent  Consequence  to 
my  Son  Increase,  if  he  may  turn  into  Latin,  after  the  rate 
of  one  Quaestion  per  day,  my  Supplies  from  the  Tower  of 
David.  It  may  also  supply  me,  with  an  Engine,  which 
after  my  bestowing  further  Limations  on  it,  and  Additions 
to  it,  may  do  inexpressible  Good  in  other  Countreys. 

How  marvellously  does  the  glorious  Lord  glorify  me,  in 
that  which  is  the  First-born  of  my  Desires,  and  multiply 
my  Opportunities  to  do  Good! 

My  late  Sermon  on  the  mortality  of  Connecticot,  as  it 


156         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

was  heard  by  a  great  Assembly,  and  mett  wdth  a  great 
Acceptance,  and  had  its  good  Operation  here ;  so,  it  is 
like  to  have  a  further  Operation ;  tis  like  to  do  Good  in 
all  the  Towns  of  the  afflicted  Colony.  A  Copy  of  it  is 
desired ;  it  is  committed  unto  the  Press ;  it  is  intended  to 
be  sent  into  every  Part  of  the  Colony ;  and  it  goes  furnished 
with  Lessons  and  Engines  of  Piety,  accommodated  unto 
the  Condition  of  the  poor  People  there,  and  such,  as  tis 
hop'd,  under  the  Impressions  of  their  Calamity,  they  will 
very  much  take  nonce  of.  It  is  entituled,  Seasonable 
Thoughts  upon  Mortality.  A  Sermon  occasioned  by  the 
raging  of  a  Mortal  Sickness  in  the  Colony  of  Comiecticut,  and 
the  many  Deaths  of  our  Brethren  there. 

That  which  renders  this  Favour  and  Honour  the  more 
agreeable,  is,  that  a  certain  finished  Rake  has  lately  been 
abusing  and  belying  of  me,  in  several  Towns  of  that  Colony. 

3.  G.  D.  Tis  now  a  Time,  for  me  particularly  to  pray 
for  the  Lives  of  my  useful  Kinsmen  at  Connecticut;  and 
also,  to  putt  them  upon  particular  Essayes  to  do  good, 
when  I  send  my  seasonable  Thoughts  unto  them. 

4.  G.  D.  My  little  Book  of  Seasonable  Thoughts  on 
Mortality,  now  in  the  Press ;  is  calculated  for  Service  to  the 
Interests  of  Piety,  not  only  at  Connecticot,  but  in  any  Place 
that  has  been  suffering  under  a  raging  Mortality.  Carolina 
is  now  such  a  place,  as  well  as  our  Connecticut.  I  would 
therefore  sett  apart  a  Number  of  the  Books  to  be  sent 
thither,  by  the  first  Opportunity. 

5.  G.  D.  I  am  calling  upon  all  the  religious  Societies, 
once  again,  to  putt  on  the  Character  of  reforming  Societies, 
and  consider  when  they  are  together,  what  Good  they  may 
do  in  the  Neighbourhood? 

6.  G.  D.  I  am  inclinable,  as  soon  as  I  can,  to  furnish 
myself,  with  Books  of  Piety,  that  shall  be  very  much  adapted 
unto  the  Condition,  and  Edification  of  the  Poor,  and  to 
make  a  Present  thereof,  to  each  of  the  Poor,  which  amount 


FEBRUARY,     171I-12  157 

unto  above  ninety,  in  my  Catalogue.  In  the  mean  time, 
to  keep  doing  that  way,  according  to  my  Ability  and 
Occasion. 

1  d.  12  m.  [February.]  Friday.  The  many  Sermons  I 
have  preached,  both  more  publickly  and  more  privately  this 
Week,  and  the  Colds,  I  have  taken  in  the  damp  Evenings, 
have  much  indisposed  me.  Nevertheless,  I  sett  apart  this 
Day  for  Prayers,  and  Alms,  with  Fasting,  before  the  Lord. 

One  of  the  Exercises  which  distinguished  this  Day,  was  this.  I 
took  the  Catalogue  of  the  Books  which  I  have  been  the  Father  of. 
The  Number  in  the  Catalogue  is,  two  hundred  and  five.  On  each  of 
the  Titles  I  made  a  Pause.  And  I  obliged  every  one  of  them,  to 
suggest  unto  me  some  remarkable  Article  of  Humiliation ;  which  I 
thereupon  with  an  abased  Soul  mentioned  before  the  Lord. 

Another  was  this ;  I  considered  my  blessed  JESUS,  as  having 
first  made  Expiation  for  my  Sins  on  the  Cross ;  but  now  placed  on 
the  Throne  of  God,  and  with  the  Fulness  of  the  Godhead  bodily 
dwelling  in  Him.  He  has  Power  to  dispense  a  Pardon,  with  all  the 
Blessings  of  Goodness,  unto  those  that  belong  unto  Him.  I  con- 
sidered, that  the  infinite  and  eternal  God,  has  directed  me  to  make 
my  immediate  Applications  unto  my  exalted  Redeemer.  I  con- 
sidered, that  my  exalted  Redeemer,  is  full  of  Love,  Goodness,  and 
Kindness  to  them,  who  thus  repair  unto  the  Shadow  of  His  Wings. 
Wherefore,  I  now  addressed  Him,  declaring  at  the  same  Time,  that  I 
did  not  exclude  any  one  of  the  Subsistences  in  the  almighty  Godhead, 
from  the  Adoration  which  I  now  paid  unto  Him.  I  addressed  Him, 
full  of  a  lively  Faith  in  Him,  and  full  of  Dispositions  and  Resolutions 
to  serve  Him  with  all  my  Heart,  and  Soul,  and  Strength.  I  addressed 
Him,  with  Petitions,  that  my  Sins  may  be  all  forgiven  me ;  that  I 
may  have  Abundance  of  Grace  given  to  me ;  that  I  may  be  employ 'd 
in  great  Works  for  Him,  and  carried  thro'  my  Ministry  and  my  Pil- 
grimage, and  sheltered  from  the  Attempts  of  wicked  Men,  to  hurt 
my  opportunities  to  do  good  in  the  World.  Many  particular  Peti- 
tions I  carried  unto  Him ;  under  the  Advantage  of  the  clear  Idea,  of 
addressing  Hirn  in  this  Way ;  and  my  Spirit  was  taken  up  into  the 
Heavens,  in  these  Addresses ;  and  I  received  strange  Assurances,  of 
the  Blessings  which  are  to  be  bestow'd  upon  me. 

7.   G.  D.    Of  my  dear  JESUS,  I  read,  Heb.  v.  8.    He 


158         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

learned  Audience  ^  frojn  the  things  that  He  sneered.  In  the 
Supplications  which  He  made  under  His  bitter  Sufferings, 
He  had  Audience  of  His  Father.  His  Father  heard  Him, 
and  sav'd  Him  from  Death,  with  a  Resurrection  unto  Life. 
God  has  now  exalted  Him;  and  He  has  the  Wisdome  of 
God  united  unto  Him,  and  forever  dwelling  in  Him ;  and 
our  Supplications  are  by  the  Order  of  God  more  imme- 
diately to  be  made  unto  Him,  in  our  Distresses.  By  what 
His  Father  did  for  Him,  He  has  learnt  now  to  give  Audience 
unto  us,  in  our  Supplications.  And  indeed,  in  this  Com- 
passion of  His  unto  us,  there  is  an  Obedience  of  His  unto 
His  Father.  I  would  now  entertain  a  more  lively  Sense 
of  this  Thought,  than  ever  I  have  had.  In  the  Distresses, 
that  come  upon  me,  I  \W11  fly  to  my  lovely  Saviour.  In 
the  Things  that  I  fear,  I  will  pour  out  my  Supplications  to 
Him,  still  expressly  declaring  that  I  exclude  not  the  other 
two  Persons  of  the  Godhead.  I  will  consider  Him,  as  not 
only  being  the  Wisdome  of  the  Almighty,  but  also  the 
Advanced  Man  on  the  Throne  of  God,  who  has  leam'd 
from  His  own  Condition  under  Sufferings  in  the  Dayes  of 
His  Flesh,  to  give  Audience  imto  the  Supplications  of  His 
afflicted  Servants.  I  will  yet  more  particularly  call  to 
Mind  the  Sufferings  undergone  by  Him,  And  with  Impor- 
tunity, order  my  Cause  before  Him,  and  fill  my  Mouth 
with  Arguments.  Who  can  tell,  what  a  Train  of  blessed 
Consequences,  Piety  in  this  way  exercised,  may  be  attended 
withal. 

I.  [February  3.]  G.  D.  I  would  with  more  solemn  and 
thundring  Admonitions  than  ever,  advise  those  who  are 
under  the  Discipline  of  the  Church,  to  be  afraid  of  bring- 
ing upon  themselves  the  Censures,  which  will  be  dispensed 
at  length  unto  them  that  shall  be  convicted  of  being  the 
Workers  of  Iniquity.  There  are  some,  for  whom  there  is 
peculiar  Occasion,  that  I  should  shake  the  Rod  over  them. 

>  Should  be  "Obedience." 


FEBRUARY,      1711-12  I59 

And  this  Day  will  give  me  an  agreeable  Opportunity  for 
it,  in  the  Repentance  and  Reception  of  One  that  has  been 
long  a  Censured  Offender. * 

3  (/.  12  m.  Lord's-Day.  At  the  Table  of  the  Lord,  I  con- 
sidered my  great  Saviour,  as  having  first  purchased  for  me 
the  best  of  Blessings  by  the  Sacrifice  of  Himself ;  and  being 
then  ascended  unto  the  Throne  at  the  right  Hand  of  God, 
where  being  united  unto  the  second  Subsistence  in  the  God- 
head, He  knowes  our  Wants,  hears  our  Prayers,  dispenses 
from  thence  to  us  all  the  Blessings  of  Goodness. 

Wherefore  I  applied  myself  then  unto  Him  upon  two 
Intentions;  beleeving  Him  infinitely  ready  therein  to  do 
me  good. 

First.  I  look'd  up  unto  Him,  that  my  Sins  may  be  all 
pardoned ;  and  that  my  Pardon  might  extend  not  only 
unto  a  Release  from  all  Punishment  in  the  future  State; 
but  also  unto  a  Deliverance  from  all  spiritual  Plagues  in 
this  Life  ;  and  particularly,  from  that  of  being  rejected  from 
serving  of  Him,  and  from  being  employ'd  in  great  Services 
for  Him ;  and  from  that  of  being  denied  such  Influences 
of  His  Grace  [as]  may  render  His  Image  very  Conspicuous 
upon  me  ;  for  which  Influences  I  now  sought  unto  Him. 

Secondly,  I  look'd  up  unto  Him,  that  He  would  bestow 
upon  me  those  Communications  of  His  holy  Spirit,  which 
may  mightily  furnish  me  for  the  Discharge  of  the  evangel- 
ical Ministry;  and  that  His  holy  Spirit  may  after  a  very 
powerful  Manner  breathe  in  my  Speeches,  and  in  my  Writ- 
ings, and  very  particularly  in  my  Sermons,  and  cause  them 
to  come  with  a  mighty  Efficacy  on  the  Souls  of  them  with 
whom  I  may  be  concerned,  and  make  their  Hearts  to  burn 
within  them. 

2.  G.  D.  In  my  Discourses  with  my  children,  I  will 
mightily  propound  and  commend  it  unto  them,  that  they 
do  excellent  Things,  and  that  tho'  others  may  do  vertuously, 

'  See  p.  154,  supra. 


l6o         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

they  may  excell  even  their  most  vertuous  Neighbours.  I 
would  therefore  earnestly  putt  them  upon  consideration  of 
that  Point,  Whai  do  you  more  than  others?  And  they  shall 
join  with  me  in  considering  what  more  particular  Excel- 
lencies, they  shall  be  studious  of. 

3.  G.  D.  On  the  Occasion  of  the  late  Mortality  at 
Connecticot,  I  would  write  such  Things  unto  my  Kinsman 
at  Say-brook,  as  may  assist  and  excite  his  good  Improve- 
ment of  the  divine  Dispensations ;  and  employ  his  Hand 
also,  in  dispersing  Books  of  Piety,  thro'  the  Colony. 

4.  G.  D.  The  Peace  of  the  Church  at  Sherborn,  is 
likely  to  be  prejudiced,  by  a  poor  Man,  whose  misguided 
Conscience  leads  him  to  make  a  Disturbance  there.'  He 
applies  himself  to  me ;  and  so  I  have  the  more  sensible 
opportunity,  to  do  service  for  that  Church,  by  diverting 
the  Man  from  the  wrong  Way  that  he  is  in.  The  Church 
at  Grolon  is  also  in  miserable  Circumstances.^  My  Endeav- 
ours to  releeve  them  are  called  for. 

5.  G.  D.  In  the  Society  for  the  Suppression  of  Dis- 
orders, I  will  propose,  that  there  be  prepared  a  List  of  the 
wicked  Houses  in  the  Town,  the  Disorders  whereof  call 
for  animadversion  upon  them ;  and  then  proceed  unto  the 
assigning  of  particular  Methods  and  Agents,  for  the  putting 
of  a  Check  upon  them. 

6.  G.  D.  That  Woman,  who  was  my  Mother's  Maid, 
at  the  Time  when  I  was  born,  and  in  my  most  early  Infancy, 
is  a  pious,  but  now  an  aged,  Woman :  and  she  conflicts 
with  Poverty.  I  will  therefore  Endeavour  to  dispense  what 
Releefs  I  can  unto  her.     [Mrs.  Take.] » 

7.  G.  D.    It  is  of  the  greatest  Consequence  imaginable 

•  Rev.  Daniel  Gookin  had  been  the  minister  for  more  than  a  quarter  of  a 
century,  and  being  in  1711,  a  "crazie  and  infirm  man  and  well  stricken  in  years," 
Rev.  Daniel  Baker  was  called. 

'  The  case  of  Rev.  Dudley  Bradstreet,  which  involved  the  church  of  Groton 
in  its  difficulties,  is  told  in  the  paper  contributed  by  Dr.  Samuel  A.  Green  to 
2  Proceedings,  xm.  298.  '  Mrs.  Gale. 


FEBRUARY,     1711-12  161 

to  me,  that  I  should  have  upon  me  the  evident  Characters 
of  such  as  the  infinite  and  eternal  Father  has  given  unto 
my  Saviour.  (Joh.  xvii.  24.)  How  joyfully  may  I  live, 
and  with  what  Joy  may  I  dy,  with  the  Assurance  that 
such  Characters  would  give  unto  me! 

Now  to  putt  this  most  important  Matter  out  of  Doubt, 
I  would  first,  come  unto  the  blessed  JESUS,  and  often, 
often  give  myself  unto  Him.  Then  I  would  sett  myself 
to  consider,  for  what  it  is,  that  the  blessed  JESUS,  has 
His  People  given  by  His  Father  to  Him ;  and  I  would  fall 
in  with  all  those  Intentions,  unto  the  uttermost  of  my 
Capacity.  I  would  much  engage  and  affect  myself  in  the 
Study  of  my  Saviours  incomparable  Glory.  I  would  give 
Him  the  Glory  of  all  the  Good  that  is  to  be  done  for  me. 
I  would  receive  all  the  Blessings  of  Goodness,  as  passing 
thro'  His  Hands  unto  me.  I  would  embrace  His  Laws  as 
the  Perpetual  Rules  of  my  Conduct.  I  would  apply  myself 
with  a  most  active,  exquisite,  and  contriving  Zeal,  to  serve 
His  Kingdome  in  the  World,  and  bring  as  many  as  ever  I 
can,  to  join  with  me  in  admiring  and  adoring  of  Him. 

1.  [February  10.]  G.  D.  Having  resolved,  if  the  Lord 
permitt,  that  I  will  now  proceed  unto  a  new  Method  of 
catechising  the  Children  of  the  Flock ;  I  would  first  open 
the  Exercise  at  my  own  House,  once  a  Month;  and  cry 
unto  the  glorious  Lord,  that  He  would  graciously  direct 
me,  assist  me,  and  succeed  me  in  the  doing  of  it ;  and  then 
contrive  the  best  Methods  I  can,  to  carry  it  on.  But  I 
beleeve,  this  will  be  but  an  Introduction  to  a  more  public 
Action ;  which  may  issue  in  a  Lecture  to  the  Church, 
preparatory  to  the  Communion. 

2.  G.  D.  Now  my  Son  Increase  is  arrived  unto  the 
Exercise  of  making  Themes,  at  the  School,  I  would  make 
this  become  an  Engine  of  Piety  for  him ;  and  I  would  pro- 
cure such  Subjects  to  be  assign'd  unto  him,  as  may  most 
assist  the  Study  of  Goodness  and  Vertue  in  him. 

n-ii 


l62         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

Thus  I  am  come  to  the  End  of  another  Year,  overwhelmed 
with  Confusion,  when  I  look  back  on  the  Sin  and  Sloth 
constantly  attending  me  in  it. 

It  is  true,  I  have  been  help'd  by  Heaven  this  Year, 

To  lett  not  one  Day  pass  me,  without  contriving  and 
recording,  some  Invention  to  do  good.  And  these  which 
have  pass'd  thro'  my  Pen,  are  but  a  few  of  the  Projections, 
which  I  have  had ;  but  not  had  either  Heart  or  Time  to 
write  them  down. 

To  lett  not  one  Day  pass  me,  without  actually  express- 
ing something  of  my  Revenues  and  Possessions  on  pious 
Uses. 

To  write  some  Illustrations  for  the  most  part  every 
Day ;  doubtless  the  Number  which  I  have  this  Year  added 
unto  the  Biblia  Americana,  has  been  many  more  than  a 
thousand. 

To  preach  many  Sermons  unto  the  private  Societies, 
besides  those  in  the  Course  of  my  public  Ministry. 

To  publish  near  as  many  Books,  as  there  have  been 
Months  in  the  year,  (to  bring  forth  Fruit  every  Month,) 
besides,  to  prepare  others  that  are  not  published. 

To  make  many  hundreds  of  Visits;  but  never  one, 
without  some  explicit  Essayes  or  Desires  to  do  good  in  it. 

To  manage  some  scores  of  Correspondencies ;  and  some 
ultramarine  ones,  that  required  an  exquisite  and  an  expen- 
sive Cultivation ;  but  to  propose  the  Service  of  my  glorious 
Lord  in  every  one  of  them  all. 

To  discharge  numberless  Exercises,  referring  both  to  the 
Lord's  House,  and  to  my  own  that  it  may  be  the  Lord's. 

To  read  over  many  scores  of  Books,  and  gather  into  my 
Quotidiana  from  them,  etc.,  etc.,  etc. 

But  after  all,  O  my  dear  Saviour,  I  stand  in  infinite 
Need  of  thy  Sacrifice. 

I  have  been  a  most  unprofitable  servant. 

God  be  merciful  to  me  a  Sinner ! 


february,    171i-12  163 

The  Course  of  my  Public  Ministry. 
1710. 

18  d.  12  m.  [February.]  i7io[-ii.]  I  preached  on  Eccl.  i.  4. 
The  Notice  we  are  to  take  of  one  Generation  passing  off,  and  another 
Generation  coming  on,  while  the  Earth  abidelh  forever ;  and  the 
Improvement  we  should  make  of  it.  (A  Sermon  occasioned  by 
the  Death  of  Mr  John  Foster.) 

22  d.  12  m.  Thursday.  I  preached  the  Lecture,  on  Eccl.  7.  2.  and 
handled  that  Case ;  What  should  be  the  Behaviour  of  a  Christian  at  a 
Funeral  ? 

25  J.  \2m.  I  preached,  on  Luk.  15.  16.  That  a  mean  Food  is 
the  best  that  ungodly  People  have  to  feed  upon.  That  people  who 
live  in  Wealth,  may  before  they  dy,  come  to  Want.  That  among 
bad  People,  there  is  little  Care  of  poor  People.  And,  that  the  Case 
of  People  may  be  such  that  no  Friend  will  or  can  do  any  thing  for 
them. 

^  d.  I  m.  [March.]  1711.  I  preached,  on  Heb.  13.  20.  The 
Covenant  of  God,  and  of  Grace;  and  in  what  regards  it  is  everlasting. 
(And  I  administred  the  Eucharist.) 

II  d.  X  m.  I  preached,  on  2.  Cor.  12.  4.  Paradise,  the  Recep- 
tacle for  the  departed  Spirits  of  the  Faithful ;  the  Communion  we 
should  maintain  with  them ;  by  what  Means,  and  in  what  Acts,  that 
Communion  is  to  be  carried  on.  (A  Sermon  occasion'd  by  the  Death 
of  Mrs.  Foster.) 

18  d.  I  m.  I  preached  on  Gal.  4.  19.  The  Nature  of  the  Blessed- 
ness, A  Christ  formed  in  the  Soul;  and  the  Notice  we  are  to  take  of  it ; 
the  travailing  Agony,  wherewith  we  should  be  concerned,  that  our 
Friends  may  be  Partakers  of  it. 

22  d.  I  m.  Thursday.  I  preached  the  Lecture,  on  Job.  14.  10. 
Man  giving  up  the  Ghost;  and  then,  where  he  is ;  the  State  after 
Death, 

25  d.  1  m.  I  preached,  A.  M.  at  the  South  Church ;  on  Dan. 
4.  34.  Religion  the  best  Use  and  Proof  of  Understanding.  P.  M.  at 
the  North  Church;  On  Luk.  15.  17.  The  Sinner  a  Madman,  and 
Repentance,  the  Cure  of  his  Madness. 

I  d.  2  m.  [April.]  I  preached  on  Gal.  4.  19.  And  with  a  travail- 
ing Agony  prosecuted  the  Formation  of  a  Christ ;  in  the  Souls  of  the 
Children  of  the  Flock. 

S  d.  2  m.    I  preached  on  Luk.  15.  17.     Some  serving  God  with 


164         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

a  mercenary  Spirit;  None  Losers  by  serving  God;  People  having 
enough  and  to  spare,  yett  no  true  Children  of  God ;  How  the  ungodly 
could  hardly  continue  what  they  are,  if  they  would  consider  what 
there  [they  are] ;  and  what  good  God  often  does  to  men  by  afflicting 
of  them. 

12  d.  2  m.  Thursday.  A  general  Fast.  I  preached  on  Rev.  i.  11. 
The  Care  which  Christ  in  Heaven,  has  of  His  Churches  on  Earth. 

15  (f.  2  OT.  I  preached  on  Rev.  20.  12.  The  Small  as  well  as  the 
Great,  standing  before  God,  in  the  Day  of  Judgment.  Concluding  with 
solemn  Admonitions  to  the  Children  in  the  Congregation ;  on  Occa- 
sion of  a  Child  of  some  Note  in  the  Neighbourhood,  killed  with  a 
sudden  and  awful  Stroke,  two  Dayes  ago. 

19  d.  2  m.  Thursday.  I  preached  the  Lecture,  on  Ezr.  8.  15. 
Ezra's  Account  how  he  spent  his  Time  in  his  Journey :  that  Men 
should  so  spend  their  Time,  that  they  may  give  a  good  Account, 
how  they  have  spent  it. 

22  d.  2  m.  I  preached  on  Luk.  15.  18.  A  serious  Resolution  of 
Repentance  and  Religion,  a  proper,  needful,  hopeful  Introduction 
to  it. 

29  d.  2  m.  I  preach'd  on  Heb.  13.  20.  The  Blood  of  tJie  everlast- 
ing Covenant,  and  I  finished  what  I  began  two  months  ago.  (And  I 
administred  the  Eucharist.) 

6  d.  2,m.  [May.]  I  preached,  on  Luk.  15.  18.  The  Confession  of 
Sin,  which  must  accompany  Repentance,  considering,  against  whom, 
and  before  whom,  we  have  sinned. 

13  d.  T^m.  I  preached  on  Prov.  13.  19.  And  handled  that  Case, 
What  shall  we  do  that  the  Desires  of  our  Souls  may  be  accomplished, 
and  that  the  Accomplishment  thereof  may  be  sweet  unto  our  Souls. 

1"]  d.  2,m.  Thursday.  I  preached  the  Lecture,  on  Neh.  5.  9.  The 
Manner  and  Method  of,  Walking  in  the  Fear  of  God. 

20  d.  3  m.  I  preached,  on  Luk.  15.  19.  The  Worth  of  Mercies 
known  by  the  Want  of  them.  Our  Unworthiness  of  the  divine  Faith  ; 
what  a  great  Thing  tis  to  be  a  Child  of  God;  what  an  Honour  to  do 
the  least  Service  for  the  Lord. 

27  d.  7,m.  I  preached  on,  Exod.  9.  26.  Other  people,  and  even 
wicked  People,  faring  the  better,  for  living  among  the  People  of  God. 

3  d.  4  w.  [June.]  I  preached  on,  Luk.  15.  20.  Good  Resolutions 
follow'd  with  good  Executions.  Repentance  having  in  it,  both  a  Ris- 
ing from  Sin,  and  a  Coming  to  God.  And,  that  we  ought  to  repent 
immediately. 

10  <f .  4  w.     I  preached  on,  2.  Tim.  4.  10.     The  Love  cf  this  present 


FEBRUARY,     1  "J  I  I  -  I  2  165 

world;  what  it  is,  and  how  it  makes  Men  forsake  the  Service  of  God; 
and  what  Resolutions  we  ought  all  to  take  up,  relating  thereto. 

14  d.  4  m.  Thursday.  I  preached  the  Lecture,  on  Eccl.  i.  15. 
The  crooked  Things,  and  our  unavoidable  Exercises  of  Patience,  which 
cannot  be  cured ;  a  right  Behaviour  under  them. 

17  <f.  4  w.  I  preached,  on  Luk.  15.  20.  The  Infinite  Readiness  of 
the  merciful  God  to  show  mercy  unto  repenting  Sinners ;  to  be  recon- 
ciled unto  them,  and  to  give  them  comfortable  Signs  of  Reconciliation. 

24^.  4  w.  I  preached,  on  Heb.  13.  21.  The  Great  and  glorious 
Blessing,  of  a  Work  of  Sanctification,  wherewith  God  pleases  to  prae- 
pare  and  dispose  the  Minds  of  His  People  to  do  His  will  in  every  good 
Work.     (And  I  administred  the  Eucharist.) 

1  d.  $  ni.  [July.]  I  preached,  on  Luk.  15.  21.  A  pardon  to  be 
asked  for,  else  not  hoped  for.  We  are  not  only  to  say  well,  but  also 
to  do  well.  Humility  the  Disposition  and  Concernment  of  Repent- 
ance. Sin  to  be  repented  after  tis  pardoned;  And  Repentance  with 
best  Advantage  after  Assurance  of  a  Pardon ;  with  Observations  on 
the  Omission  of  one  Clause  in  the  Speech  of  the  Prodigal. 

8  d.  $m..  I  preached  on  Eccl.  2.  14.  On  what  regards,  the  Eyes 
of  a  wise  Man,  are  in  his  Head. 

12  d.  5  m.  Thursday.  I  preached  the  Lecture,  on  Rev.  10.  i. 
The  Rainbowe  about  the  Head  of  our  Saviour.  His  Remembrance 
of  His  Covenant,  in  the  most  cloudy  Tirnes  that  pass  over  His  People. 

15  (f.  5  w.  I  preached  on  Tit.  i.  16.  How  Men  do  in  their 
Works,  deny  God.  I  thought  the  Subject  suitable,  in  regard  of  the 
many  Strangers  and  Souldiers  who  drop  into  our  Assembly. 

22  d.  5  OT.  I  preached  on,  Luk.  15.  22.  Sin  forgotten,  when  for- 
given. The  Servants  of  God  made  the  Instruments  of  conveying  the 
Blessings  of  God.  God's  doing  more  for  His  people  than  they  ask 
Him  to  do.  Not  only  the  Necessities,  but  also  the  Conveniencies  of 
the  Children  of  God  provided  for ;  a  repenting  Soul  well  array' d  from 
the  Wardrobe  of  God ;  the  Meaning  of  the  Robe,  and  Ring,  and  Shoe. 

26  d.  5  m.  Thursday.  A  general  Fast.  I  preached  on  Luk.  18.  8. 
The  Elect,  Children  of  God,  having  their  Enemies,  and  Sufferings,  that 
seem  long  unto  them ;  but  crying  to  God,  on  which  He  certainly  and 
speedily  delivers  them,  and  executes  vengeance  on  their  Enemies. 

29  d.  ^  m.  I  preached  on  Luk.  15.  23.  The  Feast,  and  the  Joy, 
on  the  Repentance  of  a  Sinner. 

$d.  6  m.  [August.]  I  preached  on,  Prov.  14.  10.  The  Heart 
knowing  its  own  Bitterness;  and  after  some  Discourses  on  the  Bitter- 
ness of  Sin,  and  of  Repentance  for  it,  I  discoursed  on  the  secret 


l66         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

Sorrffwes  of  the  Neighbours;  what  should  be  their  Conduct  under 
them. 

gd.  6  m.  Thursday.  I  preached  the  Lecture,  on  Matth.  2.  23. 
The  blessed  Jesus  of  Nazareth,  our  Nazarene,  or  our  Preserver.  And 
I  took  Occasion  of  the  Fears  now  in  the  Town,  expecting  a  de- 
structive Invasion  from  the  French,  to  inculcate  those  Things,  by 
which  we  may  engage  the  Care  of  our  glorious  JESUS,  for  our 
Preservation. 

12  d.  6  ni.  I  preached,  on  Luk.  15.  24.  A  Sinner,  a  Dead,  and 
a  lost  Creature,  till  Conversion  to  God  changes  him,  enlivens  him, 
recovers  him. 

ig  d.  6  m.  I  preached  on  Heb.  13.  21.  (my  eighth  and  last 
Sermon,)  God  working  in  His  chosen  People,  the  Things  well-pleasing 
in  His  Sight,  thro'  Jesus  Christ.     (And  I  administred  the  Eucharist.) 

26  d.  6  tn.  I  preached  on  Luk.  15.  24.  The  Wondrous  Matter 
of  Joy,  in  the  Conversion  of  a  Sinner. 

30  d.  6  m.  Thursday.  A  general  Fast.  I  preached  on  Isa.  45.  19. 
The  Offspring  of  Jacob,  seeking  the  glorious  God,  not  in  vain. 

2  d.  -J  m.  [September.]  I  preached  a  second  time,  on  Luk.  15.  24. 
The  Joy  on  the  Conversion  of  a  Sinner. 

6  d.  y  m.  Thursday.  I  preached  the  Lecture,  on  i.  Joh.  4.  18. 
The  Love  which  does  cast  out  Fear;  and  how? 

gd.  J  m.  I  preached  a  third  Time,  on  Luke.  15.  24.  The  Joy  on 
the  Conversion  of  a  Sinner;  and  made  the  most  pathetical  and 
importunate  Conclusion,  I  could,  with  passages  [illegible]  death  beds 
in  the  Neighbourhood. 

16  d.  "J  m.  I  preached  on  Josh.  7.  8.  The  Confusion  which 
attends  the  Defeat  of  an  important  Enterprise ;  and  what  we  should 
say  in  such  a  Confusion.  (This  was,  that  I  might  take  an  Advantage 
to  inculcate  the  Maxims  of  Piety,  from  the  universal  Distress,  into 
which  our  People  are  cast  yesterday,  by  the  Tidings  of  the  Defeat  of 
our  Canadian  Enterprise.) 

23  d.  y  m.  I  preached  on  Luk.  15.  25.  26,  27,  28.  Elder-brothers 
to  beware  lest  they  miss  of  being  found  among  the  Children  of  God. 
Elder  sons  not  to  be  idle  ones:  that  we  must  enquire  before  we  censure. 
Ungodly  People  ignorant  of  the  Meaning  of  what  is  done  in  practical 
GodUness.  Fidelity  requisite  in  a  Report.  Envy  the  Character  of 
wicked  People.     God  entreating  Sinners,  not  to  refuse  Happiness. 

30  d.  y  m.  I  preached  both  parts  of  the  Day  at  Salem.  A.  M. 
on  Gal.  I.  18.  After  three  Years  I  went  up  to  Jerusalem.  That  we 
ought  so  to  spend  our  Time,  that  we  may  give  a  good  Account  of  it. 


FEBRUARY,     1711-12  167 

P.  M.  on  Eccl.  I.  15.  How  to  manage  crooked  Things;  whereof  that 
Place  has  at  this  Time  a  sufficient  Number. 

4  d.  8  w.  [October.]  Thursday.  I  preached  the  Lecture,  to  a  very 
great  Auditory,  at  the  South-meetinghouse,  and  had  a  very  great 
Opportunity  (from  Jer.  5.  3.)  to  bear  Testimonies  for  the  Lord,  and 
call  the  People  of  the  Place,  to  a  due  Improvement  of  the  Desolations 
newly  made  by  Fire,  on  the  Heart  of  the  Town. 

y  d.  8  m.  I  preached  on  Job.  3.  25.  Living  in  daily  Expectation 
of,  and  Preparation  for,  troublesome  Changes. 

II  d.  8tn.  Thursday.  A  Fast  thro'  the  Province.  I  preached  on, 
2.  King  ID.  32.  The  Hand  of  God  cutting  People  short  in  their 
Enjoyments ;  a  right  Behaviour  under  such  Dispensations. 

14  d.  8  m.  I  preached,  on  Rev.  2.  16.  The  dreadful  Condition 
of  the  Church,  against  whom  our  Saviour  shall  come,  in  the  Quality 
of  an  Enemy.     (And  I  administred  the  Eucharist.) 

18  d.  8  m.  Thursday.  I  preached  the  Lecture  (he  that  should 
have  preached  it,  being  hindred  by  lameness,)  on  Ps.  13.  4.  The 
Triumphs  of  a  prevailing  Enemy  to  be  dreaded  and  deprecated. 
Directing  a  right  Use  of  the  Defeat  we  have  lately  suffered.  (The 
General  Assembly  now  come  together.) 

21  d.8m.  I  preached  on  Prov.  23.  5.  Riches,  what  they  are  not, 
and  what  they  are,  how  certain  and  sudden  their  Flight  from  us ;  and 
what  Eyes  we  ought  therefore  to  look  upon  them  withal.  (Because 
of  repeated  Losses  befalling  the  Neighbourhood.) 

28  d.  8  m.  I  preached  on,  Luk.  15,  29,  30.  An  Hypocrite  having 
an  high  Opinion  of  his  owti  Righteousness ;  and  having  fair  Colours 
for  foul  Actions ;  and  being  ready  to  rise  up  and  cry  down  the  Follies 
of  others,  when  they  can't  see  their  own  FaiHngs;  and  being  ready  to 
complain  of  the  Dealings  of  God. 

id.  gm.  [November.]  Thursday.  I  preach'd  the  Lecture  on 
I.  Chron.  19.  3.  Good  Things  found  in  some  that  are  to  blame  for 
HI  Things.  And  I  transferr'd  the  Discourse  into  the  State  of  the 
Countrey;  taking  the  Part  of  an  Advocate,  as  well  as  a  Reprover. 
Because  we  suffer  much  by  the  Calumnies  of  our  Enemies.  And  the 
General  Assembly  was  now  sitting. 

4d.gm.  I  preached,  on  Luk.  15.  31.  32.  My  twenty-ninth 
Sermon  (as  I  take  it,)  concluding  my  Discourses  on  the  Parable  of 
the  Prodigal;  with  several  Observations;  but  chiefly  that;  How  a 
converted  sinner  is  enlivened  and  recovered. 

T  d.  gm.  Wednesday.  I  preached  the  Lecture  at  Woburn,  on 
Rom.  15.  14.    Being  Full  of  Goodness. 


l68         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

II  d.  gm.  I  preached  on  Isa.  63.  17.  Sinful  Hardness  of  Heart, 
&  fearful  Judgment  of  God.  I  also  improved  a  remarkable  Vengeance 
of  God,  upon  an  Harlot  in  the  Neighbourhood,  for  a  Warning  unto 
others  who  may  wallow  in  Adulteries. 

iSd.  gm.  I  preached,  on.  Job.  4.  21.  Dying  without  Wisdome; 
who  do  so,  and  what  Course  we  are  to  take  that  we  may  not  do  so. 

2$  d.  gm.  I  preached,  on  2.  Thess.  2.  16.  The  good  Hope  thro* 
Grace,  which  the  People  of  God  have  to  comfort  them. 

29  d.  g  m.  Thursday.  A  general  Thanksgiving.  I  preached  on 
Psal.  31.  23.  The  Love  of  a  good  God,  as  the  use  to  be  made  of  all 
the  good  Things,  with  which  He  favours  us. 

2  d.  10  m.  [December.]  I  preached,  on,  Job.  30.  24,  The  Cry 
usually  made  by  the  Children  of  Men,  when  God  by  Death  brings 
His  Destruction  upon  them. 

16  d.  lom.  I  preached  on  Exod.  25.  22.  The  great  God  main- 
taining a  Communion  with  His  People  thro'  the  Mediation  of  our 
glorious  Jesus,  in  the  Wayes  and  Means  of  His  own  Appointment. 
(This  I  designed,  as  an  Improvement  of  my  own  Calamity,  in  being 
banished  the  last  Lord's-Day  from  the  Communion.) 

23  d.  10  m.  A  very  cold  Day.  I  preached  on  2.  Cor.  11.  27. 
In  Cold.    How  the  Service  of  God,  is  to  be  carried  on,  in  the  Cold. 

27  d.  10  m.  Thursday.  I  preached  the  Lecture,  on  Joh.  10.  22,  23. 
What  we  shall  do,  that  we  may  meet  with  our  Saviour  at  His  Temple, 
in  the  Winter.     A  very  winterish  Time. 

3od.  lOOT.  I  preached  on  Phil.  i.  10.  The  excellent  Things 
which  a  true  Pastor  will  desire  to  see  His  People,  approving  of,  and 
abounding  in. 

6  d.  II  m.  [January.]  I  preached  on  Phil.  i.  10.  and  carried  on, 
what  I  began  the  last  Lord's-Day.    (And  I  administred  the  Eucharist.) 

i^  d.  II  m.  I  preached  on,  Phil.  i.  10.  and  further  carried  on 
what  I  had  begun  upon  the  Subject. 

2od.  II  m.    I  finished  my  Catalogue  of,  excellent  Things. 

2"]  d.  II  m.  I  preached,  on  Joh.  7.  27.  That  the  knowledge  of 
holy  Truths  is  Good;  and  how  and  why  we  should  know  them  for 
our  Good.  An  Introduction  to  a  Course  of  Sermons,  intended  (if 
God  will)  on  the  Parable  of  the  Tares. 

3  d.  12  m.  [February.]  I  preached  on  Matth.  13.  24.  The 
Church  on  Earth,  being  the  Kingdome  of  Heaven  upon  Earth.  And 
began  my  Course  of  Sermons  on  the  Parable  of  the  Tares. 

10  d.  12  m.  I  preached  on  Matth.  13.  24.  The  Church,  a  Field; 
Christ  the  Owner  of  it ;  good  Men  the  good  Seed,  by  Him  sown  in  it. 


february,    171i-i2  169 

Benjamin  Colman  to  Cotton  Mather.  m.h.s. 

Rev.  Sir,  —  I  return  you  all  your  late  kind  Communications,  with 
many  thanks  for  the  pleasure  and  profit  I  have  had  from  'em.  Mr. 
Watts  is  a  great  Master  in  Poetry,  and  a  burning  Light  and  Orna- 
ment of  the  Age ;  nor  like  the  sun  of  less  Use  his  Heat,  from  which 
nothing  is  hid.  Yet  how  finely  does  he  lay  aside  his  Ornamental 
dress  in  his  Reformation  Sermon  and  only  shows  his  fire.  I'm  highly 
pleas'd  in  his  undertaking  the  Psalms,  and  the  length  that  he's  already 
got.  His  Touches  upon  the  Canticles  are  I  think  the  Glory  of  these 
which  I  return.  Great  are  my  Expectations  from  his  next.  You 
will  forgive  me  that  I  emulate,  and  have  dar'd  to  attempt  to  imitate, 
his  Muse  in  the  Inclosed ;  its  flame,  brevity  and  Metre.  Be  candid, 
and  think  not  that  I  name  'em  with  the  least  of  His.  Yet  have  I 
succeeded  better,  I  confess,  than  I  expected.  But  you  shal  correct 
me.  What  Watt's  has  taught  us  of  Charity  will  secure  me  from  your 
Censure.  I'm  glad  to  find  your  heart  so  enlarg'd  on  that  subject, 
and  essay.  Yet  will  you  not  be  perfect  in  it,  without  as  much  a  Care 
not  to  provoke  Wrath,  as  power  afterward  to  despise,  or  triumph 
over,  it.  I  am.  Sir,  in  perfect  Charity,  (asking  your  prayers,  and 
waiting  for  your  further  Communications,)     Your  obliged  and  Affec. 

Benj.  Colman. 
Boston.  Dec.  25,  1711. 

To  Samuel  Penhallow.  m.h.s. 

Boston,  ii  d.  11  m.  [January.]  1711-12. 

My  Honoured  Friend,  —  You  give  me  Leave,  to  be  continually 
employing  your  kind  Hand,  for  the  noble  Purposes  of  Services  to  the 
Kingdome  of  God.  I  prassume  still  on  your  Kindness  and  Goodness, 
which  I  have  alwayes  found  to  be  such,  that  when  that  which  another 
Person  would  count  a  Trouble,  is  imposed  on  you,  you  count  it  but 
a  Pleasure.  My  Fishermen,^  I  suppose,  are  by  this  time  in  your 
hand ;  and  will  shortly  pass  from  thence  to  such  as  are  most  concerned 
in  them.  I  now  pray  your  Acceptance  of  another  small  Thing ;  that 
what,  I  think,  entertained  your  Ear  when  you  were  here,  may  now 
entertain  your  Eye. 

My  Book  of,  Pastoral  Desires,^  which  is  to  sett  before  my 
Neighbours,  the  Excellent  Things  we  desire  for  them,  now  waits  for 

*  The  Fisher-man^s  Calling.  '  Printed  by  B.  Green,  1712. 


IJO         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

some  Help  to  be  given  unto  it.  I  was  thinking,  about  a  Line  or  two 
of  yours  unto  Mr.  Archer,^  to  this  Effect;  'That  CM.  having  de- 
livered in  the  public,  as  he  knowes,  a  Discourse  of  excellent  Things, 
and  having  signified,  as  he  also  knowes,  his  Intention  to  publish  the 
Discourse,  and  lodge  it  in  all  the  Families  of  the  Neighbourhood,  for 
the  Assistence  of  their  Piety ;  it  would  be  a  noble  thing  in  him,  and 
a  Demonstration  of  his  own  Piety,  to  enable  the  said  C.  M.  to  prose- 
cute his  good  Intention,  by  a  generous  Tender  of  three  or  four  pounds 
unto  him,  to  help  him  in  the  Charge  of  the  Impression.  And  it  would 
be  an  excellent  offering  both  unto  Heaven,  and  unto  the  Church, 
whereto  he  has  the  Happiness  to  be  now  related.' 

But  I  know  not,  whether  I  am  not  guilty  of  a  great  Impertinency 
in  this  Proposal.  I  pray  you  to  consider  it  with  the  Candor  that 
alwayes  accompanies  you;  and  by  no  means  do  any  thing,  but  what 
you  shall  upon  Deliberation  judge,  will  best  square  with  the  nicest 
Rules  of  Discretion. 

At  this  time  I  add  no  more ;   but  commend  you  to  the  Constant 

keeping  and  Conduct  of  the  glorious  Lord ;  and  subscribe,  Syr,  Your 

very  obliged  Friend  and  Servt  „      ,, 

■'        °  Co.  Mather. 

To  Samuel  Penhallow.  m.h.s. 

Boston,  28  (f.  11  m.  [January.]  1711-12. 

Honoured  Sir,  —  Tis  a  very  cold  Time,  tis  true ;  But  you  take  a 
Course,  to  make  me  even — sweat  under  the  Heap  of  Obligations  that 
you  lay  upon  me. 

Your  Friendship  I  have  alwayes  found,  cordial,  generous,  useful, 
and  very  obliging.  But  it  bids  fair  to  grow  into  what  the  Writers 
call,  heroic  Friendship.  I  shall  be  in  perpetual  Assiduities,  to  do  my 
part  in  it ;  I  am  not  altogether  insensible  of  what  belongs  to  Reciproca- 
tions in  these  Cases ;  and  shall  assiduously  endeavour  it  in  this.  Old 
Austin  writing,  De  Amicilia,  has  a  Saying;  Quid  sit  vera  Amicitia, 
non  eum  novit,  qui  vult  aliant  esse  mercedem,  quam  ipsam.  Yours  I 
have  alwayes  esteemed  so. 

But,  behold,  you  have  thrown  in  upon  me,  aliam  quam  ipsam. 
For  which  I  render  you  my  Thanks ;  with  my  Prayers  to  Heaven, 
that  as  we  have  been  united  in  serving  glorious  One  here  below,  we 
may  at  last,  be  so  in  praising  Him  above. 

I  have  not  yett  had  Opportunity  to  see  our  Friend  Master  Archer , 

*  Thomas  Archer  was  admitted  into  the  Second  Church,  January  6, 1711-12. 


APRIL,     1712  171 

on  whom  you  have  done  the  Part  of  such  a  cunning  Archer.  But,  I 
make  no  doubt,  I  shall  suddenly  feel  the  Operation  of  your  Letter 
to  him. 

I  wish  all  Blessings  unto  you,  and  imto  One  of  the  best  of  Con- 
sorts, and  unto  your  Hopeful  Offspring  and  am,  Sir,  Your  obliged 

Co.  Mather. 

My  Letter  to  Mr  Remotes,  has  in  it,  the  Effect  of  your  kind  care 
at  Newberry. 

To  Samuel  Penhallow.*  m.h.s. 

[April  17,  17 1 2.] 

The  Negotiation  of  Peace,  is  going  on ;  and  all  Things  conspire 
to  give  us  a  strong  Expectation,  that  it  will  speedily  be  accomplished. 
The  Conferences  at  Utrecht  are  carried  on,  with  a  greater  Spirit  of 
Accommodation  on  both  Sides,  than  has  appeared  in  some  former 
Conferences  on  such  occasions.  The  French  King  makes  an  Explana- 
tion of  his  ojfers  for  a  general  Peace;  wherein  he  acknowledges  the 
Q[ueen]  of  Great  Britain,  and  the  Succession  according  to  the  pres- 
ent Settlement.  He  demolishes  Dunkirk,  for  an  Equivalent  that  will 
not  be  much  disputed  about.  He  gives  up  St.  Christophere,  Hudsons 
Bay,  and  Acady,  to  Great  Britain;  and  Newfoundland,  only  reserv- 
ing the  Fort  at  Placentia.  He  consents  to  a  Treaty  of  Commerce  on 
the  most  agreeable  Terms.  He  allowes  the  Dutch,  the  Barrier  they 
desire  in  the  Netherlands.  He  brings  the  Spanish  Indies,  into  the 
Condition  wherein  it  was  before  the  Death  of  King  Charles  II.  He 
obliges  his  Grandson  to  renounce  the  Kingdoms  of  Naples  and  Sar- 
dinia, and  the  Dutchy  of  Milan.  He  consents  to  have  things  in 
Portugal  and  Germany,  as  they  were  before  the  War,  and  Contents 
the  Duke  of  Savoy.  And  finally,  comes  into  all  the  just  Measures, 
the  Allies  can  propose  to  hinder  the  Crowns  of  France  and  Spain, 
from  ever  being  united  on  the  same  Head.  On  the  whole,  the  public 
Writers  are  pleased  to  express  themselves  in  these  Terms,  That  here 
is  much  more  promised  unto  the  English  than  was  even  demanded  in  those 
famous  and  numerous  Articles,  fallaciously  termed  praeliminaries, Zi^Afc/f 
were  signed  by  the  Duke  of  Marlborough,  and  the  Lord  Townshend, 
at  this  Place  in  the  Year  1709.  And,  indeed,  as  we  have  nothing  left 
now  to  fight /or;  so  we  have  as  little  to  fight  with.  The  Difficulty 
which  the  Exchequer  finds  to  pay  what  it  owes,  causes  a  general 
Discontent.  Our  Debts  amount  unto  more  than  fifty  Millions.  A 
•  A  good  example  of  a  "newsletter"  of  the  day. 


172         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

great  Part  of  the  Revenues  of  the  Crown  are  Mortgaged.  We  have 
brought  upon  our  grand  Children  such  encumbrances  as  their  pos- 
terity will  hardly  see  themselves  discharged  of.  We  may  add,  the 
Queen  and  the  present  Ministry,  seem  resolved  upon  a  Peace,  if  it 
can  be  in  any  tolerable  Manner  accompUshed. 

The  Duke  of  Marlborough  is  thrown  down,  with  all  the  Indignity 
imaginable.  He  is  not  only  stript  of  all  his  Offices  and  Employments, 
and  has  his  three  Daughters  dismiss'd  the  Bed-Chamber,  but  also  he 
is  charged  by  the  House  of  Commons,  (a  Majority  of  an  100,  in  a  very 
full  House,)  with  illegal  and  unwarrantable  Practices;  and  with  wrong- 
ing the  Nation  of  Vast  Summs  of  Money;  above  threescore  thousand 
Pounds,  in  the  one  Article  of  Bread,  and  Bread-Wagons ;  near  two 
hundred  thousand  poimds,  taken  as  a  Deduction  of  two  and  half  per 
cent,  from  our  Allowances  to  the  foreign  Troops.  His  Secretary,  Mr. 
Walpool  ^  was  expell'd  the  House,  and  sent  to  the  Tower.  And  it 
is  apprehended,  His  Grace  will  not  be  long  after  him. 

The  Act  against  occasional  Conformity  runs  to  such  an  Heighth, 
that  if  a  Man  be  present  at  any  one  Meeting  of  the  Dissenters  for  the 
Exercise  of  ReUgion,  he  is  ipso  facto,  deprived  of  all  Places  and  Offices 
of  any  Trust  or  Profit  whatsoever. 

Not  only  the  Dissenters,  but  all  that  part  of  the  Nation,  who 
have  been  distinguished  by  the  title  of,  the  Moderate  Party,  are  treated 
on  all  Occasions,  as  an,  undone  Faction  (the  Term  expressly  given  to 
them,)  and  insulted  with  all  manner  of  Provocations.  The  Conduct 
of  the  Whiggish  Lords  (in  whose  House,  the  Bill  was  passed  first, 
and  went,  Nemine  Contradicente,)  in  this  Matter  was  very  wonderful. 
The  Earl  of  Nottingham  hired  their  Concurrence  to  the  Bill,  by  a 
Bargain  to  bring  over  unto  them,  so  many  Lords  of  the  High  Church, 
as  would  break  all  the  Measures  now  taking,  and  save  the  Nation. 
So  they  sacrificed  the  best  Friends  they  had ;  and,  if  my  Lord  fail  in 
his  Part  of  the  Bargain,  lett  them  gett  their  Act  repealed  again  how 
they  can. 

The  Ferments  in  the  Nation  are  boiled  up  to  such  an  astonishing 
and  prodigious  Heighth,  as  fills  all  People  with  Consternation.  Every 
one  seems  apprehensive  of  the  most  mischievous  and  tremendous 
Consequences.  The  Bishop  of  Salisbury^  lately  preaching  at  the 
Temple,  on,  Can  these  dry  bones  Live?  assured  his  Auditory,  that  no 
Good  Times  could  be  Look'd  for ;  nothing  but  a  Miracle  could  pro- 

» Robert  Walpole. 

•Gilbert  Burnet  (1643-1715),  whose  History  of  his  own  Time  is  one  of  the 
Standard  sources  of  history. 


APRIL,     1712  173 

duce  them ;  all  good  Men  must  hasten  what  they  can,  to  gett  fur- 
nished with  the  Spirit  of  Martyrdome.  Another  famous  Doctor, 
preached  on ;  He  shall  cause  Craft  to  prosper  in  his  hand,  and  by 
Peace  he  shall  destroy  many. 

The  King  of  Prussia,  is  doing  what  he  can,  to  promote  Confer- 
ences among  the  Protestant  Princes,  that  they  may  unite  in  Points, 
to  demand  upon  the  Peace  in  favour  of  the  Protestant  Religion  and 
Interest. 

There  are  great  Probabilities  of  a  new  Rupture,  between  the 
Czar  and  the  Ottoman  Empire.  The  King  of  Sweden,  delayes  his 
homeward  Motions  from  Bender,  till  the  War,  or  Peace,  be  eflfectually 
declared.  He  has  managed  himself  in  a  wondrous  Manner,  and  had 
a  mighty  Influence  on  the  Affairs  of  the  World ;  and  his  Return  home 
will  have  Consequences  wherein  all  Europe  will  be  greatly  concerned. 

The  Whiggish  Lords  and  those  that  came  into  their  Measures, 
had  made  so  strong  a  Party  in  their  House,  that  they  were  proceeding 
to  Impeach  the  Earl  of  Oxford.  But  the  Q  [ueen]  by  a  Creation  of 
twelve  new  Lords  delivered  him. 

The  Canadien-Q-aet  upon  their  Arrival,  fill'd  the  Court  and  Nation 
with  Clamours  against  New  England.  The  Countrey  was  charg'd 
with  Treachery,  and  Stubborness,  and  accused  as  having  designedly 
ruined  the  Expedition.  Mr.  Dummer  did  the  Countrey  the  Justice 
and  Honour  of  publishing  an  elegant  and  sufficient  Vindication  even 
before  the  Arrival  of  Col.  Nicholsofi,  who  carried  with  him  a  great 
Addition  of  Materials  whereupon  the  clamour  was  very  much  abated ; 
and  Col.  Nicholson,  thank'd  for  his  Activity  and  Fidelity.  My  Lord 
Privy-seal,  our  Plenipotentiary  at  Utrecht,^  gave  particular  Thanks  to 
Mr  Dummer,  for  that  Vindication,^  and  assured  him,  he  would  at  the 
Congress  prosecute  the  Claim,  which  he  had  therein  so  well  made  out 
unto  Canada. 

From  Glasgow,  they  write  (Feb.  12)  "The  Parliament  is  going 
on  with  such  a  Toleration  for  the  Episcopal  men  in  Scotland,  (who  are 
generally  Jacobites,)  and  in  such  Terms,  as  to  carry  a  "manifest  Breach 
of  the  Union,  according  to  the  Sentiments  of  our  best  Lawyers  and 
others.  We  are  like  to  have  a  speedy  Peace  with  France.  The 
Commons  have  voted  a  great  many  Resolves,  about  the  Mismanage- 
ments of  the  late  Ministry,  and  about  the  Deficiences  of  the  Allies 
abroad  as  to  Men,  and  Ships,  and  Money.  Hence  People  say,  the 
former  Alliance  is  near  an  End,  and  a  new  one  with  France  is  at  hand. 

*  John  Robinson,  Bishop  of  Bristol  (1650-1723). 

'  A  Letter  to  a  Friaid  in  the  Country,  on  the  tatc  Expedition  to  Canada,  171 2. 


174         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

The  new  Ministers  are  Impatient  for  it.  Men  of  Revolution-Prin- 
ciples in  this  Island  are  little  regarded;  while  those  of  the  French 
Mode  are  like  to  carry  the  Day. 

To  Samuel  Penhallow.  m.h.s. 

Boston  28  d.  5  m.  [July.]  171 2. 

Sir,  —  Tis  my  Duty  to  unite  my  Praises  with  yours,  in  an  Obla- 
tion vmto  the  glorious  Lord,  who  carried  you  with  part  of  your  Family, 
safe  home  to  your  Family ;  at  a  time  when  an  Enemy  might  so  easily 
have  intercepted  you,  and  just  after  did  captivate  some  of  our  Friends, 
even  between  this  and  Marshfield.  But  I  will  add  my  Advice,  that 
you  don't  run  any  more  such  Ventures.  Boston  is  alwayes  a  Placentia 
to  me,  while  you  are  in  it ;  but  I  can't  consent,  that  you  take  Pla- 
centia  in  the  Way  to  Bostoti,  or  from  it. 

We  have  nothing  very  remarkable  since  you  left  us.  Our  domes- 
tic Intelligence  is  not  worth  relating,  our  Foreign  (besides  what  you 
have  in  Johannes  Antiquities,)  is,  what  our  Agent  ^  writes,  about  the 
Middle  of  May;  that  there  is  great  Expectation  of  a  Peace,  which 
will  make  N[ew]  E[ngland]  as  well  as  Gr[eat]  Britain,  easy  and  happy. 
But  that  all  Things  are  carried  on  with  such  a  Secrecy,  as  to  be  under- 
stood by  none  but  those  that  are  next  the  Candle.  And  Major  Handy 
writes,  that  a  Friend  of  his,  (whom  yee  ken  very  well)  is  to  come  over 
shortly.  Governor  of  N[ew]  E[ngland]  and  of  Annapolis. 

I  am,  as  when  you  Left  me ;    and  alwayes,  Syr,  Your  sincere 

Friend  and  Servt.  _,      ,, 

Co.  Mather. 

My  next  Lecture  prov'd,  as  you  foretold.  A  very  vast  Assembly 
was,  and  with  no  small  Assistence  from  Heaven,  then  spoken  to.^ 
The  Sermon  you  have  here  enclosed. 

To  Samuel  Penhallow.  m.h.s. 

Boston,  i  d.  j  m.  [September.]  1712. 
Sir,  —  We  are  kept  under  so  rigid  a  Famine  of  Intelligence  from 
the  other  side  of  the  Atlantic,  that  it  has  kept  me  from  writing  to 
you,  as  not  having  any  Thing  worthy  to  be  written  of.  And  the 
Speculations  upon  this  Embargo  of  our  Intelligence,  are  very  various 
and  uncertain. 

•  Jeremiah  Dummcr. 

'  "June  12.  Dr.  C.  Mather  preaches  from  [Psalm]  no,  iilt."  Scwall,  Diary. 
n.  350. 


SEPTEMBER,     1712  I75 

But  I  call  to  mind,  that  you  desired  my  Opinion  upon  a  Case  of 
Scandal  in  a  Church,  not  prosecuted.  It  is  this;  Lett  the  Proofs  of 
the  Scandal  be  gathered,  and  lett  the  Brethren  furnish  the  Pastor 
with  them.     (Tho'  indeed,  it  his  Duty,  to  look  and  send  after  them.) 

Lett  the  Brethren,  then  demand  of  the  Pastor,  to  go  thro'  with 
the  instituted  and  necessary  Discipline. 

If  the  Pastor  deny  to  do  it,  lett  them  inform  him,  that  they  will 
apply  themselves  with  just  Remonstrances  to  the  Neighbour-churches, 
and  procure  their  Admonitions  to  him.  , 

Certainly,  he  will  not  run  the  Hazard  of  such  a  Proceeding. 

May  the  Glorious  Lord,  multiply  His  Blessings  on  you,  and  on 

your  whole  Family  and  Interest,  both  at  home  and  abroad.     I  am, 

Syr,  Your  sincere  Servt.  „      ,  , 

•'  '  Co.  Mather. 

To  Samuel  Penhallow.  m.ii.s. 

Boston,  19  J.  7  w.  [September.]  171 2. 

Sir,  —  Tho'  you  have  already  one  of  them,  yett  I  now  send  you 
eight  more.  Of  a  good  Book,  Entituled,  A  Letter  of  some  Aged  N.C.'s  ^ 
My  Request  is,  that  you  would  (with  the  Assistence  of  good  Mr 
Kates,)  disperse  them,  where  they  may  best  answer  the  End  of  them, 
in  your  Province.  If  it  be  possible,  I  would  have  them  generally 
spread,  and  read,  and  lent  and  operative  among  all  your  People; 
especially  on  the  Bank  and  the  Great  Island ;  and  that  all  your 
Ministers  particularly  have  the  perusal  of  them.  The  best  Thing  I 
can  do  is  to  refer  all  to  your  Discretion ;  which  I  do  most  heartily. 

It  afiiicts  me  to  hear  of  the  Loss  you  have  sustained  in  your  fish- 
ing Interest.  But  God  has  taught  you  Patience,  and  Submission  and 
Fruitfulness,  under  such  Dispensations.  And  you  have  no  Fear  of 
being  well-Provided  for. 

The  Protection  which  our  glorious  Lord,  has  of  late  given  to  our 
Frontiers,  notwithstanding  some  Desolations  there,  is  an  observal;)le 
matter,  and  calls  for  our  Thankfulness. 

I  hope,  you  will  find  a  Time,  to  perfect  the  Collection  of  Occur- 
rences you  once  gave  me  some  Expectation  of. 

I  will  at  this  Time,  with  my  usual  Freedome,  request  one  more 
Favour  from  you.  /  have  been  told,  That  some  years  ago,  the  People 
digging  a  Well,  in  a  Town  of  your  Province:  (/  think,  Dover:)  did  at  an 
Unaccountable  Depth  under  ground,  encounter  with  Trees,  that  were 

*  This  letter,  dated  August  24,  1701,  was  printed  in  a  fourth  edition,  Increase 
Mather,  editor,  in  17 12. 


176         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

surprising  to  them.  If  you  could  obtain  a  more  full  Account,  where 
the  Well ;  what  the  Depth ;  what  the  Trees ;  which  way  they  lay ; 
how  far  from  the  Sea :  I  should  be  able  to  answer  some  Obligations 
that  ly  upon  me,  from  the  other  side  of  the  Water ;  and  should 
with  your  leave,  do  myself  the  Honour,  of  using  your  Name  in  the 
Communication. 

At  this  time  I  add  no  more;  but  commend  your  Person,  Consort, 
Children  at  home  and  abroad,  unto  the  Blessing  and  Keeping  of  the 
glorious  One.     I  am,  Syr,  Your  obliged  and  faithful  Servt, 

Co.  Mather. 

To  Samuel  Penhallow.  m.h.s. 

Boston,  22  d.  7  m.  [September.]  1712. 

Sir,  —  When  my  last  was  dated,  I  had  not  received  the  sad  Advice, 
of  the  Inroads  and  Assaults,  which  the  Enemy  is  making  on  your 
Neighbourhood.  I  exceedingly  sympathize  with  you  in  the  Deso- 
lations and  the  Difficulties,  that  renew  so  many  Troubles  upon  you. 
May  the  glorious  Lord  be  your  Protector;  and  help  us  all  to  hear 
His  Voice  in  these  calamitous  Dispensations. 

You  hear  of  a  Peace  as  good  as  concluded  at  home ;  The  Queen, 
Ministry,  Parliament,  sett  upon  it.'  You  hear,  that  the  Allies  are 
very  angry ;  treat  us  wth  much  Contempt ;  carry  on  their  Con- 
quests, and  without  us,  have  taken  Quesnoy.  You  hear,  that  tho' 
the  learned  among  us,  and  no  doubt  in  Britain  too,  cry  up  the  Terms 
of  the  Peace,  as  the  most  honourable  and  sufficient  that  ever  were  in 
the  World,  yet  Multitudes  of  people,  think,  we  are  all  betray'd ;  and 
the  Ferments  rise  to  an  astonishing  Elevation. 

We  still  have,  Psal.  xciii.  4.  to  friend;  and  there  we  must 
leave  all. 

The  Caribbee  Islands,  it  may  be  feared,  they  are  every  one  of 
them  lost.  The  Tidings  of  what  is  done  there,  will  have  little  Ten- 
dency to  abate  the  Ferments  at  home.     I  am,  Syr,  Your  hearty  Servt, 

Co.  Mather. 

To  Samuel  Penhallow.  m.h.s. 

't  Boston,  26  d.  11  w.  [January.]  1712-13. 

Sir,  —  My  Friend,  Mr  Timothy  Thornton  (than  whom  I  have  not 
in  my  whole  Neighbour,  one  more  sincere  and  friendly,)  gives  me  the 

•  The  Queen's  proclamation  (dated  August  i8)  for  a  cessation  of  hostilities 
reached  Boston,  October  24. 


JANUARY,     1712-13  177 

agreeable  Opportunity,  of  Conveying  to  you,  a  Packett,  wherein  I 
renew  after  my  poor  Manner,  my  Testimonies  of  the  Sense  which 
I  alwayes  retain  of  the  many  Obligations  you  have  laid  upon  me. 

Whatever  CiviUties  you  shew  to  this  Friend  of  mine,  will  be 
placed  unto  my  Account,  and  add  unto  the  Number  of  my  Obligations. 

To  him  I  refer  you,  for  all  matters  of  Intelligence,  after  which 
you  may  be  inquisitive ;  tho'  indeed,  I  scarce  know  any  that  are 
worth  enquiring  after. 

In  this  Packett,  you  find  a  Book  written  by  your  Friend,  Mr. 
Reinoles;  ^  whereof  I  make  a  present  unto  your  Lady ;  as  apprehend- 
ing it  more  valuable  than  any  thing  of  my  own  composing. 

May  the  glorious  Lord  multiply  His  Blessings,  on  your  Person, 

and  Family.     I  rejoice  in  His  late  Favours  to  Captain  Penhallow?    I 

am,  Syr,  Your  Sincere  Friend  and  Servt,  „      ,  , 

•^  Co.  Mather. 

I  hope,  the  Packett  I  sent  you  (for  Bradshaw)  cost  you  nothing 
For  I  paid  the  Post,  unto  his  Satisfaction;  and  he  promised  me  to 
make  no  demand  upon  you. 

*  Probably  Thomas  Reynolds,  Practical  Religion.     See  p.  171,  supra. 

*  John  Penhallow,  the  younger,  who  married  Ann,  daughter  of  Jacob  Wendell. 


n  •  12 


I7I3 

THE  LIST  YEAR. 

This  Year,  there  have  been  preached  LXXII  public 
Sermons,  besides  private  ones. 

Not  one  Day  has  pass'd  without,  some  Contrivance  to 
do  Good,  invented  and  registred ;  besides  Multitudes  of 
such,  not  entred  in  these  poor  Memorials. 

Not  one  Day  has  passed,  without  being  able  to  say  at 
Night,  something  of  my  small  Revenues  dealt  out  unto 
pious  Uses. 

Never  any  Time  spent  with  any  Company  without  some 
Endeavour  of  a  fruitful  Conversation  in  it. 

A  considerable  Accession  to  our  Biblia  Americana,  many 
more  Illustrations  than  Dayes  in  the  Year. 

Seventeen  Books  praspared  for  publication,  and  most  of 
them  actually  published. 

Dayes  of  Prayer,  no  more  than  xx.  Vigils,  very  few. 

But,  oh!  the  Sins,  the  Sins,  which  this  Year  has  been 
fiU'd  withal!  Oh!  the  Slothfulness  that  has  attended  me, 
in  the  Duties  of  both  my  Callings !  Oh !  the  Miscarriages 
that  have  accompanied  all  the  little  Services  that  I  have 
endeavoured. 

My  God,  I  fly  to  the  Blood  of  my  Saviour,  for  the  Pardon 
of  aU. 

12  d.  12  m.  [February.]  171 2  [-13.]  Thursday.  I  have 
now  seen  a  Jubilee !  The  Goodness  and  Mercy  and  Patience 
of  the  glorious  GOD,  I  cannot  but  exceedingly  acknowledge 
and  glorify. 

It  being  this  Day,  the  Time  of  our  public  Lecture,  and  so  there 
being  some  Necessity  of  my  going  abroad,  I  suffered  thereby  some 

178 


FEBRUARY,     1712-13  179 

Interruption,  to  certain  Exercises,  to  which  this  Day  would  other- 
wise have  been  entirely  devoted. 

However,  in  the  former  Part  of  the  Day,  I  bewayled  before  the 
Lord,  the  Sins  of  my  Life  past,  and  particularly  of  the  Year  past, 
and  received  the  Pardon  of  them,  thro'  Faith  in  the  Blood  of  my 
only  Saviour. 

And  I  perused,  a  Discourse  of  my  own,  on  the  Story  of  Life; 
(from  Psal.  xc.  9.)  delivered  publickly  on  one  of  my  Birth-dayes. 

In  the  latter  Part  of  the  Day,  I  gave  Thanks  to  the  Lord,  for 
the  Blessings  of  my  former  Life,  and  particularly  of  the  year  now 
expired. 

I  perused  the  Memorials  of  the  Year,  and  made  my  prayerful 
and  adapted  Reflection  thereupon. 

I  marked  with  my  Pencil,  such  Projections,  as  I  had  not  prose- 
cuted unto  so  much  Effect,  as  I  would  still  endeavour  to  do. 

And  I  praised  the  God  of  all  Grace,  for  the  Services  in  which  He 
had  employ'd  me,  and  for  which  He  had  enabled  me. 

Finally,  I  besought  of  the  glorious  One,  to  spare  me  this  Year 
also,  and  to  praspare  me  for  all  the  Changes  which  may  be  this  Year 
to  come  upon  me,  and  to  grant  that  this  Year  may  prove  more  Fruit- 
ful, than  any  I  have  yett  seen,  ever  since  I  came  into  the  World. 

5.  G.  D.  There  is  a  considerable  Motion  on  foot, 
about  erecting  an  Hospital  in  this  Town,  for  the  Education 
of  poor  Children.  My  Directions  and  Assistences,  which 
are  called  for,  on  this  Occasion,  must  be  afforded  in  the 
best  manner  I  can  give  them.^ 

6.  G.  D.  There  are  some  hopeful  Candidates  for  the 
Ministry,  who  may  be  made  the  more  useful  to  the  Church 
of  God  by  having  such  Additions  to  their  Libraries  as  their 
poor  Circumstances  well  scarce  allow  them,  to  make.  I 
would  from  some  Libraries  now  to  be  sold,  where  I  may 
meet  with  some  good  Penn'orths,  make  agreeable  presents 
unto  them. 

7.  G.  D.  I  would  endeavour  this  day,  particularly  to 
examine  each  of  the  more  notable  Afflictions,  with  which 

'  The  abrupt  beginning  shows  that  certain  pages  of  the  Diary  have  been  lost. 
*  Could  the  "circular  letter"  of  Mather,  mentioned  in  Sewall,  Diary,  n.  371, 
have  been  on  this  motion? 


l8o         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

I  have  been  chastened,  and  impartially  to  examine  what 
good  Effect  my  Chastisements  have  had  upon  me. 

1.  [February  15.]  G.  D.  I  purpose,  as  soon  as  I  can, 
to  sett  apart  a  Day,  for  Supplications  before  the  glorious 
Lord,  it  may  be,  more  than  one,  to  obtain  Mercies  for  my 
Flock,  and  those  Influences  of  Heaven  that  may  over-rule 
their  Humours  and  FoUies ;  and  a  gracious  Direction  from 
above  to  me,  in  my  whole  Conduct,  and  the  Discharge  of 
my  Ministry. 

2.  G.  D.  There  is  a  Projection  relating  to  my  Katy^s 
being  well-disposed  of,  which  I  would  consider,  and  if  it 
be  convenient,  prosecute. 

3.  G.  D.  There  being  an  hopeful  Opportunity  for  one 
of  my  Sisters  to  be  disposed  of,  I  would  act  in  that  Matter 
with  all  suitable  Application.' 

4.  G.  D.  That  important  affayr  of  setting  up  a  Chris- 
tian Hospital,  for  the  good  Education  of  poor  children  in 
this  Town,  is  coming  into  its  Operation ;  and  many  ser- 
vices are  expected  of  me  on  that  Occasion,  which  I  would 
endeavour  to  perform. 

Among  the  rest,  the  preaching  of  a  Lecture,  to  encourage 
works  of  Charity. 

5.  G.  D.  Among  the  Instructors  of  the  Indians,  I 
would  promote  a  short  Essay,  to  be  written  and  printed 
in  the  Indian  Tongue,  to  excite  and  assist  the  Worship  of 
God  in  their  Families. 

6.  G.  D.  There  is  a  young  Gentleman  at  Portsmouth 
(a  Son-in-Law,  to  a  Friend  of  mine  there,)  who  is  under 
dying  Languishments.  I  have  been  told,  that  some  godly 
and  worthy  People  there,  look  upon  him,  as  being  smitten 
with  Judgments  of  Heaven,  particularly  for  the  Expressions 
of  Malignity,  whereof  he  has  made  me  the  Object.  I  would 
be  far  from  taking  any  Notice  of  his  malignant  Abuses  to 

•  This  may  refer  to  his  sister  Maria,  who  married,  in  1713,  for  her  second  hus- 
band Richard  Fifield.    She  was  the  widow  of  Captain  Bartholomew  Green. 


FEBRUARY,     1712-13  161 

me;  but  I  would  now  pitty  him,  and  pray  for  him,  and 
send  to  him ;  and  present  him  with  certain  Treatises,  which 
may  have  a  Tendency  to  prepare  him  for  his  Dissolution. 

7.  G.  D.  God  calls  me,  at  this  time,  to  a  more  than 
ordinary  Exercise  of  Piety,  and  of  Patience.  A  very  great 
Number  of  the  Flock,  whereof  I  have  been  all  along 
hitherto,  a  trembling  servant,  imagine  our  large  Meeting- 
house to  be  overstock'd  with  people ;  and  that  they  mightily 
want  larger  Accomodations  for  themselves  and  their  Fam- 
ilies. They  are  therefore  violently  sett  upon  building  a  new 
Meeting-house ;  in  which  Affayr  my  Concern  is  the  greater, 
because  it  proves  a  Grief  of  Mind  unto  my  Aged  Parent, 
and  I  must  keep  a  watchful  Eye  upon  his  Conduct  on  this 
Occasion.^  I  must  treat  these  People,  very  lovingly,  can- 
didly, courteously  and  prudently.  I  must  continually  cry 
to  the  Glorious  Lord,  that  He  would  guide  all  my  Steps.  I 
must  humble  myself  before  Him,  for  all  my  Miscarriages 
in  my  Ministry  and  my  whole  Behaviour.  I  must  be  full 
of  Humility  and  have  my  Spirit  reconciled  unto  little  Cir- 
cumstances. I  must  keep  a  mighty  Guard  on  my  Words, 
and  all  my  Wayes,  and  on  the  very  Frames  of  my  Heart, 
as  lying  all  open  to  the  View  of  God.  I  must  maintain  a 
strong  Faith  in  my  dear  Saviour ;  for  a  good  Issue  of  this 
thorny  Affair,  and  for  the  Continuance  of  my  Opportunities 
to  do  Good  and  for  the  support  of  me  and  mine.  My  God, 
I  look  up  unto  thee ! 

I.  [February  22.]  G.  D.  That  critical,  important, 
threatening  Affair  of  our  People  swarming  into  a  new  Meet- 
ing house,  is  now  pushing  on.  It  will  be  a  great  Service 
unto  the  Church,  and  unto  Religion,  if  I  do  all  that  is  pos- 
sible, to  keep  up  the  Spirit  of  Love,  and  prevent  Conten- 
tion, and  preserve  a  Temper  of  Kindness,  Courtesy,  and 
Charity,  in  the  Management  of  the  Matter.  My  God, 
make  me  Prudent  and  Patient. 

*  On  Mather's  omission  to  notice  a  new  Church,  see  Sewall,  Diary,  u.  348. 


l82         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

I  would  speedily  sett  apart  some  whole  Dayes  on  this 
occasion. 

I  would  also  forward  the  Repairing  of  our  Meeting-house 
into  a  Condition,  that  may  render  it  more  accommodable. 

2.  G.  D.  I  would  study  as  ingenious  Wayes  as  I  can 
to  make  Remarks  of  Piety,  on  our  domestic  Occurrences ; 
and  put  in  agreeable  Clauses  into  the  evening  Prayers  of 
the  Family,  relating  to  them ;  and  when  we  are  going 
to  those  Prayers,  employ  my  Thoughts  accordingly.  One 
Instance  to  illustrate  this  Intention  I  have  now  to  mention. 
My  pretty  little  Daughter  is  a  weaning.'  Meditations  on 
the  Characters  of  a  weaned  Child  in  true  Christianity,  are 
proper  now  to  entertain  my  other  Children,  and  the  rest 
of  my  Domesticks. 

3.  G.  D.  It  will  be  mightily  for  the  Honour  of  my 
aged  Parent,  that  he  should  in  a  most  courteous,  candid, 
condescending  Manner,  treat  the  nice  Affair  of  our  People 
swarming  into  a  new  Meeting-house.  I  will  do  the  best 
I  can,  to  sollicit  such  a  Conduct  in  him,  and  study  his 
Comfort,  in  the  whole  Affayr. 

4.  G.  D.  It  may  serve  many  glorious  Interests  of 
my  Great  Saviour,  if  I  prepare  and  publish,  a  Discourse 
on  the  various  Injuries,  which  are  done  unto  my  Saviour. 
For  this  Purpose,  I  would  fitt  up  for  the  Press,  a  Discourse 
on  the  unsuspected  Wrongs  often  done  to  the  Son  of  God 
among  the  Children  of  Men.  And  add  unto  it,  a  summary 
Conviction  of  Judaism,  and  of  Arianism. 

5.  G.  D.  The  next  thing,  I  am  doing  for  the  Service 
of  the  Christianized  Indians,  is  to  give  the  finishing  Stroke, 
unto  the  Affair  of  their  Cohabitation  at  Natic;  to  which 
I  am  now  giving  my  best  Assistences.' 

6.  G.  D.  There  is  a  very  poor  Child,  who  has  a  more 
than  ordinary  Disposition  and  Capacity  for  Learning,  and 

•  Jerusha,  who  died  in  the  following  November. 

*  Bacon,  Uislory  of  Natick,  21. 


FEBRUARY,     1712-13  183 

has  also  made  a  surprising  Progress  in  it;  not  without  a 
prospect  of  serious  Piety  also  in  him.  I  would  exert  my 
own  charity,  and  sollicit  that  of  others,  to  procure  for  him, 
a  learned  Education. 

7.  G.  D.  The  Lord  having  very  graciously  instructed 
me,  in  the  Mystery  of  three  Persons  in  one  God,  and  the 
Godhead  of  my  Saviour,  and  the  Government  of  the  World 
administred  by  the  Son  of  God  incarnate  in  my  enthroned 
Jesus,  I  would  be  exceedingly  thankful  to  Him,  for  His 
thus  highly  favouring  of  me ;  I  would  also  endeavour  very 
much  to  strengthen  my  Idea  of  the  Mystery,  by  an  assiduous 
contemplation  of  it ;  and  I  would  study  more  than  ever 
to  live  upon  it,  and  walk  in  the  Light,  having  a  Mind 
enlightened  with  a  clear  View  of  Him  who  is  the  object  of 
my  Love,  and  my  Prayers,  and  my  Praises,  and  who  offers 
Himself  to  be  my  God. 

28  d.  12  m.  Satureday.  This  Day  I  sett  apart,  for  prayer 
with  Fasting,  in  secret  before  the  Lord.  And  I  enjoy'd 
much  precious  Commimion  with  Heaven  in  the  Day. 

One  peculiar  Occasion  of  my  Supplications  before  the 
Lord,  was,  the  Motion  and  Ferment  of  a  new  Meeting- 
house, which  our  people  seem  resolved  upon  swarming  into. 
I  am  jealous,  lest  it  be  a  meer  Design  of  Satan,  to  ruine 
the  North  Church;  and  furnish  ill-humoured  Men,  with 
an  Engine  to  break  to  peeces  this  flourishing  and  envied 
Society.  However,  lest  the  Thing  be  of  God,  and  that  I 
may  prevent  the  Devices  of  Satan,  to  sow  Discord,  I  treat 
the  whole  Matter,  with  all  the  candid,  and  courteous,  and 
comphant.  Condescensions  imaginable.  I  now  employ  my 
Cries  to  Heaven,  for  Wisdome  from  Above,  and  all  the 
Patience,  which  this  critical  Occasion  may  call  for.  I  judge 
and  loathe  myself  before  the  Lord,  for  all  my  Miscarriages, 
by  which  I  may  have  provoked  Him,  to  take  away  a  Con- 
siderable part  of  my  Flock  from  me;  All  my  Vanity,  my 
Slothfulness,  my  Unfruitfulness,  and  my  Unthankfulness. 


184         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

I  repaired  unto  the  great  Sacrifice,  for  the  Pardon  of  my 
own  Miscarriages  and  of  all  that  has  been  amiss  in  the 
Flock  also.  I  left  this  whole  Matter  unto  the  Divine 
Management,  and  relied  upon  the  Influences  of  the  Glorious 
Head  of  the  Church,  for  a  good  Issue  of  it.  I  made  a  Sac- 
rifice of  the  Flock,  and  of  all  my  Opportunities  to  do  Good 
in  the  World,  unto  the  Great  God ;  with  a  most  consenting 
Resignation,  and  became  willing  to  be  a  Preacher  unto  a 
very  small  Auditory,  and  to  be  reduced  unto  very  diminu- 
tive Circumstances,  and  to  encounter  any  Humiliations  and 
Annihilations,  that  He  shall  please  to  order  for  me.' 

(I.)  2  Here  may  be  a  proper  Place,  to  insert,  that  from 
some  of  the  Southern  Colonies  infested  with  Antinomian 
Troublers ;  I  am  earnestly  cried  unto,  that  I  would  help 
them  with  some  Armour  against  their  Errors ;  and  with  a 
Testimony  against  a  Foolish  pamphlett  spred  among  the 
People  to  disseminate  them ;  and  the  Concurrence  of  the 
other  Ministers  in  this  place  unto  the  Testimony.  Accord- 
inly,  with  some  Look  to  Heaven,  and  Help  from  thence,  I 
prepared,  all  that  has  been  desired.  And  my  Treatise  is 
now  in  the  Press,  under  this  Title ;  Adversus  Libertinos, 
or,  Evangelical  Obedience  described  and  demanded.  In  an 
Essay,  to  Establish  the  Holy  Law  of  the  Glorious  GOD,  upon 
the  principles  of  Justification  by  the  Faith  of  the  Gospel.^ 

I.  [March  1.]  G.  D.  I  hope,  the  Lenity,  the  Charity, 
the  Humility,  and  the  Good  Spirit,  and  conduct,  with  which 
I  endeavour  to  treat  the  Flock,  in  their  Critical  Affair  of  a 

'  Six  lines  struck  out  follow. 

'  He  begins  to  number  thus  the  paragraphs  in  which  a  new  publication  is 
mentioned. 

'Printed  by  B.  Green,  for  Samuel  Gcrrish,  1713.  The  "foolish  pamphlet " 
bore  the  title  of  A  Spiritual  Lawyer,  which  the  Boston  clergy  declared  to  be  "full 
of  dark,  unsafe  and  unsound  Passages."  Jedidiah  Andrews  expressed  the  wish 
that  an  answer  might  be  prepared  to  Antinomianism,  and  Mather,  as  was  not  un- 
usual with  him,  secured  the  countenance  of  his  "most  Honour'd  (and  now  Aged) 
Parent,  and  my  Reverend  Brethren,  the  rest  of  the  Ministers  in  this  Town."  A 
characteristic  letter  of  Andrews  will  be  found  in  Proceedings,  xliu.  646. 


MARCH,     1712-13  185 

New  Church,  will  be  blessed  of  God,  as  an  useful  Exemple 
unto  them,  and  be  for  the  prevention  of  the  Satanic  Devices 
which  would  operate  among  them,  and  be  an  occasion  of 
Abundance  of  Good. 

id.  im.  [March.]  Lords-Day.  At  the  Lord's-Table  this 
Day,  I  was  brought  near  unto  the  Lord.  Had  I  Time,  yett 
I  should  want  Words,  to  express  the  Irradiations  where- 
with I  was  favoured  of  the  Lord. 

At  the  Administration  of  the  former  Element,  I  considered  the 
Son  of  God,  assuming  the  Man  Jesus,  in  whom  there  was  offered  up 
unto  God,  a  most  valuable  Sacrifice ;  and  how  far  the  divine  Person 
of  our  Immanuel  was  concerned  in  the  Sacrifice.  I  was  astonished, 
at  the  Invitation  given  unto  me,  to  come  and  plead  that  Sacrifice,  for 
my  Atonement.  I  then  did  receive  it,  and  admire  it,  and  rely  upon 
it.  And  I  considered  the  six  Sorts  of  Sacrifices,  in  the  former  Dis- 
pensation, and  fetch'd  Glories  from  each  of  them,  which  I  beheld, 
and  embrac'd  and  ador'd  in  my  sacrificed  Saviour. 

At  the  Administration  of  the  latter,  I  considered  what  a  Cup  of 
Suffering,  my  Jesus  was  willing  to  drink,  that  he  might  procure  me 
the  Cup  of  Salvation.  And,  then  I  sett  myself,  thankfully  to  offer 
myself  and  my  all,  in  a  Flame  of  Love,  unto  God,  who  had  provided 
for  me  such  a  wonderful  Sacrifice  as  that  of  my  Saviour.  I  relied  on 
the  Blood  of  my  Saviour,  to  purchase  this  Grace  for  me,  that  I  may 
be  willing  to  be  nothing,  and  lose  myself,  and  every  Thing ;  and  my 
own  Will  in  God ;  and  be  willing  to  undergo  all  Sorts  of  Annihilations, 
which  I  more  particularly  specified,  and  be  satisfied  in  what  ever  the 
wise,  and  just,  and  good  Will  of  my  heavenly  Father  shall  order  for 
me.  I  then  called  to  mind  with  inexpressible  Consolation,  that  this 
will  of  my  heavenly  Father,  was  gone  over  into  my  Saviour ;  it  was 
the  Will  of  my  Saviour  too;  who  is  by  the  divine  Constitution,  the 
Governour  of  the  World  My  whole  Condition,  will  be  ordered,  by 
my  dear,  kind,  enthroned  JESUS ! 

2.  G.  D.  In  my  Discourses  with  my  Consort,  I  would 
often  insist  on  three  Points,  wherein  the  Wives  of  Minis- 
ters have  rendred  themselves  famous,  and  had  their  Names 
precious  among  Survivers. 

The  first :   Much  Constancy  and  Fervency  of  Devotion 


l86         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

with  study  to  improve  in  the  Knowledge  of  the  great  Saviour, 
and  in  Communion  with  God. 

The  Second :  Much  Ingenuity  with  Assiduity,  in  the 
Instructing  of  their  FamiHes  and  Instilling  of  Piety  into 
their  Domesticks,  and  well-ordering  the  Manners  of  those 
under  their  Charge. 

The  Third;  much  Compassion,  and  Helpfulness  and 
Benignity,  with  Charity  in  all  sorts  of  Expressions,  towards 
the  Miserable  in  the  Neighbourhood. 

3.  G.  D.  I  have  litt  upon  a  Book,  fill'd  with  excellent 
Passages,  the  dying  Words  and  Frames  of  some  Holy  Souls, 
full  of  Resignation  to  the  Will  of  God,  and  rejoicing  in  the 
Hope  of  His  Glory.  I  would  convey  this  Honey,  to  my 
aged  Parent,  and  present  the  Book  to  him,  that  I  may 
sweeten  to  him,  and  assist  him  in,  his  finishing  Work ;  which, 
tho'  he  be  in  perfect  Health ;  and  of  bright  Faculties,  he 
seems  hastning  to,  by  Longing  for. 

4.  G.  D.  I  have  now  prepared  for  the  Pubhc,  a  Dis- 
course on  the  unsuspected  Wrongs  which  are  commonly 
done  to  our  glorious  and  only  Saviour;  part  whereof  was 
preached  on  a  remarkable  Occasion,  almost  nineteen  Years 
ago.  I  have  now  incorporated  thereinto,  a  couple  of  long 
Paragraphs,  The  one,  the  Sum  of  what  is  to  be  said,  for 
the  Conviction  of  the  Jewish  Infidelity.  But  the  other,  a 
clear  Elucidation  of  the  Doctrine  of  the  Trinity ;  and  the 
Godhead  and  Kingdome  of  our  JESUS ;  and  a  Confuta- 
tion of  the  Arian  Heresy.  I  propose ;  in  both  of  these, 
to  some  considerable  Service  to  the  Interests  of  Religion. 
And  the  latter  of  them,  I  propose  as  an  Antidote  against 
the  wretched  Poison,  wherewith  Whiston  is  endeavouring 
to  corrupt  the  Church  of  God ;  and  particularly  to  defend 
the  Students  in  our  CoUedge  from  the  Corruption. ^ 

'  It  is  impossible  to  identify  the  writing  of  Whiston  against  which  Mather 
felt  such  opposition,  but  none  of  Whiston's  works  were  printed  in  America  during 
Mather's  life. 


MARCH,     1712-13  187 

5.  G.  D.  There  is  a  sett  of  wretched,  idle,  gaming 
Fellowes  in  this  Town,  whose  FamiUes  are  starving  in  great 
miseries,  while  they  are  following  vain  Persons.  I  would 
move  in  the  Societies,  that  some  effectual  Provision  may 
be  endeavoured,  for  the  Chastising  and  Restraining  of  such 
wretched  Fellowes. 

6.  G.  D.  There  is  a  Family  in  my  Neighbourhood, 
conflicting  with  much  Poverty  and  Misery,  and  long  Illness 
and  sickness.  I  must  make  it  an  object  of  my  peculiar 
Charity.     (aX/ctf.)  ^ 

7.  G.  D.  My  pretty  little  Daughter  Jerusha,  on  whom 
we  have  been  so  fond,  as  to  make  me  fear  whether  we  should 
not  lose  her,  now  lies  very  sick  of  a  Fever.  I  would  en- 
deavour exceedingly  to  glorify  God,  by  making  a  Sacrifice 
of  the  lovely  Child ;  and  be  awakened  unto  a  fresh  Repent- 
ance of  all  the  Miscarriages,  for  which  I  ma}'  fear  a  Chastise- 
ment is  now  threatned  unto  me. 

1.  [March  8.]  G.  D.  This  Week  we  give  the  Church 
a  Meeting,  that  we  may  discourse  on  the  critical  Affayr  of 
a  New  Church,  as  well  as  repairing  our  own  old  Meeting- 
house. If  the  Lord  enable  me  to  treat  the  Church  with 
Prudence  and  Patience,  and  a  good  Conduct  on  this  occa- 
sion. He  will  be  glorified,  and  the  Church  will  be  edified. 
I  shall  study  it  exceedingly ;  and,  in  order  to  it,  send  up 
ardent  Cries  unto  Heaven,  that  I  may  be  directed  and 
assisted,  and  that  the  whole  Affair  may  have  an  happy 
Issue  given  unto  it. 

2.  G.  D.  I  would  make  the  sickness  of  my  youngest 
Child,  an  occasion  of  Warning  unto  all  the  Children  in  the 
Family,  to  gett  into  a  Condition  of  Safety  for  Death,  and 
Eternity.  And  I  would  be  awakened  unto  further  Con- 
siderations, what  more  ought  to  be  done  for  the  Honour 
and  Service  of  God,  in  the  Sacrifice  of  my  Family. 

3.  G.  D.    There  are  several  Women,  and  aged  Ones, 

» Alkin. 


1 88         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

among  my  Relatives,  to  whom  I  would  present  my  late 
Book,  which  inculcates  the  good  works  of  a  vertuous 
Woman.  ^ 

lo  d.  I  m.  Tuesday.  Because  our  Church  is  to-morrow, 
to  hold  a  Meeting  about  those  two  Points ;  the  repairing 
and  rendring  more  Commodious,  our  Meeting-house ;  and 
then  that  critical  Point,  of  a  great  Number  swarming 
into  a  new  Meeting-house.  And  I  am  afraid,  how  far  the 
Deevices  of  Satan  may  operate,  on  these  Occasions ;  I  sett 
apart  this  Day,  for  prayers  with  Fasting,  before  the  Lord ; 
that  I  might  obtain  the  necessary  and  seasonable  Favours 
of  the  Lord.  I  bewayled  before  the  Holy  One,  the  Sins 
by  which  I  have  exposed  myself  to  His  Displeasure,  and 
particularly  forfeited  my  Opportunities  of  preaching  His 
Gospel  to  so  vast  an  Auditory.  And  I  was  assured,  that 
my  Sins  are  pardoned.  I  entreated,  that  the  Sins  of  the 
Flock  might  also  be  forgiven  ;  for  which  I  pleaded  the  great 
Sacrifice.  I  cried  unto  Heaven,  that  I  might  be  furnished 
with  Abundance  of  Prudence  and  Patience,  for  the  critical 
Occasion  that  is  before  me ;  and  that  my  aged  Parent  also 
may  not  be  left  unto  any  Word  or  Frame  unsuitable. 

I  besought  the  Influences  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  that  the 
Evil  Spirit  may  be  chained  up,  and  that  the  Minds  of  the 
Brethren  may  be  kept  in  the  Temper  that  is  most  of  all 
to  be  desired.  I  offered  up  as  a  Sacrifice  unto  God,  my 
Congregation,  and  all  my  Opportunities  to  do  Good ;  and 
became  willing  to  undergo  any  Condition,  that  the  Divine 
Will,  should  appoint  for  me.  I  besought  a  comfortable 
Issue  of  the  whole  Matter  now  before  us,  and  left  it  with 
the  Lord,  and  cast  the  whole  Burden  of  the  Care  thereof 
upon  Him. 

I  also  carried  my  sick  little  Daughter  to  the  Lord. 

4.  G.  D.  I  am  giving  a  Peece  of  Land,  unto  a  People 
between  Wenhani  and  Ipswyche,  to  build  a  new  Meeting- 

'  His  Tabitlia  Rediviva. 


MARCH,     1712-13  189 

house  upon;  and  I  would  lay  hold  on  the  Occasion,  and 
improve  the  Interest  which  I  may  hereby  have  in  the  Hearts 
of  the  People  there,  to  lay  the  People  under  Obligations,  to 
do  some  special  Services  for  the  Gospel,  which  I  may  think 
upon.i 

10.  [11.]  d.  I.  m.  Wednesday.  This  Day,  I  received  a 
gracious  Answer  to  the  Prayers  of  yesterday.  We  had 
a  great  Church-Meeting,  of  above  one  hundred  Brethren, 
The  Lord  enabled  me  so  to  discourse  on  the  two  great 
Occasions  we  mett  upon,  arid  so  to  manage  the  Brethren, 
that  the  whole  was  carried  thro'  without  one  contentious 
Word :  All  done,  without  Murmurings,  without  Disputings.^ 

'This  probably  was  the  church  at  Hamilton.  On  May  22,  1712,  the  town 
of  Ipswich  consented  to  a  church  in  "  the  Hamlet,  so  called,"  and  on  October  14, 
1713,  by  an  act  of  the  General  Court  a  district  precinct  was  established.  In 
the  course  of  that  year  a  church  building  was  erected,  and  in  the  following  year 
Samuel  Wigglesworth  (1689-1768)  was  chosen  pastor.  Cutler,  A  Century  Dis- 
course delivered  in  Hamilton,  1814.  The  donation  of  land  by  Mather  receives  no 
mention. 

2  "At  a  meeting  of  the  Church,  Wednesday,  11  d.  1  m.  17 13,  these  two  votes 
had  a  general  concurrence  with  them. 

"Voted.  That  the  Honoured  Committee,  which  has  been  chosen  by  this 
church,  to  consider  and  regulate  the  temporal  Affaires  thereof,  be  desired  and 
empowered  to  proceed  according  to  their  Discretion  and  Ability,  as  in  all  needfull 
Reparation  of  the  Meeting-house  so  particularly  in  Arching  and  Ceiling  of  it,  and 
bringing  the  Galleries  of  the  second  Range,  into  such  a  condition  as  may  be  most 
commodious  for  the  Congregation  in  general,  and  for  those  that  shall  be  seated 
in  them. 

"  Voted.  Whereas  fourteen  of  the  Brethren  in  this  North  Church,  have  in 
an  Instrument  signed  by  them,  addressed  the  church  for  their  Allowance  of  their 
proceeding  in  an  orderly  way,  which  they  have  in  the  said  Instrument  expressed 
their  Intention  for,  to  the  Building  of  a  New  Meeting-house,  and  forming  them- 
selves into  a  Church-state,  when  things  are  come  to  a  due  Maturity  for  it.  The 
Church  does  grant  the  Request  of  the  said  Brethren;  advising  therewithal,  that 
for  the  Circumstances  of  their  Proceedings,  and  also  for  the  Choice  of  their 
Minister,  they  endeavour  to  follow  the  best  Advice,  and  what  may  be  most 
for  satisfaction. 

"A  vote  passed  at  a  former  Church-meeting,  vizt.  11  d.  i  m.  1713.  The 
church  desires  and  betrust  John  Clark,  Esq.,  Mr.  Adam  Winthrop,  Mr.  Thomas 
Hutchinson,  Mr.  Edward  Hutchinson,  Mr.  John  Ruck,  Mr.  Robert  Howard,  Mr. 
John  Frizzel,  to  act  as  a  committee  on  the  behalf  of  the  Church,  in  directing  such 
affaires  thereof,  as  may  concern  the  Repairing  and  Ordering  of  the  Meeting-house, 
the  advising  of  the  Deacons  about  occasional  Expences,  with  a  due  regard  unto 


igO         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

My  sick  little  Daughter  now  also  begins  to  recover. 

5.  G.  D.  Some  Godly  Indians,  having  uttered  very 
edifying  Passages  in  their  last  Hours;  Master  Japhet  in 
particular  ;i  I  would  propose  a  convenient  Collection  of 
them,  to  be  anon  employ'd  for  many  valuable  Purposes. 

6.  G.  D.  A  worthy  Minister,  who  was  of  the  same 
class  with  me  in  the  CoUedge,  is  fallen  under  some  great 
Infirmities  in  his  Health ;  I  would  as  soon  as  I  can,  write 
and  send  unto  this  my  Brother,  such  things,  as  may  be 
most  comfortable  unto  him,  under  his  Affliction. 

7.  G.  D.  I  ought  to  be  exceedingly  Thankful,  and  grow 
in  my  Thankfulness  to  the  glorious  Lord,  in  that  I  have 
had  my  Mind  preserved  from  h}'pocondriac  Maladies,  which 
considering  my  Studies  and  Sorrowes,  tis  a  Wonder,  they 
have  not  utterly  overwhelmed  me.  The  View  I  have  of 
some  other  men,  unhinged  and  ruined  that  Way,  very  much 
awakens  my  Gratitude  unto  God  my  Saviour. 

(II.)  Near  nineteen  years  ago,  I  preached  a  Lecture 
on  the  Wrongs  done  to  our  Saviour,  by  persons  who  little 
Imagine  or  Consider  what  they  do.  A  Spirit  who  with  a 
wondrous  Lustre,  made  his  Descent  into  my  Study,  declaring 
himself  to  be  a  good  Angel  of  God,  and  expressing  his  Desire 
to  have  Act.  ix.  5.  preach'd  upon,  was  the  occasion  of  my 
preaching  it.  I  then  sent  a  Copy  of  it,  unto  Loftdon,  to 
be  published  there ;  but  it  miscarried ;  and  no  Noise  was 
made  of  the  Occasion.  A  good  Man  in  my  Neighbourhood, 
lately  asked  me  for  the  Notes  of  that  Sermon,  that  he  might 
repeat  it  unto  a  religious  Meeting  of  the  Neighbours.  Here- 
upon, it  came  into  my  Mind,  that  I  would  augment  and 

the  main  Ends  of  the  Church's  Treasury ;  and  inspecting  their  Accounts  thereof, 
and  the  securing  such  Rents  and  Legacies  as  may  belong  unto  it ;  and  other  such 
lesser  Matters  as  may  be  judged  needless  for  the  whole  Church  to  assemble  upon. 
All  which  Trouble  is  imposed  on  the  forementioned  Gentlemen,  but  for  the  Space 
of  one  Year  ensuing ;  at  the  Expiration  of  which  Term  the  Church  propose  to  renew 
the  Choice  of  their  Committee,  as  they  may  judge  convenient."  CoUon  Mather's 
MS.  Records  of  the  Second  Church,  ii. 

'  Of  Martha's  Vineyard.     He  left  a  widow,  Sarah.    See  p.  133,  supra. 


MARCH,     1712-13  191 

enrich  the  Composure,  with  two  considerable  Paragraphs; 
The  one,  a  Conviction  of  the  Jewish  Infidelity,  with  the 
Summ  of  those  Demonstrations,  wherewith  Christianity 
triumphs  over  Judaism ;  the  other,  a  confutation  of  the 
Arian  Haeresies,  which  are  horribly  revived  at  this  Day, 
and  the  Mystery  of  the  Trinity  in  God,  and  the  Godhead 
and  Kingdome  of  our  Saviour,  opened  for  the  Satisfaction 
of  the  Faithful.  Having  done  this  I  proposed  the  Publica- 
tion of  the  Composure ;  and  all  the  Difficulties  of  it,  are 
immediately  and  surprisingly  conquered !  I  cannot  but  sus- 
pect that  there  will  be  some  uncommon  Effect  of  this  Pub- 
lication. I  give  it  unto  the  Bookseller,  under  this  Title ; 
Things  to  be  more  thought  upon.  A  brief  Treatise  on  the 
Injuries  ojjered  unto  the  glorious  and  only  Saviour  of  the  World; 
In  many  Instances  wherein  the  Guilty  are  seldome  Aware  of 
their  being  so  Injurious  to  the  Eternal  Son  of  God.  With  a 
more  particular  Conviction  of  the  Jewish  and  Arian  Infidelity.^ 

1.  [March  15.]  G.  D.  Having  with  much  Patience 
and  Candor,  carried  our  swarming  Brethren  on  to  the 
Allowance  of  their  Proceedings,  which  the  Church  has 
granted  them,  I  would  now  wholly  give  myself  up  to  the 
Methods  of  Supplication,  and  Resignation,  and  committ 
the  Matter  to  the  Lord,  and  watch  against  all  the  Devices 
of  Satan,  which  may  operate  unto  the  Disturbance  of  the 
Neighbourhood  on  this  Occasion. 

2.  G.  D.  It  is  of  absolute  Necessity,  that  my  Family 
be  reformed  of  their  late  Hours,  in  going  to  Bed ;  the 
Reformation  will  be  attended  with  many  happy  Conse- 
quences. 

3.  G.  D.  The  dark  Dispensation  of  Providence,  which 
detains  my  poor  Kinswoman,  in  her  Indian  Captivity,  calls 
upon  me,  to  address  her  nearest  Relatives,  with  the  best 
Consolations  I  can  study  for  them ;  as  also  to  inculcate  on 
my  own  Children,  Admonitions  of  Piety  and  Thankfulness. 

*  Printed  by  Thomas  Fleet  for  Daniel  Henchman,  17 13. 


192         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

4.  G.  D.  I  purpose  to  make  a  Present;  not  only  unto 
our  own  Colledge,  but  also  unto  the  University  of  Glasgow 
of  my  Treatise,  wherein  Evangelical  Truth  has  a  Triumph 
over  the  Arian  Haeresies.  Having  a  mighty  desire,  to 
fortify  the  Students  there,  against  those  revived  Haeresies. 

18.  d.  1.  m.  Wednesday.  Because,  it  is  a  very  critical 
Time  with  my  Flock,  and  there  need  more  than  ordinary 
Methods  to  defeat  and  prevent  the  Devices  of  Satan,  in 
the  Affair  of  a  new  Church,  and  I  need  much  Prudence  and 
Patience  and  Resignation  on  such  an  Occasion,  I  sett 
apart  this  Day,  for  Prayers  and  Alms  and  Psalms,  and 
employ'd  it  in  such  Petitions  and  such  Exercises,  as  I  have 
done  two  other  Dayes,  in  the  two  former  Weeks.  And  I 
left  with  the  Lord,  the  Matter  of  our  new  Church ;  entreat- 
ing that  if  it  be  of  Him,  it  may  be  peaceably  and  lovingly 
carried  on ;  but  if  it  be  not  as  yett  a  good  Motion,  He 
would  please  in  His  marvellous  Providence  to  over-rule  it. 
I  also  carried  unto  the  Lord,  my  Opportunities  to  Glorify 
Him  ;  entreating  that  they  may  be  continued  and  multiplied, 

Having  thus  besought  the  Lord  thrice,  on  this  Occasion. 
I  silently  wait  for  the  Issue  of  it. 

5.  G.  D.  I  would  earnestly  prosecute  the  Affair  of 
having  the  Indian  Lands  lett  out  on  such  Leases,  as  may 
bring  in  Revenues  for  the  Support  of  the  evangelical  Inter- 
ests among  the  Indians. 

6.  G.  D.  A  young  woman  has  been  two  or  three  and 
twenty  Years  a  Captive,  in  the  Hands  of  the  French.  Hav- 
ing been  transported  from  Canada  to  France,  there  she  finds 
herself,  at  Liberty,  with  an  Inclination  to  return  unto  N.  E. 
My  Assistence,  particularly,  to  bear  the  Expences  of  her  get- 
ting home  is  asked  for,  and  I  would  now  do  the  best  I  can. 
I  offer,  unto  a  Gentleman,  who  will  give  a  Letter  of  Credit, 
unto  our  Agent  for  that  Purpose,  that  he  may  supply  the 
young  Gentlewoman  with  Money  for  this  occasion,  that  I 
will  enter  into  an  Obligation  to  see  it  all  reimbursed. 


MARCH,     1713  193 

7.  G.  D.  I  take  notice  of  admirable  Piety,  shining 
among  the  Professors  of  the  modern  Pietism  (tho  they  are 
not  without  their  Errors :)  ^  and  I  look  on  the  Strains  of 
Piety  conspicuous  in  them,  as  notable  Dawns  of  the  King- 
dome  of  God  among  the  Children  of  Men,  I  would  en- 
deavour as  in  Reading  their  Books,  I  find  the  Passages  of 
a  raised  and  noble  Piety  occurring,  to  pant  and  strive  after 
a  lively  Impression  thereof,  on  my  own  Mind.  And  in 
this  Way  I  would  seek  a  particular  praeparation  for  Ser- 
vices which  I  may  do,  in  the  coming  on  of  the  Kingdome 
of  God. 

1.  [March  22.]  G.  D.  As  I  would  readily  fly  with  my 
best  Releefs  and  Councils  to  every  Person  of  my  Flock,  in 
any  special  Affliction,  which  I  may  know  to  be  upon  them, 
so  when  I  see  any  of  them,  under  the  Arrest  of  Death  going 
from  me,  I  would  with  much  Solemnity  and  Afiection  resign 
them  as  part  of  my  Charge  unto  the  great  and  good  Shep- 
herd of  Souls.  But  this  is  not  all.  When  any  of  my  Flock 
are  taken  away  by  Death,  I  would  seriously  examine  my- 
self, how  have  I  discharged  my  Duty  to  that  person?  And 
fly  to  the  Blood  of  the  great  Sacrifice,  for  the  Pardon  of 
my  Deficiencies. 

2.  G.  D.  Praefatory  to  the  evening  Sacrifices  in  my 
Family,  I  would  have  two  of  the  younger  Children  alter- 
nately to  read  a  Paragraph,  in  a  poetical  History  of  the 
Bible,  until  the  Book  be  gone  through.  And  I  would  make 
still  some  agreeable  Remarks  upon  it,  for  their  Instruction. 

•  Beginning  with  Jakob  Boehme,  Johann  Arndt,  and  others  in  the  middle  of 
the  XVII  century,  the  Pietist  movement  was  carried  on  in  Germany  by  Philip  Jacob 
Spener,  Paul  Gerhardt,  and  August  Hermann  Francke,  of  Halle,  the  last  of  whom 
was  a  correspondent  of  Mather.  They  inculcated  an  earnest  study  of  the  Bible, 
a  practice  of  Christianity,  a  share  in  the  spiritual  government  of  the  Church  for 
the  laity,  and  a  more  devotional  training  in  the  Universities.  It  was  a  short- 
lived movement,  but  it  was,  says  Rudolf  Sohm,  "  the  last  great  surge  of  the  waves 
of  the  ecclesiastical  movement  begun  by  the  Reformation;  it  was  the  completion 
and  the  final  form  of  the  Protestantism  created  by  the  Reformation.  Then 
came  a  time  when  another  intellectual  power  took  possession  of  the  minds  of  men." 
II -13 


194         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

3.  G.  D.  Still  my  aged  Parent  must  be  the  Object  of 
my  Cares.  To  make  him  easy,  imder  his  Resentments  of 
the  Proceedings  about  our  new  Church ;  and  to  procure 
him  Releefs  against  bodily  Distempers  that  somewhat  in- 
commode him ;  and  to  gett  his  Mind  raised  unto  the  Points 
of  Resignation  to  God  and  Satisfaction  in  His  Will,  which 
become  us  in  the  Suburbs  of  the  heavenly  World. 

4.  G.  D.  I  have  in  View,  a  special  Service  for  the 
Kingdome  and  People  of  God  at  Newbury;  and  so  in  all 
our  Churches,  which  I  must  endeavour  this  Day  to  prose- 
cute in  the  General  Assembly. 

5.  G.  D.  I  would  make  certain  Presents  of  Books,  not 
only  among  the  Students  in  Harvard-C oiled gc,  but  also  in 
the  University  of  Glasgow;  Books  peculiarly  adapted  unto 
them,  and  unto  the  Interests  of  Piety  among  them. 

6.  G.  D.  There  are  some  young  Gentlemen,  (the  Sons 
of  Ministers,)  who  are  out  of  Employment,  and  in  destitute 
Circumstances.  I  must  look  out  very  soUicitously,  to  find 
Employment  for  them. 

7.  G.  D.  God  calls  me,  in  an  extraordinary  Manner, 
to  be  armed  for  the  Trials,  which  I  may  undergo  in  a  Church, 
breaking  all  to  peeces,  thro'  the  Impertinencies  of  a  proud 
Crue,  that  must  have  Pues  for  their  despicable  Families ; 
a  Church  so  forsaken  of  God,  that  there  are  no  Men  appear- 
ing in  it,  who  consult  or  desire  the  Prosperity  of  it ;  a  Church 
that  seems  to  be  ripe  for  something  little  short  of  a  miser- 
able Dissolution.  0  my  God,  and  my  Saviour ;  Help  me 
to  look  up  unto  thee,  for  sufficient  Measures  of  Grace,  to 
encounter  these  uneasy  Circumstances ! 

28.  d.  i.m.  Satureday.  This  Day  I  also  sett  apart  for 
Prayer  with  Fasting  before  the  Lord  ;  and  I  humbled  myself 
before  Him  in  a  sense  of  all  my  Sins,  particularly  those 
which  may  have  provoked  Him  to  bring  me  into  very  hum- 
bling Circumstances,  relating  to  the  Church,  whereof  I 
have  been  the  Servant.    Having  obtained  the  Pardon  of 


MARCH,     1713  195 

my  sinful  Miscarriages,  thro'  and  from  the  Mediation  of  my 
Saviour,  I  therewithal  cried  unto  Heaven  for  Grace,  and 
Help  to  behave  myself  wisely  on  this  Occasion  which  I 
have  before  me.  I  did  also  committ  the  whole  Affair  of 
our  boisterous,  ambitious,  ill-bred  Company,  in  the  Hands 
of  the  glorious  Lord,  the  Head  of  the  Church ;  casting 
upon  Him  the  whole  Care  of  a  good  Issue  to  it.  I  did 
likewise  present  my  Supplications  on  the  Behalf  of  my  aged 
Parent,  who  is  greatly  wounded  in  his  Mind  by  what  is 
now  adoing ;  that  he  may  be  supported,  comforted,  made 
easy  under  it. 

On  this  Day,  I  called  my  Son  Increase  to  me,  and  having 
discoursed  unto  him,  about  his  interiour  State,  I  then  pray'd 
with  him ;  and  with  Tears  besought  of  the  Lord,  that  the 
Spirit  of  Grace  and  of  Supplications  may  fall  upon  him.^ 

I.  [March  29.]  G.  D.  The  poor  Church,  whereof  I 
have  been  hitherto  the  unprofitable  Servant,  seems  to  have 
near  unto  it,  a  dreadful  Convulsion,  and  something  of  a 
Dissolution.  Satan  seems  to  have  obtained  a  Commission 
to  sift  the  Church,  and  shake  it  wonderfully,  and  bring  it 
into  very  diminutive  Circumstances.  I  would  now  keep 
a  very  watchful  Guard  on  all  my  own  Steps  and  Words, 
that  I  may  not  contribute  in  the  least  unto  the  Satanic 
Devices.  And  I  would  employ  many  Dayes  of  Prayer  with 
Fasting  before  the  Lord,  that  the  Satanic  Energies  may  be 
restrained,  and  conquered,  and  over-ruled.  I  would  also 
make  a  Sacrifice  of  the  Flock,  and  of  all  my  Opportunities 
to  do  Good,  and  of  whatever  my  glorious  Lord  may  call 
me  to  putt  into  my  Resignation. 

29.  d.  I.  m.  Lords-Day.  At  the  Lord's-Table,  I  cele- 
brated the  Love  of  God  unto  His  peculiar  People;  and 
endeavoured  those  Dispositions  and  Exercises  which  might 
be  Demonstrations  of  my  Share  in  His  peculiar  Love. 

But  a  singular  Errand  on  which  I  went  thither,  was, 

*  Five  lines  are  here  struck  out. 


Iq6         diary  of  cotton  MATHER 

that  I  might  obtam  the  Grace,  to  glorify  God,  by  a  wise, 
patient,  humble  Conduct,  and  an  incomparable  Resignation, 
under  the  miserable  Desolations,  which  are  threatned  unto 
the  poor  Church,  whereof  I  have  been  the  unprofitable 
Servant. 

2.  G.  D.  A  more  early  Rising  in  the  Morning  for 
every  one  in  my  Family,  would  be  of  unspeakable  Advan- 
tage imto  us  all ;  and  particularly  befriend  the  Interests  of 
Piety  among  us;  I  would  give  the  Exemple,  and  oblige 
the  rest  unto  it. 

3.  G.  D.  Still  my  aged  Parent,  hastening  to  the  better 
World,  lies  much  upon  my  Heart ;  and  I  am  extremely 
sollicitous,  that  his  Life  prolonged  unto  us,  may  be  made 
easy  and  cheerful,  and  that  he  may  be  kept  from  every 
Step  or  Word  that  may  cause  any  Confusion  in  the  Flock ; 
and  that  when  the  Time  of  his  Death  arrives,  it  may  be 
attended  with  all  the  good  Circumstances,  that  he  may 
wish  for.  My  Prayers  for  such  Things  must  be  incessant 
and  importunate. 

4.  G.  D.  Tis  hardly  possible  for  me  to  do  a  greater 
Service  than  to  publish  unto  the  World,  the  Maxims,  which 
are  to  unite  the  People  that  the  glorious  God  will  form  for 
Himself,  and  that  will  quickly  be  the  Stone  growing  into  a 
great  Mountain,  which  the  whole  Earth  shall  be  filled  withal. 
There  is  a  mighty  Tendency  to  Reformation,  which  has 
been  long  working  in  the  Minds  of  Multitudes  and  Millions 
of  People,  both  among  the  Romanists  and  Protestants. 
The  Efforts  made  by  this  Inclination  in  the  Souls  of  Men, 
have  hitherto,  thro'  the  Temptations  of  the  Day,  been 
generally  encumbred  with  Errors,  and  Follies,  and  with 
naughty  Superfluities.  But  when  the  pure  Maxims  of 
Truth,  and  of  real,  vital,  spiritual  Religion,  and  manly 
Christianity,  are  sett  before  the  People  of  God,  who  can 
tell,  what  may  be  done  in  some  new,  and  the  next  Essayes, 
to  bring  on  the  Kingdome  of  God?    The  proposing  of  an 


APRIL,     1713  197 

agreeable  Name  for  that  People,  who  shall  combine  upon 
these  Maxims,  may  be  of  some  use  also  for  the  main  Inten- 
tion ;  and  that  which  I  have  thought  upon  it,  the  Imman- 
uelian  People,  because  they  are  to  be  the  People  of  our 
Immanuel,  and  God  with  us,  is  to  be  their  peculiar  Character. 
In  my  Treatise  of.  Things  to  he  more  thought  upon,  I  sett 
myself  to  serve  all  these  Designs. 

5.  G.  D.  I  am  writing  to  my  Friend,  the  Agent  of 
this  Countrey,  at  London;  ^  and  I  would  sett  myself  to 
think  on  as  many  services  to  good  Interests  as  I  can,  whereto 
I  may  excite  him  to  apply  himself.  And  indeed,  I  would 
have  this  Intention  to  be  prosecuted  in  all  my  Correspond- 
ences. When  I  write  unto  any  Person  of  any  Capacity, 
I  would  often  think,  what  good  may  this  Person  he  capable 
of  doing  if  he  he  minded  of  it?  and  putt  him  in  Mind  of  it 
accordingly. 

6.  G.  D.  A  poor  Child  going  to  be  cutt  for  the  Stone, 
I  must  contribute  unto  the  Expence  of  the  Operation ;  and 
be  as  helpful  as  I  can,  on  the  Occasion. 

The  Minister  going  to  be  settled  at  Needham,^  is  in  very 
needy  Circumstances ;  and  needs  Encouragements.  I  will 
procure  a  Present  unto  him. 

7.  G.  D.  There  is  one  Point  in  my  Conversation, 
wherein  I  must  press  after  much  greater  Sanctity  and 
Purity;  and  have  my  Behaviour  in  it  more  governed  by 
that  Reflection,  The  Eye  of  the  Great  God  is  now  upon  me; 
Am  I  guilty  of  no  Irregularity,  which  He  may  he  displeased 
at?  And  I  must  go  mourning  to  my  Grave,  in  the  Sense 
of  the  Miscarriages,  in  this  Point,  wherewith  His  Holy 
Eyes  have  seen  me  chargeable. 

I.  [April  5.]  G.  D.  I  shall  have  an  unhappy  Occasion 
this  day,  to  bring  the  Censures  of  the  Church,  on  a  poor 

*  Jeremiah  Dummer. 

'The  meeting-house  at  Needham  was  not  yet  constructed.  March  16,  17 13, 
David  Deming  was  invited  to  settle,  but  he  does  not  appear  to  have  accepted, 
as  two  months  later  a  like  invitation  was  extended  to  Samuel  Terry. 


igS         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

Man,  fallen  into  a  Trade  of  Drunkenness.^  On  this  Occa- 
sion I  may  speak  many  Things  mito  the  Brethren  of  the 
Church,  which  may  be  of  great  Consequence  unto  them : 
especially,  dispense  faithful  Warnings  unto  some  others, 
whom  the  same  Vice  may  have  ensnared. 

2.  G.  D.  When  any  domestic  Affair  is  carrying  on  my 
Family  which  takes  up  so  much  of  our  People's  Time,  as 
to  make  it  fall  under  a  little  Notice,  I  would  be  led  imto 
some  spiritual  Meditation  and  Supphcation,  which  I  may 
profitably  putt  into  the  Family-Sacrifices. 

E.  g.  When  Brewing  ;  Lord,  letl  us  find  in  a  glorious  Christ,  a 
provision  for  our  thirsty  Souls.  And,  Lord,  bring  us  to  drink  of  the 
River  of  thy  Pleasures. 

When  Baking.  Lord,  lett  a  glorious  Christ  be  the  Bread  of  Life 
unto  us.  And,  Lord  lett  us  not  Labour  for  the  Food  that  perisheth,  but 
for  that  which  endures  to  everlasting  Life. 

When  Washing.  Lord,  lett  us  be  washed  and  made  clean,  by  the 
Blood  of  a  glorious  Christ  applied  unto  us;  and  in  the  Methods  of  a 
repenting  Faith  be  cleansed  from  the  Sin,  which  would  not  by  Sope  and 
much  Nitre  be  cleansed  away.  Oh!  wash  us  throughly  from  our  Sin; 
Oh!   Take  away  our  filthy  Garments  from  us! 

Thus,  when  Gardening;  when  laying  in  Provisions,  etc.,  etc.,  etc. 

3.  G.  D.  My  Kindred  at  Charlestown,  do  need  some 
Advice  that  they  may  not  sin  against  God  and  one  another. 
I  must  visit  them,  and  advise  them. 

4.  G.  D.  I  have  now  litt  upon  an  hopeful  young  Man, 
who  is  willing  to  travel  into  the  southern  Colonies,  and 
labour  for  Christ  in  any  Field  that  shall  be  assign 'd,  for 
him  there.  This  is  what  I  have  much  wished  for.  Accord- 
ingly, I  accommodate  this  young  Man,  with  my  Letters 
and  Commendations  thither,  and  help  him  to  bear  the 
Expences  of  his  Journey. 

'  "5  J.  2  m.  Ezckicl  Needham,  having  been  convicted  of  being  scandalously 
overtaken  with  Drunkenness  and  of  being  accustomed  unto  a  Trade  of  excessive 
Drinking,  he  was  this  Day  laid  under  the  Admonition  of  the  Church  and  suspended 
from  the  Communion."     CoUon  Mather's  MS.  Records  Second  Church,  11. 


APRIL,     1713  199 

5.  G.  D.  I  am  writing  home  to  London  those  Things, 
that  may  be  of  great  Service,  to  our  Indian  Comissioners 
and  the  evangehcal  Affaires  among  the  Indians. 

I  am  also  of  the  Opinion,  that  if  the  Enghsh  Preachers 
to  the  Indians,  would  supply  me  with  Information  con- 
cerning any  notable  Efforts  of  Piety  among  them,  and  their 
dying  Speeches  that  may  have  in  them  something  Extraordi- 
nary, I  may  do  some  Good  therewithal.  I  would  therefore 
ask  them  for  such  Things. 

6.  G.  D.  I  can't  insert  (nor  is  it  worth  while)  all  the 
poor  Objects,  that  call  for  my  Compassions  and  Contriv- 
ances. They  grow  upon  me.  But  one  poor,  sickly,  honest 
Man,  that  is  out  of  Employment,  requires  my  more  than 
ordinary  Care  for  him. 

7.  G.  D.  Many  things  look,  as  if  I  were  under  peculiar 
Obligations  to  spend  my  Time  this  year,  as  if  (I  might  imme- 
diately Dy,  but)  very  probably  I  have  at  most  but  little 
more  than  one  Year  to  live.  My  God,  Give  me  Wisdome 
to  spend  my  Time,  exceeding  Fruitfully ! 

1.  {April  12.]  G.  D.  In  my  Conversation  with  the 
People  of  the  Church,  whereof  I  am  the  Servant,  I  would 
often  enquire  of  them,  what  Service  more  they  would  wish 
me  to  do  for  the  Church.  And  entreat  them  to  think,  and 
then  give  me  the  Result  of  their  Thoughts  upon  that  Article. 

2.  G.  D.  I  would  now  scarce  lett  a  Day  pass  me, 
without  obliging  my  Son  Increase,  to  transcribe  neatly  and 
fairly,  into  a  blank  Book,  some  instructive  Passage,  and 
mostly  such  an  one,  as  may  have  a  Tendency  to  animate  a 
Principle  of  Religion  in  him. 

3.  G.  D.  My  Kinsmen,  that  are  prentices,  must  have 
my  frequent  Counsils  and  Charges,  to  shun  the  evil  Doings 
by  which  young  Men  undo  themselves,  and  to  serve  their 
Masters  with  all  possible  Fidelity. 

4.  G.  D.  I  have  thoughts  of  reviving  my  Purpose,  of 
pubhshing  my  Discourse,   about  Evil  Customes;    with  a 


200         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

Collection  and  Catalogue  of  the  Evil  Customes,  with  which 
the  Countrey  is  threatned,  and  a  Proposal  of  Methods  to 
prevent  them.^ 

5.  G.  D.  A  religious  Society  of  Young  Men,  at  Milton, 
having  desired  me  to  accompany  with  a  Preface,  a  Sermon 
of  their  Pastors  to  them,  which  they  are  publishing,  it  gives 
me  an  opportunity,  to  address  them,  and  other  such  Soci- 
eties, on  points  of  the  greatest  Importance  in  the  World. 

15  d./i6  d.  2  m.  [April.]  Wednesday  /Thursday.  I  ad- 
dressed Heaven  this  Night,  in  the  way  of  a  Vigil,  and  I 
carried  several  Petitions  unto  the  Lord ! 

Among  the  rest,  I  especially  insisted  on  this;  that  my 
Book  of.  Things  to  be  more  thought  upon,  may  prove  exceed- 
ing serviceable  to  the  Kingdome  of  God ;  and  that  particu- 
larly, the  Maxims  of  the  Kingdome  therein  exhibited  may 
be  much  considered  and  entertained  in  the  World.  I  also 
entreated  of  the  Lord,  that  I  might  understand  the  Meaning 
of  the  Descent  from  the  Invisible  World,  which  nineteen 
years  ago  produced  in  a  Sermon  from  me,  a  good  part  of 
what  is  now  published.  And  I  bewailed  before  the  Holy 
One,  all  my  Impieties  and  Impurities;  particularly  under 
this  Aggravation  of  them,  the  Grief  I  have  thereby  given 
to  His  Holy  Angels.  My  Psalm-book  then  being  opened, 
it  fell  at  Psal.  xci.  end,-  which  I  now  sang  unto  the  Lord. 

lb  d.  2  m.  Thursday.  This  Day  was  kept  as  a  general 
Fast  thro'  the  Province.^  I  Enjoy'd  much  Assistence  from 
Heaven,  in  the  Duties  of  it.  I  made  it,  (as  I  use  to  do)  a 
Day  for  Alms,  as  well  as  for  Prayers. 

6.  G.  D.  There  are  some  aged  Widowes  of  the  Church, 
poor  and  in  languishing  Circumstances,  whose  Condition 
calls  me,  to  do  what  I  can  for  them. 

'  See  pp.  122,  128,  supra. 

'  "With  long  life  will  I  satisfy  him,  and  shew  him  my  salvation." 
•The  proclamation,  issued  "with  particular  reference  to  the  important  nego- 
tiations on  foot  for  the  establishment  of  a  lasting  and  happy  peace,"  is  printed  in 
the  Boston  News-Letier,  March  30,  1713. 


APRIL,      1713  201 

7.  G.  D.  As  whatever  Trouble  befalls  me  in  general, 
I  would  presently  fetch  and  form  out  of  it,  a  poenitent 
Confession  of  some  Sin,  which  the  Trouble  may  lead  me  to 
take  notice  of;  so  if  I  particularly  suffer  any  troublesome 
Circumstance  in  my  Health,  I  would  be  led  thereby,  pres- 
ently to  think  on  some  analogous  Distemper  in  my  Soul, 
or  Miscarriage  in  my  Life,  which  I  should  make  an  Article 
of  Repentance  before  the  Lord. 

1.  [April  19].  G.  D.  In  my  Catechising,  I  would  not 
only  upon  each  of  the  Questions,  putt  the  Children  in  Mind 
of  a  Prayer  which  they  should  make  unto  God.  But  I 
would  also  in  the  Conclusion  of  the  Exercise,  in  a  catechet- 
ical Way  single  out  great  Points  of  practical  Piety,  and  go 
thro'  the  same  with  such  of  the  Children  as  I  may  single 
out,  and  require  a  great  Attention  from  all  the  rest.  Such 
as,  the  Improvement  of  the  Baptismal  Covenant.  The 
way  of  entring  into  Covenant  with  God.  The  Nature  of 
a  true  Conversion.  A  thorough  Preparation  for  Death. 
And  the  like. 

I  would  also  consider  the  peculiar  Vices  of  the  Children, 
and  employ  my  Warnings  and  Charges  agreeably  upon 
them. 

2.  G.  D.  I  will  have  the  Maxims  of  the  Kingdome  of 
God  readd  over  in  my  Family,  and  having  explained  them 
and  propounded  them  unto  my  Family,  I  will  invite  them 
all  to  declare  their  Consent  unto  them ;  that  so  my  Chil- 
dren may  all  be  the  Subjects  of  the  Holy  King,  and  enjoy 
His  pecuhar  Protection  in  the  evil  Day. 

3.  G.  D.  Taking  my  Leave  of  the  Govemour  of  Con- 
necticut who  is  my  Kinsman,  (returning  to  his  Government, 
after  His  having  here  lately  married  one,i  who  is  also  my 
Kinswoman,)  I  come  into  an  Agreement  with  him,  for 
Communications  from  time  to  time,  about  such  Things  as 

*  Gurdon  Saltonstall,  who  married  for  his  third  wife  Mary  Clark.  He  left 
Boston  April  21.     Sewall,  Diary,  n.  376,  377. 


202         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

may  be  for  the  Kingdome  of    God,  and  for  the  common 
Good. 

4.  G.  D.  I  am  entertaining  a  Projection  of  more  than 
ordinary  Consequence,  for  the  Formation  of  that  People, 
who  are  quickly  to  become  a  great  Mountain,  and  fill  the 
whole  Earth.  Tis,  to  propose  the,  Maxims  of  the  Kingdome 
of  God,  and  that  Societies  be  formed  upon  those  Maxims, 
uniting  in  them,  and  promoting  of  them,  and  studying  of 
Methods  to  draw  ISIankind  into  their  Association. 

5.  G.  D.  I  must  use  a  more  particular  Care  about 
supplying  the  religious  Societies  with  proper  Materials,  to 
be  read  among  them,  in  their  Exercises.  Look  out  suitable 
Books  for  them! 

6.  G.  D.  A  miserable  Child,  this  week  undergoing  the 
grievous  Operation  of  Lithotomy,  my  Compassions  must  be 
many  wayes  Expressed  on  this  Occasion.  Particularly,  in 
enabling  the  Parents  to  undergo  the  Expence  of  it. 

7.  G.  D.  One  of  my  Studies,  has  been  to  have  suitable 
Thoughts,  Wishes  and  Prayers  excited  in  my  Mind,  on  all 
such  recurring  Occasions  as  my  Life  is  filled  withal. 

I  find,  that  among  these  Occasions,  there  often  occurs 
one,  which  I  have  not  hitherto  taken  a  due  Notice  of.  I 
am  often  putt  upon  Mctiding  of  my  Pen.  I  would  make 
this  Action,  an  Occasion  of  my  sending  up  to  Heaven  some 
Desire  of  this  Importance,  Lord,  Mend  me,  and  fitt  me  for 
thy  Service. 

2^.  d.  2.  m.  Satureday.  This  Day  I  sett  apart  for  Prayer 
with  Fasting  in  the  Religion  of  the  Closett.  My  Spirit 
imderwent  considerable  Anguish  in  Reflecting  on  and  Con- 
fessing of,  my  horrible  Sinfulness  before  the  Lord.  But 
for  my  Pardon,  I  made  my  Flight  unto  my  Saviour;  not 
without  Hopes  of  obtaining  it.  I  also  besought  of  the 
Lord,  that  I  might  be  indeed  Blessed  of  Him  in  many  In- 
stances, and  I  again  left  in  His  wise,  and  gracious  and 
faithful  Hands,  the  critical  Afifair  of  our  new  Church,  which 


APRIL,     1713  203 

has  been  for  some  Time  carrying  on.  I  likewise  called  my 
Son  Increase  unto  me,  and  had  his  Promise,  that  he  would 
no  longer  persist  in  a  prayerless  Life,  and  I  pray'd  with  the 
Child,  and  cried  unto  the  Lord,  that  He  would  give  unto 
my  Son  a  Perfect  Heart:  entreating  therewithal  for  Direc- 
tion about  the  Disposal  of  him,  the  Determination  whereof 
now  drawes  near  unto  us. 

I.  [April  26.]  G.  D.  Perhaps,  by  preaching  on,  the 
Vain  Thoughts,  which  are  hated  by  the  Soul  of  a  Godly 
Man,  the  Flock  may  [be]  exceedingly  edified.  I  would 
look  up  to  Heaven  for  Assistence,  and  proceed  upon  the 
subject. 

26  d.  2  m.  Lord's-Day.  My  first  Action,  at  the  Table 
of  the  Lord  this  Day,  was  to  consider  the  Pardon  purchased 
for  me,  by  the  Punishment  of  my  Sin  laid  on  my  Saviour, 
and  profered  to  me  by  the  Sovereign  and  marvellous  Grace 
of  God,  tho'  my  Sins  have  been  such,  and  so  aggravated, 
as  I  know  no  Man's  in  the  World  beside  me.  To  receive, 
and  embrace,  and  beleeve  this  Pardon  ;  and  then  to  study, 
and  resolve,  the  Methods  of  glorifying  the  God  who  has 
pardoned  me ;  particularly,  in  the  Hatred  of  all  that  I 
judge  to  be  a  Sin :  And  in  my  rejecting  alwayes  every 
Thought  that  has  a  Tendency  towards  my  Sin,  with  as 
direct  a  Contradiction  to  it,  as  is  possible :  and  in  my 
Endeavours  to  excell  in  the  Piety  and  Purity,  that  shall 
be  most  contrary  to  my  own  Iniquity :  And, 

My  second  Action,  was,  to  behold  the  Blood  of  a  Sacri- 
ficed Jesus ;  and  rely  on  that  great  Sacrifice  for  all  the 
Blessings  of  Goodness,  and  Reconciliation  with  God.  And 
then,  to  make  an  eucharistical  Sacrifice,  and  as  a  Thank- 
offering,  to  present  unto  the  Lord,  myself,  and  my  All : 
First,  that  my  All,  may  be  actively  employ'd  in  the  Service 
and  for  the  Kingdome  of  the  glorious  Lord.  Then,  that 
I  may  readily  part  with  all  my  Enjoyments  (which  I  now 
particularly  thought  upon,)  if  the  Lord  please  to  call  for 


204         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

them;  and  that  my  Will  may  suffer  Death,  and  be 
extinguished,  and  that  the  Will  of  God,  may  be  my 
perpetual  Satisfaction. 

2.  G,  D.  Being  determined  at  length,  to  have  my  Son 
Increase  applied  unto  saecular  Business,  I  must  be  much 
in  cries  to  Heaven  for  Direction  thereabout ;  and  I  must 
now  come  to  alter  diverse  Points  of  his  Education,  espe- 
cially to  have  his  Writing  and  Cyphring  perfected  ;  wherein 
I  shall  need  also  to  be  directed  of  God. 

3.  G.  D.  My  aged  Mother  growes  very  infirm  and 
feeble.  I  must  study  all  the  Wayes  I  can  to  suit  her  Con- 
dition with  my  best  Assistences. 

4.  G.  D.  I  may  do  good,  by  advising  our  Booksellers, 
what  Books,  they  should  send  to  London  for;  that  from 
their  Shops,  there  may  go  forth  into  the  Countrey,  such 
things  as  may  best  serve  the  Interests  of  Truth  and  Piety. 

5.  G.  D.  I  would  take  my  Opportunities,  mightily  to 
insinuate  into  the  Tutors  at  the  Colledge,  and  inculcate 
upon  them,  how  much  it  concerns  them,  to  instill  good 
Principles  into  their  Pupils,  and  be  concerned  for  their 
orthodox  and  religious,  as  well  as  learned  Education. 

6.  G.  D.  A  poor  Youth  in  my  Neighbourhood,  has  the 
King's-Evil  upon  him,  and  languishing  under  this  Malady, 
a  lingring  and  a  grievous  Death,  is  likely  to  be  his  Portion. 
I  would  visit  him,  and  instruct  him,  and  pray  with  him  and 
for  him,  and  see  that  no  needful  Releefs  be  wanting  to  him. 

7.  G.  D.  I  take  notice  of  an  Error,  I  too  easily  fall 
into ;  the  foolish,  uncivil,  and  ungrateful  Carriage,  in  the 
People  of  the  Town,  and  my  own  Vicinity  towards  me,  I 
am  too  ready  to  express  my  Resentment  of  it;  and  my 
Opinion  of  them  as  being  an  ill-spirited  People.  There 
would  be  more  Wisdome  and  Virtue  in  it,  if  I  less  follow'd 
the  Dictates  of  the  Splean  in  this  Matter ;  but  \vith  Silence 
and  Patience  kept  rejoicing  in  every  ill  Usage  that  augments 
my  Conformity  to  my  admirable  Saviour. 


M  A  Y  ,     I  7  I  3  205 

1.  [May  2,-]  G.  D.  For  the  Restraining  of  Profaneness 
in  a  considerable  Number  of  unruly  Children  on  the  Lord's- 
day  in  our  Congregation,  I  have  litt  on  a  Person,  to  look 
after  them,  whom  I  accordingly  employ  and  reward  for 
that  Service. 

2.  G.  D.  It  is  time  for  me  to  resume  certain  Points 
of  polite  and  pious  Education  in  my  Daughters,  which  of 
late  have  somewhat  languished ;  especially  as  to  their  Use 
of  their  Pens. 

3.  G.  D.  Cloathe  one  of  my  Nephews,  who  is  an 
Orphan. 

4.  G.  D.  I  have  Thoughts  of  writing  a  Letter,  as  well 
and  as  soon  as  I  can,  unto  the  famous  Arian,^  who  is  now 
making  a  violent  and  various  Attempt  on  the  Faith  of 
Christianity;  which  Letter,  may  be  of  some  further  use 
unto  the  Church  of  God. 

5.  G.  D.  I  have  considered  the  marvellous  Accom- 
plishments and  Performances,  of  Mr.  Wm.  Jameson,'^  the 
professor  of  History,  in  the  University  of  Glasgow;  who 
tho'  he  has  been  totally  Blind  from  the  Cradle,  has  published 
admirable  Composures  to  serve  the  Cause  of  Truth  in  the 
World.  I  am  writing  unto  this  Gentleman,  to  take  the 
learned  Arian  into  his  hands,  and  particularly  undertake 
the  Detection  and  Confusion  of  that  Imposture,  the  Apos- 
tolical Constitutions,^  which  he  would  have  to  be  what  their 
Title  pretends  unto.  For  the  Philistines  to  have  their 
Temple  pull'd  down  about  their  Ears,  by  the  Hand  of  such 
a  Sampson,  will  render  the  Victories  of  Truth  still  the  more 
Triumphant  and  Illustrious. 

6.  G.  D.  A  Gentleman  complains  to  me,  of  his  Daugh- 
ter taking  to  very  wicked  Courses.  I  must  in  the  wayes 
of  Prudence  and  of  Goodness  endeavour  the  reclaiming 
of  her. 

*  William  Whiston. 

*  See  Dictionary  of  National  Biography,  xxrx.  235. 

*  The  title  of  one  of  Whiston's  volumes,  printed  in  1711. 


2o6         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

7.  G.  D.  Upon  reading  some  Funeral- sermons  on  some 
excellent  persons  lately  dead,  with  some  Accounts  of  their 
Lives,'  I  find  the  Dispositions  to  do  good,  in  a  way  of  Lib- 
erality, and  to  watch  all  Opportunities  of  exciting  others  in 
like  Manner  to  do  good,  and  provide  a  faithful  Account  of 
our  Stewardship,  exceedingly  inflamed  and  increased  in  me. 
My  glorious  Lord,  give  me  yett  more  of  thy  Direction  and 
Assistence !  ^ 

1.  [May  10.]  G.  D.  The  critical  Affair  of  a  new 
Meeting-house  carrying  on  among  us,  calls  yett  for  much 
Prayer,  and  Prudence,  and  Patience  in  my  Conduct;  that 
so  the  Devices  of  Satan  may  be  disappointed. 

2.  G.  D.  I  think,  I  must  now  no  longer  delay,  my 
Choice  of  Patrons,  for  the  children  whom  I  may  shortly 
leave  as  Orphans ;  but  prepare  the  Letters,  to  be  after  my 
Decease  delivered  unto  them. 

3.  G.  D.  To  my  Kindred  of  West-Hampshire,  I  am 
sending  things,  that  may  enhghten  them,  and  edify  them, 
and  comfort  some  of  them  under  some  grievous  Articles 
of  Adversity. 

4.  G.  D,  It  is  desired  by  some  Gentlemen  at  Marble- 
head  that  I  would  make  a  Visit  unto  that  Place  and  preach 
unto  the  People  there ;  especially  unto  the  poor  Fishermen. 
I  will  seek  the  Direction  of  Heaven  about  this  Proposal; 
and  if  it  be  found  likely  to  do  much  Good,  I  will  endeavour 
further  to  prosecute  it. 

5.  G.  D.  I  would  renew  my  Sollicitations  in  the  Society 
for  the  Suppression  of  Disorders,  that  some  good  Men  may 
take  their  Walks  among  the  Children,  in  the  Time  and 
Place  of  their  Playes,  and  observe  the  wicked  Language 

'  Probably  Thomas  Reynolds'  Practical  Religion  cxemplify'd  in  the  Lives  of 
Mrs.  Clissold,  and  Mrs.  Mary  Terry:  u-ilh  their  funeral  Sermons  and  Passages 
from  the  Diary  of  the  former.  It  was  printed  in  Boston  this  year  by  John  Allen, 
and  was  recommended  by  Increase  Mather. 

'On  May  5  Mather  made  "an  excellent  Dedication-Prayer  in  the  New 
Court-Chamber."    Sewall,  Diary,  11.  381. 


MAY,     I  7  I  3  207 

heard  among  them,  and  employ  the  best  Methods  to  nip 
the  Impiety  of  their  Language  in  the  Bud.  As  also  to 
walk  in  School-time,  and  observe  what  Children  are  at 
play,  and  see  that  they  be  sent  unto  some  School  or  other. 

6.  G.  D,  I  have  a  little  Money  in  my  Hands  to  be  dis- 
persed unto  the  poor.     I  must  again  remember  Cambridge. 

7.  G.  D.  I  know  not,  but  such  may  be  my  Barrenness 
and  Senselessness,  that  in  a  little  Time,  I  may  grow  to  be 
at  a  Loss,  what  further  Answer  to  give  unto  the  Question 
of  the  Morning,  or  what  further  Service  I  have  to  do  for 
the  Kingdome  of  God  abroad  or  within.  If  it  should  be  so, 
I  will  then  spend  some  Time,  in  mourning  over  my  barren 
and  senseless  Mind,  and  crying  unto  Heaven  that  I  may 
be  more  enlightened.  But  I  will  then  in  the  following  Day, 
be  often  pressing  after  further  Thoughts  upon  the  Ques- 
tion, and  make  no  doubt,  that  before  Night,  I  may  light 
upon  something  worthy  to  be  prosecuted. 

1.  [May  17.]  G.  D.  Insisting  on  the  evil  Thoughts, 
that  should  be  hateful  to  us,  I  rank  them  under  three  Heads  : 
base  Thoughts,  and  false  Thoughts,  and  vain  Thoughts. 
Under  false  Thoughts,  it  will  be  a  part  of  seasonable  Fidelity 
unto  my  Flock,  to  warn  them  in  a  very  particular  Manner, 
against  three  Systems  of  Error,  which  they  may  be  in  danger 
of ;  the  false  Thoughts  of  Popery,  and  of  Quakerism,  and  of 
Arminianism. 

2.  G.  D.  Such  of  my  Children  as  are  able  to  write, 
I  would  oblige  to  entertain  with  a  written  Answer  of  their 
own,  to  these  two  Questions. 

Q.  I.  What  is  it,  that  I  am  to  make  the  principal  End 
and  Care  of  my  Life  ? 

Q.  2.  What  are  the  great  and  chief  Things  that  I  should 
address  my  Saviour  to  do  for  me  ? 

3.  G.  D.  I  must,  by  the  Means  of  my  Kinsman  at 
Say-brook,  find  out  all  that  are  akin  to  me  in  the  Colony 
of  Connecticut,  and  lodge  Books  of  Piety  in  the  hands  of 


2o8         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

them  all.    For,  I  suspect,  there  are  some,  whom  I  have  not 
yett  come  at. 

4.  G.  D.  My  Book  of,  A  confirmed  Christian,  has  been 
destroy'd  by  the  Avarice  and  Perfidy  of  the  Men  in  whose 
hands  the  Copy  was  fallen.  But  a  strange  Providence  has 
ordered  it,  that  a  Scholar  would  needs  transcribe  it  in  Short- 
hand, before  I  sent  it  away.  He  has  now  written  it  out  in 
Long-hand  from  his  Copy ;  and  I  incline  to  review  and  cor- 
rect what  he  has  done,  and  again  fitt  it  for  the  Press,  and 
render  it  more  agreeable  than  it  was  before,  and  make  fresh 
Attempts  for  the  Publication  of  it.     Direct  me,  0  my  God ! 

5.  G.  D.  There  are  some  Physicians  in  this  Countrey, 
whom  I  would  soUicit,  to  obtain  for  me,  as  much  as  may 
be,  of  the  Knowledge  of  the  Botanicks  of  the  Countrey; 
as  also,  of  rare  cures  or  cases  occurring  to  them. 

6.  G.  D.  There  is  an  aged  Woman  in  my  Neighbour- 
hood, poor,  and  lame,  and  sick,  and  in  miserable  Circum- 
stances. I  must  not  only  myself  releeve  her,  but  also 
summon  together  her  several  Relatives,  that  they  agree  to 
have  her  well-provided  for. 

7.  G.  D.  I  would  make  it  my  Endeavour,  with  as 
much  Ingenuity  as  ever  I  can,  that  whatever  my  Neighbours 
entertain  me  withal,  whether  an  Eatable  or  a  Drinkable,  it 
may  afiford  me  some  Instruction  of  Piety,  by  way  of  occa- 
sional Reflection  raised  from  it.  And  this  Instruction  I 
would  Communicate  unto  them,  which  if  it  prove  profitable 
to  them,  will  also  be  some  Retribution  for  their  Civility. 

(III.)  We  had  promised  unto  our  glorious  Lord  (I  and 
my  Friend,)  that  if  He  would  look  upon  our  Enemy,  and 
bring  a  Change  of  Mind  upon  the  Wretch,  it  should  en- 
courage us,  to  go  on  with  special  Services  for  His  Kingdome ; 
and  particularly,  a  Testimony  against  evil  Customes.  But 
it  has  been  one  of  my  Customes,  to  anticipate  the  Per- 
formance of  my  Voice,  and  to  do  before  my  Prayers  are 
accomplished,   the    Things  which  I  intended    after  their 


MAY,     I  7  I  3  209 

Accomplishment.  There  is  an  evangehcal  Ingenuity  in 
such  a  Method  of  proceeding.  Accordingly  with  the  Assist- 
ence  of  my  Friend ;  in  hopes  to  do  some  remarkable  Good, 
and  sett  good  Men  all  about  the  Countrey  on  thinking  how 
to  prevent  Evil,  and  with  a  design  particularly  to  present 
one  of  the  Books,  unto  each  of  the  Representatives  in  the 
General  Assembly,  I  sent  unto  the  Press  about  this  Time, 
a  composure  entituled;  Advice  from  the  Watchtower; 
In  a  Testimony  against  Evil  Customes,  A  brief  Essay,  to 
declare  the  Danger  and  Mischief  of  all  EVIL  CUSTOMES, 
in  general;  And  ofer  a  more  particular  Catalogue  of  Evil 
Customes  growing  upon  us.  With  certain  METHODS,  for 
the  prevention  and  suppression  of  them.^ 

23  d.  3  m.  [May.]  Satureday.  This  Day  I  sett  apart  for 
Prayer  with  Fasting  before  the  Lord,  on  such  Occasions,  as 
use  thus  to  employ  me.  It  was  a  Day  not  altogether  uncom- 
fortable. I  enjoy'd  some  Communion  with  Heaven  in  it. 
Some  heavy  Mischiefs  impending  over  the  Town,  called 
for  my  special  and  solemn  Supplications. 

I.  [May  24.]  G.  D.  Some  in  the  Flock  having  lately 
mett  with  great  Losses,  I  would  endeavour  that  they  may 
glorify  God  with  a  most  sacrificing  Resignation,  and  in  such 
a  contented  and  sanctified  Mind,  enjoy  something  better 
than  all  that  they  have  lost.  Some  that  go  abroad  into 
other  Places,  I  would  fortify  with  Admonitions,  even  with 
written  ones,  against  the  Temptations  of  the  Places  to 
which  their  Travels  carry  them. 

24  d.  3  m.  Lord's-Day.  At  the  Table  of  the  Lord,  my  main 
Intention  was,  to  make  sure  of  having  the  Gates  of  the  Heav- 
enly World  sett  open  for  me,  and  finding  an  open  Entrance 
at  the  strait  Gates,  when  I  leave  the  World.  My  Endeavour 
was  therefore  to  express,  and  obtain  the  Grace,  which  dis- 
tinguishes the  righteous  Nation  which  keeps  the  Truths. 

But  in  the  Prosecution  hereof,  I  had  my  Mind  exceed- 

*  Printed  by  J.  Allen,  for  N.  Boone,  1713. 
II  •  14 


210         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

ingly  comforted,  at  my  coming  to  two  or  three  Points  of 
Piety.  First,  I  sett  open  the  Doors  of  my  Soul  unto  my 
Saviour.  So  I  concluded,  He  would  open  the  Gates  of 
His  Holy  City  to  my  Soul. 

Secondly.  I  saw  myself  devoted  unto  the  Service  of 
my  Saviour,  and  delighted  in  it,  and  resolved  on  it.  I  con- 
cluded now,  that  He  would  not  shutt  the  Gates  of  His 
Holy  City,  on  a  poor  Servant,  that  loved  alwayes  to  be  at 
Work  for  Him.  Thirdly,  I  found  myself  determined  for 
the  narrow  Way,  which  leads  to  the  Gates  of  Life.  Thence 
I  concluded,  that  I  should  not  find  the  Gates  at  the  End 
of  the  way  barr'd  upon  me. 

2.  G.  D.  I  must  revive  this  Point  of  domestic  Piety, 
and  improve  in  it,  that  whenever  my  Consort  comes  to  me 
in  my  study,  or  I  go  to  her  in  my  Lodging,  I  speak  to  her 
something  or  other,  that  may  be  Instructive ;  something 
whereby  she  may  grow  in  knowledge  or  in  Goodness. 

3.  G.  D.  I  have  a  Kinswoman  at  Dorchester,  of  whom 
I  may  do  well,  to  take  more  notice;  and  convey  suitable 
Books  of  Piety  unto  her. 

4.  G.  D.  The  Ministers  of  the  Province  now  coming 
together,  at  their  anniversary  Convention,^  I  would  promote 
the  Consideration  of  this  Case  among  them.  What  are  those 
Points  of  a  good  and  wise  Conduct,  which  the  Pastors  of  our 
Churches  may,  from  the  Circumstances  of  the  Day,  appre- 
hend themselves  more  peculiarly  caWd  unto? 

5.  G.  D.  I  propose  to  write  as  moving  a  Letter  as  I 
can,  unto  the  Governour  of  N.  York;  that  the  Instruction 
of  the  Indians  on  Long-Islatui,  in  Christianity,  may  be 
countenanced  and  encouraged  by  him. 

28.  d.  3.  m.  Thursday.  This  Day  I  enjoy'd  a  precious 
Presence  of  the  Lord  with  me  in  my  Discourse  unto  the 
Ministers,  on  the  Case  which  I  had  prepared  for  them ;  and 
in  my  Prayers  among  them. 

*  See  note  in  Sewall,  Diary,  11.  386. 


JUNE,     1713  211 

6.  G.  D.  There  is  a  poor,  distracted  man  in  my  Neigh- 
bourhood, for  whom  and  for  whose  Family,  I  must  contrive 
to  do  what  Kindness  I  can. 

7.  G.  D.  When  in  passing  the  Streets,  or  elsewhere,  I 
am  so  unhappy  as  to  hear  any  wicked  Language  used,  I 
would  not  only  lift  up  a  Prayer  to  Heaven,  for  the  Pardon 
of  the  Evil-speaker,  but  also  make  it  a  Provocation,  and 
Invitation  unto  me,  to  form  some  agreeable  Acknowledg- 
ment of  the  Great  God,  in  my  Mind,  with  which  I  will 
address  the  Glorious  one  immediately. 

1.  [May  ji.]  G.  D.  I  must  sett  apart  more  than  ordi- 
nary Time,  to  pour  out  my  Supplications  before  the  Lord, 
for  a  good  Issue  to  that  critical  Affair  of  the  People  swarm- 
ing into  a  new  Meeting-house ;  and  that  I  may  have  the 
Direction  of  Heaven  for  a  wise  and  good  Conduct  in  it. 
And  I  must  use  particular  Methods  to  preserve  a  good 
Understanding  with  some  Gentlemen,  that  are  Violently 
sett  on  prosecuting  that  Undertaking.  Some  other  Bones 
of  Contention  in  the  Neighbourhood,  I  must  also  endeavour 
to  remove  as  well  as  I  can. 

2.  G.  D.  I  would  putt  my  Children  upon  chusing  their 
several  Wayes  of  Usefulness,  and  enkindle  in  them  as  far 
as  I  can,  a  mighty  Desire  of  being  useful  in  the  World ; 
and  assist  them  unto  the  uttermost. 

3.  G.  D.  I  have  a  Kinsman  at  Windsor,  who  is  an 
ingenious  Man,  a  gracious  Christian,  and  an  excellent 
Physician.  I  would  many  Wayes  employ  him  to  serve  the 
Interests  of  Piety.  I  would  also  communicate  unto  him 
Curiosities  in  Medicine,  as  I  happen  to  meet  with  them. 

4.  G.  D.  My,  Testimony  against  Evil  Customes,  I 
would  procure  to  be  sent  into  all  Parts  of  the  countrey. 

I  have  now  also  a  further  opportunity  to  do  Good.  I 
take  my  Week,  in  going  every  morning  to  the  Governour 
and  Council,  at  the  Council-chamber,  for  daily  prayers. 
I  would  exceedingly  fill  my  Prayers ;  with  the  most  suitable 


212         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

and  impressive  Passages ;  and  such  as  may  quicken  and 
assist  the  Government,  unto  the  doing  of  abundance  of 
Good. 

5.  G.  D.  I  have  some  Thoughts  of  Writing  to  the 
B[isho]p  of  Salisbury,^  a  Remonstrance  against  the  Missions 
that  are  sent  over  by  the  Society,  to  hurt  the  Churches  in 
this  Countrey. 

6.  G.  D.  Some  contentious  Neighbours,  I  must  give 
my  best  Assistences,  towards  the  ReconciUng  of  them. 

7.  G.  D.  I  am  obhged  unto  the  Writing  of  many 
Letters.  My  Correspondencies  are  many,  and  some  of  them 
with  the  politer  sort  of  Persons.  As  I  would  in  all  my 
Letters  endeavour  to  lett  fall  something,  that  may  be  ser- 
viceable unto  those  whom  I  write  unto,  so  that  what  I 
write  may  be  the  more  acceptable  and  serviceable,  I  would 
have  my  Letters  ever  sprinkled  with  some  taking  Flowres 
on  them :  To  this  purpose,  I  would  read,  with  Attention 
the  Epistles  of  learned  Men,  and  in  a  blank  Book,  I  would 
insert  from  thence,  those  Passages,  and  Flourishes  and 
Witticisms,  which  may  be  a  continual  Store  for  my  ready 
Supply  on  all  Occasions. 

1.  [Jiote  7.]  G.  D.  I  am  reading  over  the.  Pastor  alls 
Cur  a,  of  Gregory  M."-  In  hopes  to  find  there  some  Hints, 
for  the  good  Conduct,  with  which  I  desire  to  serve  my 
Flock. 

I  am  using  a  particular  Method  of  Mediation,  that  my 
Father  may  be  reconciled  unto  that  Part  of  the  Flock,  which 
are  swarming  into  a  new  Church ;  and  have  dissatisfied 
him  about  the  Place  of  their  Building. 

2.  G.  D.  My  poor  Son  Increase!  Oh!  the  Distress  of 
Mind,  with  which  I  must  lett  fall  my  daily  Admonitions 
upon  him,  even  with  a  continual  Dropping,  especially  on 

1  Gilbert  Burnet. 
«       *  He  may  refer  to   the  De  Cura  Saccrdoldi,  of  Gregory  I.  surnamed   "  the 
Great." 


JUNE,    I  7  I  3  213 

those  two  Points ;  Conversion  to  God,  with  a  sincere  Com- 
pHance  with  His  Covenant!  And,  the  Care  of  spending 
Time  so  as  to  give  a  good  Account  of  it.  I  would  also  have 
read  over  in  the  hearing  of  my  Children  in  the  Family,  a 
brief  Discourse  about  coming  into  the  Covenant  of  God,  and 
then  bespeak  their  Consent  unto  it. 

3.  G.  D.  Make  certain  Presents  for  the  Releef  and 
Comfort  of  an  aged  Relative. 

4.  G.  D.  I  am  now  upon  a  pecuhar  Projection,  to 
form  Societies  in  the  World,  upon  the  Design  of  Entertain- 
ing and  Propagating  the,  Maxims  of  the  Kingdome  of  God. 
Who  can  tell,  what  may  be  the  Issue  of  it?-  or  how  great  a 
Matter  a  little  Fire  may  Kindle?  Glorious  Lord,  I  resign 
all  to  thy  Direction. 

iod.4m.  [Jtme.]  Wednesday.  This  Day  I  preach'd  to,  and 
pray'd  with,  the  Brethren,  who  are  building  a  new  Edifice, 
in  order  to  their  Swarming  into  a  new  Church  among  us. 
I  enjoy'd  such  an  Assistence  from  above,  that  my  courteous 
and  candid  way  of  treating  them,  had  a  great  Impression  on 
the  Brethren,  and  they  not  only  sent  Thanks  to  me  for  my 
poor  Sermon,  but  also  (tho'  I  were  hardly  six  minutes  pre- 
paring it,)  they  desired  a  copy  of  it  for  publication. ^ 

5.  G.  D.  It  has  been  a  time  of  great  Scarcity  for  com 
with  some  Towns  in  the  Countrey,  especially  in  Plymouth, 
Colony;  where  some  Families  have  not  seen  a  bitt  of  Bread 
for  many  Weeks  together.  I  would  propose  it,  in  some 
Societies  of  good  Men,  whereto  I  am  related,  whether  we 
may  not  procure  a  good  Quantity  of  Corn,  to  be  sent  for  a 
charitable  Distribution  among  those  distressed  Families.^ 

6.  G.  D.    There  are  some  very  poor  Children  in^  the 

'  But  it  does  not  appear  to  have  been  printed. 

'  Sewall,  Diary,  11.  384,  mentions  a  "bread  riot"  at  Boston,  May  20,  1713. 
Only  the  night  before  the  members  of  the  Council,  Justices  of  the  Peace  and  select- 
men of  Boston  agreed  to  "walke  in  their  Turns  by  Night  to  Inspect  and  prevent 
disorders  in  the  Towne"  after  June  i ;  and  on  June  2  the  selectmen  fixed  the  assize 
of  bread  at  seven  shillings  and  six  pence.  Boston  Record  Commissioners,  xi.  185. 


214         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

Neighbourhood  which  our  over-stockt  Charity-Schole  will 
not  well  entertain ;  I  would  myself  pay  for  their  Schooling. 
7.  G.  D.  When  any  Persons,  and  much  more,  when 
any  Orders  of  Persons,  fall  into  Errors  and  Evils,  and  great 
miscarriages,  I  must  keep  a  Guard  of  Meekness  and  Wis- 
dome,  on  the  Expressions  of  my  Zeal  on  such  Occasions; 
violent,  boisterous,  intemperate  Expressions  on  such  Occa- 
sions will  not  work  the  Righteousness  of  God.  I  am  afraid 
lest  I  am  sometimes  too  vehement. 

1.  [June  14.]  G.  D.  The  Lord  is  very  gracious  unto 
me,  in  helping  me,  to  treat  our  swarming  Brethren,  in  a 
suitable  and  obliging  Manner;  the  best  Thing  I  can  do, 
to  prevent  the  Wiles  of  Satan,  and  procure  the  Smiles  of 
Heaven,  is  to  hold  on  this  Conduct ;  for  which  therefore  I 
must  continually  look  up  unto  God. 

2.  G.  D.  I  would  have  a  strict  Enquiry  instituted 
among  my  Children,  and  each  one  of  themselves  to  prose- 
cute the  Enquiry,  By  what  evil  Custome  any  of  them,  in  any 
Point  may  have  their  welfare  incommoded  or  endangered? 

3.  G.  D.  I  have  a  Kinsman,  who  is  a  Member  of  the 
General  Assembly,  I  would  make  use  of  him,  as  an  Instru- 
ment of  Good,  as  well  there,  as  at  home. 

4.  G.  D.  It  will  be  a  Testimony  for  God,  and  for  Truth, 
and  it  will  be  for  the  service  and  Honour  of  the  Countrey, 
if  I  bear  the  Testimony,  to  take  my  late  Lecture  on  Fidelity, 
and  in  the  way  of  the  Press  publish  it  and  scatter  it. 

(IV.)  Accordingly,  I  give  the  Sermon  to  the  Bookseller ; 
entituled,  A  Man  of  his  Word.  A  very  brief  Essay  on 
Fidelity  in  keeping  of  Promises  atid  Engagements;  Declaring 
How  and  Why  a  Good  Man  will  be  as  Good  as  His  Word. 
With  a  Touch  upon  some  weighty  Cases  relating  to  it.  Uttered 
at  Boston-Lecture,  iid.  4  m.  1713.  And  now  published, 
that  it  may  be  employed  among  otlter  Instrufnents,  to  keep 
Truth  alive  in  the  Land.^ 

•  Printed  by  John  Allen  for  N.  Boone,  1713. 


JUNE,    I  7  I  3  215 

5.  G.  D.  I  have  several  Services  in  View,  for  the 
Indians  at  Punkapoag,  which  I  would  prosecute  at  my 
next  Interview  with  the  Commissioners. 

6.  G.  D.  Just  as  I  was  going  to  look  out  and  write 
down  an  object  for  Compassion,  a  Woman  of  Windsor 
comes  to  me,  with  Extreme  Distress,  for  a  httle  Money, 
to  redeem  her  son  out  of  miserable  Circumstances;  with 
which  accordingly  I  accommodate  her. 

7.  G.  D.     Rise  earlier! 

Last  Night,  in  a  wicked  Book,  I  readd  a  fling  at  Clergy- 
men, as  a  revengeful  Generation  of  men,  who  never  forgive 
such  as  have  offended  them.  I  do  not  remember,  for  my 
own  part,  that  ever  I  designed  the  Revenge  of  an  Injury 
in  my  Life.  However,  this  venemous  Fling,  shall  quicken 
my  Watchfulness,  upon  this  Article. 

20  d.  4  m.  Satureday.  I  sett  apart  this  Day,  for  Prayer 
with  Fasting  before  the  Lord,  on  the  usual  Occasions. 

But  especially  to  cry  unto  God,  for  His  poor  Church 
in  Scotland;  which  is  in  a  miserably  distracted  Condition. 

I.  [June  21.  ]  G.  D.  I  would  preach  a  Sermon  to  my 
Flock,  wherein  I  may  collect  and  offer  those  Maxims  of 
Piety,  which  People  of  the  lowest  Capacity  and  even  little 
Children  may  take  notice  of.  The  Death  of  such  in  the 
Neighbourhood,  will  cause  the  more  Notice  to  be  taken  of 
them. 

21  (/.  4  m.  Lord's-Day.  At  the  Lord's  Table,  I  first 
beheld  the  Lord,  as  purchasing  and  praeparing  an  Heavenly 
Kingdome  for  His  People.  Then  I  look'd  unto  His  great 
Sacrifice,  for  the  Pardon  of  the  Sin,  which  is  the  only  Thing 
that  can  shutt  me  out  of  the  Kingdome ;  and  look'd  unto 
His  Righteousness  to  be  pleaded  by  me,  as  my  Claim  unto 
it.  Hereupon,  I  took  up  Resolutions  to  have  a  Conversa- 
tion in  Heaven,  and  think  very  often  about  it,  and  also 
do  all  possible  Services  for  the  Kingdome  of  Heaven,  and 
bring  as  many  as  I  can  into  it. 


2l6  DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

My  second  Action,  was,  to  behold  the  Blood  of  my 
Saviour,  as  purchasing  Abundance  of  Grace  for  me.  Wliich 
I  was  now  willing  and  wishing  to  receive.  I  begg'd  it  of 
Him,  as  being  furnished  with  it  for  me;  especially  the 
Grace  of  much  Patience  under  Sufferings  from  God,  and 
much  Meekness  under  Injuries  from  Men.  I  therewithal 
reflected  on  the  Exemple  of  such  Grace,  in  the  Life  of  my 
Saviour.  And  I  particularly  sought  for  the  Grace  that 
might  enable  me,  wisely  to  encounter  the  Difficulties  and 
the  Temptations,  of  the  new  church  arising  in  my  Neigh- 
bourhood. 

2.  G.  D.  Preaching  a  Sermon,  on  Lessons  relating  to 
the  Fear  of  God,  which  People  of  the  lowest  Capacity,  and 
our  very  Children,  might  soon  be  sensible  of,  I  instil  these 
Maxims  into  my  own  Children,  and  expressly  take  their 
consent  unto  them  all,  and  charge  them  never  to  forgett 
them. 

(V.)  I  now  sent  unto  the  Press,  a  little  Book  of  Lessons 
relating  to  the  Fear  of  God,  adapted  unto  Children,  and 
People  of  the  lowest  Capacity;  with  a  Design  to  disperse 
it  in  Schools  and  Families.  Tis  entituled.  The  A.  B.  C. 
OF  Religion.  Lessons  relating  to  the  Fear  of  God,  fitted 
unto  the  youngest  and  lowest  Capacities;  A  fid  Children  suit- 
ably instructed  in  the  Maxims  of  Religion.^ 

3.  G.  D.  I  am  informed  of  some  Relatives,  about 
Hadley,  which  I  was  not  aware  of.  I  would  endeavour, 
with  Books  of  Piety,  to  discharge  my  Duty  to  them. 

4.  G.  D.  I  propose  to  do  some  good,  in  a  Journey  to 
Maldon,  and  a  Lecture  there. 

24  d.  4  m.  Wednesday.  And  I  took  this  Journey,  and 
enjoy'd  a  most  gracious  Presence  of  God  in  it ;  all  the 
Circumstances  of  it,  having  much  Mercy  and  Comfort  in 
them. 

5.  G.  D.    There  are  knotts  of  riotous  Young  Men  in 

*  Printed  by  Timothy  Green,  17 13. 


JUNE,    I  7  I  3  217 

the  Town.  On  purpose  to  insult  Piety,  they  will  come 
under  my  Window  in  the  Middle  of  the  Night,  and  sing 
profane  and  filthy  Songs.  The  last  night  they  did  so,  and 
fell  upon  People  with  Clubs,  taken  off  my  Wood-pile. 
'Tis  hightime,  to  call  in  the  Help  of  the  Government  of  the 
Place,  for  the  punishing  and  suppressing  of  these  Disorders. 

6.  G.  D.  A  poor  Family  at  Cambridge,  which  I  am 
acquainted  withal ;  wanting  a  Supply  of  Corn. 

7.  G.  D.  In  walking  to  a  Funeral,  I  would  be  forever 
careful,  that  the  Gentleman  whom  I  walk  withal  shall  be 
Entertained  with  some  Communication,  that  shall  be  in- 
structive to  him,  and  assist  our  Praeparation  for  the  future 
State. 

1.  [June  28.]  G.  D.  Two  young  Persons  have  newly 
died  in  our  Neighbourhood,  and  were  buried  within  half 
an  Hour  one  of  another :  a  young  man,  who  had  been  a 
candidate  of  the  Ministry,  and  was  become  the  M  [aster] 
of  our  Grammar  Schole;  and  a  young  Woman,  who  had 
been  one  of  a  sober  and  vertuous  Character.'  I  would  on 
this  Occasion  renew  my  public  Discourses  with  the  greatest 
Pungency,  on  a  early  Mortality,  and  on  early  Religion. 

2.  G.  D.  Before  my  Evening-Prayer  in  my  Family,  I 
would  still  consider,  what  remarkable  Occurrence  of  Provi- 
dence has  happened  in  the  Day ;  either  in  Mortality  or  on 
any  other  Account ;  and  make  my  Remarks  upon  it  in  my 
Discourse  unto  my  Family,  and  in  the  Prayer  also  take 
notice  of  it. 

3.  G.  D.  I  have  a  Kinswoman  at  Dorchester,  to  whom 
I  would  convey  some  Instruments  of  Piety. 

4.  G.  D.  To  procure  that  suitable  Books  be  gott  into 
the  Hands  of  the  Students  at  the  Colledge,  may  be  a  Service 
of  great  Consequence.     I  would  endeavour  it.^ 

*  Recompence  Wadsworth  and  Mrs.  Sarah  Smith.  A  "Short  Memorial"  of 
Wadsworth  is  appended  to  Mather's  sermon  Golgotha,  p.  222,  infra. 

^  Doubtless  his  presence  at  commencement  on  the  previous  day  reminded 
him  of  the  field  that  demanded  his  attention. 


2l8         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

The  Case  of  Newbury^  also  calls  for  a  speedy  and  earnest 
Consideration. 

$.  G.  D.  Several  Proposals  of  good  Consequence,  to 
be  laid  before  the  Commissioners  for  the  Indian-Affaires. 
Particularly,  the  publication  of  an  Instrument,  for  the 
Maintaining  of  houshold  Piety  among  the  Indians. 

6,  G.  D.  One  that  once  lived  in  my  Family,  is  now 
sick,  and  very  poor.  I  must  endeavour  to  releeve  her,  and 
make  her  Condicon  comfortable. 

7.  G.  D.  'Tis  a  Question,  which  I  would  require  of 
myself  a  most  serious  and  exact  Answer  to ;  What  is  neces- 
sary to  render  me  ripe  for  the  heavenly  world?  And  what 
Points  of  Ripeness  am  I  most  sensibly  defective  in? 

4  d./$.  d.  5  m.  [Jidy]  Satureday./Lord's-day.  I  kept  a 
Vigil,  and  prostrate  in  the  Dust  before  the  Lord,  I  did,  with 
extended  Supphcations  cry  unto  Him ;  on  sundry  and  press- 
ing Occasions;  After  that  I  had  exceedingly  humbled  and 
loathed  and  judged  myself,  on  the  Account  of  the  abom- 
inable Impurities,  which  my  Life  had  been  filled  withal, 
and  pleaded  the  Blood  of  my  Saviour,  that  I  might  obtain 
my  Pardon.  From  the  Depths  I  cried  unto  the  Lord,  for 
His  Grace  to  be  given  unto  my  Children ;  particularly  my 
Son  Increase;  and  the  Direction  of  Heaven  in  disposing  of 
him :  For  a  Recovery  to  be  granted  unto  a  dear  Youth  in 
my  Neighbourhood  who  lies  dangerously  sick:  For  a  Smile 
of  Heaven  on  all  the  Circumstances  of  a  Journey  for  the 
Service  of  the  Glorious  One,  to  Marblchead,  which  I  propose 
the  next  Week ;  For  gracious  Assistences  to  be  given  me, 
in  the  Work  of  the  next  ensuing  Lord's-Day,  and  Lecture ; 
For  some  happy  Returns  from  England,  of  the  Packetts  I 
have  sent  thither  several  Months  ago;  the  Miscarriage 
whereof  I  have  some  Reason  to  fear ;  but  entirely  submitted 

*  These  references  to  Newbury  probably  concern  the  attempt  to  set  up  an 
Episcopal  Church  in  that  place.  Sewall's  Diary  n.  and  Letter  Book,  i.  416,  con- 
tain not  a  little  on  the  controversy. 


JULY,    I  7  13  219 

and  resigned  all  unto  the  Lord ;  Finally ;  For  the  Conver- 
sion of  the  poor  Jew,  who  is  this  Day  returned  once  more 
unto  New  England,  and  who  has  now  for  nineteen  years 
together  been  the  Subject  of  our  Cares,  and  Hopes,  and 
Prayers.  My  Mind  seemed  singularly  satisfied  in  the  suc- 
cess of  my  supplications  on  that  one  Article ;  the  Recovery 
of  the  Young  Man  I  am  so  concerned  for. 

When  my  long  Supplications  were  over,  I  took  my 
Psalter,  to  sing  unto  the  Lord.  And  the  first  Place  that 
opened  in  it,  was  a  little  surprisingly  that  where  it  is  said : 
Psal.  cxix.  55,  62.  /  have  rememhred  thy  Name,  0  Lord, 
in  the  Night;  and  have  kept  thy  Law.  And,  At  Midnight  I 
will  rise  to  give  Thanks  unto  thee,  because  of  thy  righteous 
Judgments. 

1.  [July  5.]  G.  D.  I  have  sometimes  given  my  Hear- 
ers, a  Sermon  of  Winter-Piety.^  It  will  be  seasonable,  and 
it  may  be  serviceable,  for  me  now  to  give  them  a  Sermon 
of  Summer-Piety.  I  would  endeavour  to  speak  as  pene- 
trating Things  as  I  can,  and  exhibit  the  Truths  of  the 
Gospel,  under  the  Advantage  of  such  a  Text  as  that; 
Amos.  VIII.  2.     A  basket  of  Summer-fruit. 

2.  G.  D.  I  would  observe,  when  the  Birth-dayes  of  my 
several  Children  arrive ;  and  I  would  make  it  an  Oppor- 
tunity, not  only  to  discourse  very  proper  and  pungent 
Things  unto  them,  relating  to  their  eternal  Interests,  but 
also  oblige  them,  to  consider,  first,  What  is  their  main 
Errand  into  the  World;  and  then.  What  they  have  done  of 
that  Errand.  And  such  of  them  as  are  old  enough  to  write, 
shall  give  me  some  written  Thoughts  upon  these  Things. 

3.  G.  D.  I  will  encourage  and  animate  my  aged  Parent, 
for  to  bestow  some  holy  and  useful  Visits,  on  some  aged 
people ;  that  so  he  may  with  his  wise  Discourses,  do  some- 
thing to  prepare  them  for  the  better  World. 

4.  G.  D.    The  divine  Providence  having  by  Mortality 

1  See  p.  148,  supra. 


220         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

made  a  Vacancy  in  our  Grammar-Schole,  I  shall  do  a  Ser- 
vice for  the  public,  if  I  procure  the  Succession  of  a  good 
Master  in  it;  which  accordingly  I  have  in  my  Eye,  and 
Prosecution. 

8d.  $m.  Wednesday.  Proposing  a  Journey  to  Marble- 
head,  in  the  latter  End  of  this  Week,  that  I  may  there  do 
some  Service  to  the  Kingdome  of  God ;  I  sett  apart  this 
Day,  for  Prayer  with  Fasting  before  the  Lord,  that  I  might 
obtain  a  Blessing  on  my  Journey;  and  that  Satan  may 
not  hinder  me,  or  injure  me  in  it ;  and  that  a  good  Number 
of  Souls  may  be  enclosed  in  the  Netts  of  the  Gospel,  where 
I  am  going  to  cast  them  forth. 

I  also  besought  the  Lord,  that  I  may  enjoy  a  precious 
Presence  of  His  with  me,  in  my  Lecture  to-morrow ;  And 
for  the  many  other  Favours,  which  I  had  now  an  Oppor- 
tunity to  make  the  Matter  of  my  Supplications. 

(VI.)  About  this  time,  considering  the  horrible  Con- 
fusions come  upon  the  Nations,  and  the  prospect  of  a  new 
Face  ere  long  to  come  upon  the  World,  I  thought  it  might 
now  be  a  Time  of  Day,  to  publish  the  Maxims  of  the  King- 
dome  of  God,  and  invite  the  unsettled  Minds  of  men  to 
imite  upon  them.  So  I  prepared  for  the  Public,  a  brief 
Essay,  which  I  propose  to  send  over  into  England,  that  it 
may  there,  in  as  convenient  Circumstances  as  may  be, 
pass  thro'  the  Press,  into  universal  Consideration.  It  is 
entituled.  The  Things  that  cannot  be  shaken.  Pro- 
posed unto  most  serious  and  general  Consideration,  at  a  Time 
when  the  World  under  the  most  shaking  Dispensations,  is 
hastening  into  the  greatest  Changes  that  ever  came  upon  it. 
With  the  Maxims  of  the  Kingdome  of  God,  ofered  as 
the  only  uniting  Maxims,  and  the  most  unexceptionable  Terms 
of  Union  for  that  people,  who  from  small  Beginnings  will 
certainly  and  speedily  become  a  great  Mountain,  which  the 
whole  Earth  shall  be  filled  withal. 

5.   G.  D.     Among  the  Ministers,  I  would  sett  forward 


JULY,     1713  221 

the  Design  of  putting  the  Wheel  of  Prayer  into  Motion, 
by  Dayes  of  Prayer,  sett  apart  publickly  in  our  Churches, 
under  the  dismal  Aspect  which  the  Times  have  upon  us. 

6.  G.  D.  A  poor  young  Man  belonging  to  the  Family 
next  unto  me,  in  danger  of  being  ruined,  by  an  indiscreet 
Amour,  calls  for  my  Essayes  to  save  him. 

10  d.  5  w.  Friday.  I  went  unto  Salem,  very  favourably 
accommodated  in  all  the  Circumstances  of  my  Journey; 
and  I  was  kindly  entertained  there. 

7.  G.  D.  I  would  mightily  improve  in  that  Grace 
which  inclines  me  to  rejoice  in  the  Favours  which  I  see  God 
bestowing  on  any  of  my  Neighbours  where  I  come;  tho' 
they  may  be  such  Favours  as  are  denied  unto  myself.  At 
the  same  time,  I  would  think  on  some  spiritual  Blessings, 
analogous  and  preferrible  unto  those  Temporal  ones;  and 
look  up  to  the  Glorious  One  for  these ;  expressing  my 
Satisfaction  in  the  Enjoyment  of  them,  tho'  the  other 
should  never  be  bestowed  upon  me.  And  I  would  ask  for 
the  like  Mercies  to  be  bestow'd  on  my  prosperous  Neigh- 
bours too. 

11  d.  s  m.  Satureday.  I  went  over  unto  Marble-head, 
and  lodged  there ;  surrounded  still  with  the  Mercies  of  God. 

I.  [July  12.]  G.  D.  Being  at  Marble-head,  I  would 
consider  the  state  of  the  Flock  here,  instead  of  my  usual 
Thoughts  about  my  own.  If  their  aged  Minister  ^  dy 
before  another  Minister,  and  a  good  and  wise  and  faithful 
one,  be  settled  among  them,  there  will  be  extreme  Hazard 
of  their  falling  into  miserable  Confusions,  and  a  wretched 
Crue  declaring  for  the  Ch[urch]  of  E[ngland]  prove  a  mis- 
chievous Majority  unto  them.  I  would  therefore  press  the 
Principal  Inhabitants,  to  consider  what  they  have  to  do  on 
this  Occasion,  and  speedily  to  exert  themselves. 

12  d.  5  w.  Lord's-Day.     In   the   Morning,   prostrate   on 

1  Samuel  Cheever,  who  began  his  ministry  in  that  place  in  1684.  In  July, 
1714,  John  Barnard  was  appointed  to  assist  him.     Cheever  died  in  1724. 


222         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

the  Floor  of  my  Lodging,  I  resigned  myself  up  to  the  Pos- 
session of  the  Holy  Spirit,  and  implored  His  Influences 
also  to  fall  on  the  Assembly,  to  which  I  am  this  day  to 
carry  His  glorious  Gospel. 

I  then  enjoy'd  a  mighty  Presence  of  the  glorious  One  with 
me,  in  my  public  Ministrations,  both  Parts  of  the  Day.  And 
I  hope,  a  very  great  Impression  is  left  on  the  Minds  of  the 
People  in  the  great  Congregation,  which  was  now  convened. 

2.  G.  D.  My  Negro-Servant,  is  one  more  Easily  gov- 
em'd  and  managed,  by  the  Principles  of  Reason,  agreeably 
offered  unto  him,  than  by  any  other  methods.  I  would 
oftener  call  him  aside,  and  assay  to  reason  him  into  a  good 
Behaviour. 

13  d.  5  m.  Monday.  I  returned  home  in  Safety,  having 
been  wonderfully  blessed  of  God  in  all  the  Circumstances 
of  my  Journey. 

3.  G.  D.  Having  observed  the  Condition  of  things  in 
the  Countrey,  I  would  prepare  certain  Articles  of  solemn 
Advice  and  Warning  unto  this  People,  about  the  Interests 
of  the  Kingdome  of  God  among  them.  I  would  then  pre- 
vail with  my  aged  Parent,  if  I  can,  to  form  these  things 
into  an  agreeable  Instrument,  and  leave  them  as  his  Tes- 
timony and  Legacy  to  the  Countrey,  or,  if  he  decline  it, 
I  will  see,  what  I  may  do  myself. 

(VII.)  About  this  time,  to  do  a  further  service  for  the 
Cause  of  Piety,  I  sent  unto  the  press,  a  Treatise  of  this 
Title;  Golgotha;  A  lively  Description  of  Death ;  with  such 
Thoughts  as  arc  to  be  Entertained  by  Men,  that  they  may  not 
perish  in  that  very  Day,  when  the  Thoughts  of  Men  do  perish. 
Occasioned  by  sorne  fresh  Instances  of  Early  Mortality,  with 
a  more  particular  Memorial  of  One  of  them.^ 

4.  G.  D.  The  Publication  of  some  things  I  find  in  the 
reserved  Papers,  of  the  pious  young  Man,  who  was  lately 
our  Schole-master,  may  serve  the  Cause  of  Piety. 

•  Printed  by  B.  Green,  for  D.  Henchman,  17 13. 


JULY,    I  7  I  3  223 

And  some  adapted  Letters  going  from  hence  to  New- 
bury, may  be  of  some  service  to  Religion. 

(VIII.)  About  this  Time  also,  considering  that  I  had 
formerly  entertained  the  Churches  of  God,  with  some 
Essayes  of  Winter-Piety,  I  thought,  it  would  be  some  ser- 
vice unto  Religion  to  do  something  at  Summer-Piety,  and 
make  the  Objects  of  the  Summer  subservient  unto  the  the 
Interests  of  Piety.  I  therefore  sent  unto  the  Press,  a 
Sermon  I  lately  preached ;  under  this  Title.  A  Present 
OF  SuMMER-rRUiT.  A  Very  brief  Essay  to  ojffer  some  Instruc- 
tions of  Piety  which  the  Summer-season  more  particularly 
and  Emphatically  leads  us  to;  But  such  also  as  are  never 
out  of  Season.  Being  the  short  Entertainment  of  an  Auditory 
in  Boston,  on  a  Day  distinguished  with  the  Heat  of  the  Summer. 
Sd.  sm.  1713.1 

5.  G.  D.  A  young  Gentleman,  being  lately  recovered 
from  Sickness,  I  would  consult  and  concert  with  him,  what 
special  Return,  he  may  make  unto  the  glorious  Lord,  by 
way  of  Gratitude  for  his  Recovery. 

6.  G.  D.  Some  aged  and  bed-rid  Widow's  in  the  Town, 
call  for  my  Compassions  to  them. 

7.  G.  D.  I  find,  that  I  have  shown  too  much  Respect 
unto  wicked  Men  in  my  Conversation  ;  I  have  treated  them 
with  more  of  Complaisance  than  I  should  have  done ;  Tho' 
my  Intention  has  been  to  shew  all  Gentleness  to  all  men, 
and  recommend  the  Maxims  of  Religion  unto  them,  and 
do  the  Part  of  a  Physician  upon  them ;  yett  I  doubt,  less 
Freedom  with  such  Wretches,  less  Familiarity  with  such 
Divels,  would  have  been  better ;  And  I  have  been  accord- 
ingly punished  for  it,  in  the  Providence  of  God.  I  desire 
to  make  a  due  Improvement  of  what  I  have  in  this  Matter 
mett  withal. 

18  d.  5  m.  Satureday.  This  Day  I  sett  apart  for  Prayers 
and  Alms,  with  Fasting,  in  secret  before  the  Lord ;  On  the 

*  Printed  by  B.  Green,  1713.     See  Sewall,  Letter  Book,  11.  22. 


224         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

usual  Occasions.  My  soul  this  Day  received  some  Impres- 
sions from  Heaven,  which  filled  my  Mind  with  satisfaction, 
in  Assurances  of  Mercies  intended  for  me. 

There  are  Mercies  and  Comforts  coming  to  me  from 
England. 

I  renew'd  my  Sacrifice  of  my  Flock,  if  the  Glorious  One, 
shall  in  the  unhappy  Affair  of  our  new  Meeting-house  call 
me  to  it. 

I  carried  my  son  Increase  unto  the  Lord,  having  him 
with  me  in  the  Action ;  to  obtain  a  new  Heart  ^or  him,  and 
the  Direction  of  Heaven  for  the  disposing  of  him. 

1.  [July  19.]  G.  D.  There  are  diverse  particular  Sub- 
jects, to  be  handled  for  the  special  Service  of  my  Flock, 
which  I  have  in  View.  But  I  would  with  all  Solemnity 
look  up  to  the  glorious  Lord,  that  He  would  point  me  out, 
unto  the  next  Portion  and  Paragraph  of  the  Sacred  Scrip- 
ture, to  be  in  the  Course  of  my  public  Ministry  insisted  on  ; 
that  it  may  be  such  an  one ;  as  the  Flock  may  receive  a 
singular  Edification  from. 

19  d.  5  m.  Lord's-Day.  At  the  Lord's-Table,  I  considered 
the  great  Number  of  no  small  Mercies,  which  are  there 
exhibited,  and  I  thankfully  and  earnestly  made  my  Claim 
unto  them.  And  I  very  particularly  admired  the  Favour 
of  God,  in  that  what  we  are  doing  in  the  Worship  of  God 
the  Lord  here,  is  a  joining  in  Consort,  with  what  they  are 
doing  in  the  Heavenly  World. 

2.  G.  D.  There  is  fallen  into  my  Hands,  the  Life  of 
Mr.  Tho.  Beard,  an  incomparable  young  man,  who  died  at 
Seventeen ;  but  before  he  died,  wrote  the  Dispositions  and 
Experiences  of  his  Piety.  I  will  oblige  my  Son  Increase  to 
read  this  Composure ;  and  I  will  confer  with  him  upon  it. 
I  would  also  procure  the  Publication  of  it.  And  I  would 
likewise  transcribe  into  the  Book  I  have  now  in  the  Press, 
a  Passage  of  it,  relating  to  Societies. 

3.  G.  D.     Sollicitous  for  the  Health  of  my  aged  Parent, 


JULY,    I  7  13  225 

I  would  perswade  him  to  a  frequent  Use  of  the  Sal  volatile, 
which  God  has  blessed  unto  me  for  more  than  ordinary- 
Benefit  ;  and  I  would  present  him  with  a  Bottel  of  it,  and 
keep  him  ever  supplied  with  it  as  long  as  we  both  do  live. 

4.  G.  D.  I  apprehend,  it  would  be  a  Service  unto  the 
Kingdome  of  God,  if  under  the  form  of  a  Letter  to  the 
Hseretical  Whiston,  I  should  prepare  for  the  public,  a  fuller 
Testimony  to  the  Doctrines  of  the  Trinity  in  the  Godhead, 
and  the  Godhead  of  our  Saviour.  To  this,  therefore,  with 
many  supplications  to  Heaven  for  Direction  and  Assistence, 
I  now  apply  myself. 

5.  G.  D.  Unto  some  that  have  Coaches,  I  would  much 
recommend  this  Consideration ;  what  Service  they  may  do 
with  them  to  that  God  from  whom  they  have  received 
them. 

6.  G.  D.  There  is  a  poor  Lad,  but  one  of  imcommon 
Capacity  for  Learning,  to  whose  Education  at  the  Colledge, 
I  would  contribute,  and  stir  up  the  Charity  of  others. 
(Megeyyep)! 

7.  G.  D,  The  use  of  the  Sol  Volatile,  having  recovered 
much  Health  and  Strength  unto  me,  beyond  what  I  have 
sometimes  enjoy'd,  I  apprehend,  that  among  other  Expres- 
sions of  my  Gratitude  unto  the  glorious  Lord,  I  ought 
mightily  to  double  my  Diligence,  especially  in  afternoon- 
Studies,  for  the  Dispatch  of  those  Things,  which  I  would 
fain  finish  before  I  dy. 

1.  [July  26.]  G.  D.  There  is  no  one  point,  which  my 
Hearers  need  so  much  to  be  warned  about,  as  the  Folly  of 
setting  the  Heart  on  an  earthly  Treasure  with  a  Neglect 
of  the  Heavenly.  Wherefore  I  would  insist  on  this  Point 
imto  them  with  much  vehemency  of  Inculcation. 

2.  G.  D.  My  Son  Increase!  My  Son  Increase!  I  am 
now  seeking  a  Merchant  who  may  be  his  Master,  yett  would 
I  have  him  to  preserve  and  increase  his  Learning.     But 

■  Probably  Henry  Messinger,  who  graduated  in  171 7. 
u-iS 


226         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

among  the  Questions  which  I  daily  putt  unto  him,  one  must 
be,  Have  you  this  Day  made  your  secret  Prayers  unto  God? 

3.  G.  D.  Having  pubUshed  a  Treatise,  which  I  call, 
The  A.  B.  C.  of  Religion,  it  will  be  an  agreeable  Present  for 
me  to  make  unto  the  Children  in  the  several  Families  of 
my  Relatives. 

4.  G.  D.  The  miserable  Flock  at  Newtown,  calls  for 
abundance  of  Cares  and  Pains,  to  heal  the  Discomposures 
in  it,  and  procure  a  good  Settlement  of  a  Minister.  Their 
more  particular  Applications  to  me,  lay  me  under  more 
particular  Obligations  to  do  for  them.^ 

5.  G.  D.  Qu(2re.  Whether  some  of  our  Schole-Mas- 
ters,  may  not  order  my  A,  B,C.  of  Religion,  to  be  read  over 
in  the  Schools,  by  Parcels,  and  then  inculcate  upon  the 
Scholars,  their  Attention  to  the  Maxims  of  Piety? 

6.  G.  D.  An  unhappy  Youth  in  my  neighbourhood, 
tho'  a  Pretender  to  Religion,  yett  will  curse  and  swear, 
and  speak  very  profanely.     I  must  talk  to  him. 

7.  G.  D.  When  I  have  readd  thro'  a  Book,  at  any 
time,  I  would  make  a  Pause ;  and  first,  give  Thanks  to  the 
Father  of  Lights,  for  whatever  Illumination  He  has  by  this 
Book  bestow'd  upon  me.  Secondly,  If  the  Author  be  in 
his  Book  an  useful  Servant  of  the  Church,  I  would  give 
Thanks  to  God,  for  His  Raising  up  such  an  Instrument, 
and  Inclining  and  Assisting  of  him  to  this  Performance. 
Thirdly.  If  the  Book  be  of  an  evil  Tendency,  I  would 
be  way  1  the  Corruption  and  Misery  of  the  World,  in  such  an 
Instance,  and  I  would  pray  unto  the  Holy  One  to  prevent 
the  Infection.  Lastly,  I  would  enquire,  what  special  Point 
of  Piety  or  Usefulness  may  I,  by  this  Book  be  minded  of  ? 

I.  [August  2.]  G.  D.  A  wonderful  deal  of  Care  must 
be  taken,  that  the  Part  of  the  Flock,  which  are  swarming 

'  Nchemiah  Ilobart,  after  a  pastorate  of  more  than  forty  years,  died  August  25, 
1712,  and  a  petition  was  sent  to  the  General  Court  that  Newton  be  divided  into 
two  precincts.  The  request  was  denied,  and  in  17 14  John  Cotton  was  chosen  to 
be  minister. 


AUGUST,     1713  227 

ofif  into  a  new  Church,  may  not  make  themselves,  and 
others,  unhappy,  by  a  Choice  of  a  very  unsuitable  Min- 
ister; which  they  are  greatly  in  danger  of. 

2.  G.  D.  I  must  with  the  Help  of  Grace  resolve  upon 
it,  that  it  shall  be  my  Custome,  to  be  at  home  with  my 
Family,  about  Nine  aClock  in  the  Evenings;  and  employ 
an  Hour,  in  Instructing  of  the  Children,  and  Conversing 
with  them,  on  the  several  Points,  wherein  I  should  be 
desirous  of  their  becoming  Excellent.  The  Time  so  spent 
with  them,  will  turn  to  much  better  Account,  than  what 
I  have  sometimes  allow'd  in  sitting  with  my  Neighbours. 

^  d.  6  m.  [August.]  Munday.  I  took  a  Journey  to  New- 
town, in  Company  with  several  other  Ministers.  I  did  it 
with  much  Aversion,  and  with  a  Despair  almost  a^qual  to 
my  Desire,  of  doing  any  Good.  But,  as  the  main  Work 
to  be  done  there,  was  imposed  upon  me,  so  I  was  not  without 
some  hope,  that  the  Glorious  Head  of  the  Church  would 
make  me  feel  His  Influences  in  that  Hour.  An  Experience 
I  have  heretofore  enjoy'd,  was  now  wondrously  renewed 
unto  me ;  and  the  Glorious  One  supplied  me  with  agreeable 
Thoughts  and  Words  for  the  many  difficult  Occasions  that 
were  before  me.  So  we  managed  the  Brethren  of  a  divided 
Church,  and  carried  them  thro'  their  Choice  of  a  Pastor. 
We  then  call  for  the  obstreperous  Inhabitants,  and  spoke 
unto  them  such  Things,  as,  I  hope,  have  left  a  good  Impres- 
sion upon  them.  In  the  Evening  I  returned  with  a  good 
Hand  of  God  upon  me. 

3.  G.  D.  I  have  some  aged  Relatives,  to  whom  I  would 
present  my  Golgotha;  and  some  younger  ones,  to  whom  I 
would  also  commend  the  Early  Piety,  exemplified  in  the 
End  of  it. 

4.  G.  D.  Perhaps,  by  sending  some  agreeable  Things, 
to  the  Author  of.  The  Spectator,  and,  The  Guardian,  there 
may  be  brought  forward  some  Services  to  the  best  Interests 
in  the  Nation. 


228         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

5.  G.  D.  I  would,  in  a  Society,  move  to  have  some 
charitable  Assistencies  from  their  Bounty,  communicated 
imto  the  necessitious  Minister  at  Endfield. 

6.  G.  D.  There  is  an  old  Man  in  the  Town,  who  was  a 
Souldier  in  the  Army  of  my  admirable  Cromwel,  and  actually 
present  in  the  Battel  of  Dunbar;  He  is  now  come  to  eighty- 
eight;  an  honest  Man,  and  in  great  Penury.  I  must 
releeve  him,  and  look  after  him. 

7.  G.  D.  The  Crowing  of  a  Cock  was  a  Monitor, 
whereby  Peter  was  awaken'd  unto  Repentance.  And  why 
should  not  I,  improve  the  Voice  of  such  a  Monitor,  for  my 
Awakening?  'Tis  a  very  notable  occurrence  of  Nature, 
and  has  in  it  what  is  a  little  Surprising.  When  I  hear  it, 
I  would  have  Wishes  of  this  Importance  raised  in  me; 
Lord!  Quicken  me  Watchfully  to  observe  the  Times,  atid  be 
aware  of  approaching  Changes! 

1.  [August  19.]  G.  D.  A  miserable  young  Man,  who 
has  been  received  into  the  Covenant  of  God  among  His 
People  here,  has  proved  a  notorious  Instance  of  Apostasy, 
and  fallen  into  very  scandalous  Crimes.  The  Discipline 
of  the  Church  must  be  exerted  on  this  Occasion ;  But  I 
would  make  it  an  Occasion  of  inculcating  in  a  very  cogent 
way,  the  Admonitions  of  Piety  on  such  as  are  in  the  Cove- 
nant of  God,  and  on  the  young  men  in  the  Congregation. ^ 

2.  G.  D.  Oh!  why  don't  I  in  my  Family,  more  livelily 
keep  up  the  Temper  and  Conduct  of  a  Parent  expecting  to 
be  speedily  taken  from  his  Family !  To  drop  Instructions 
of  Piety  on  my  Domesticks,  as  often  as  I  come  near  them. 

*  "9  <f.  6  m.  Richard  Woods,  one  in  the  Covenant  of  God  among  us,  having 
been  guilty  of  a  very  disorderly  Life,  in  his  Master's  Family,  and  of  many  Crimes, 
terminating  in  this,  that  the  last  Week  he  drank  to  the  Damnation  of  them  who 
do  not  love  him.  He  was  brought  before  the  Church.  But  because  he  appeared 
very  pocnitcnt,  his  Church  agreed  only  to  his  having  a  solemn  Admonition,  at 
this  time  dispensed  unto  him,  which  was  at  this  time  done  accordingly.  With 
Assurance  given  him,  that  if  he  did  not  in  due  Time  come  to  us  with  great  Expres- 
sions and  full  Testimonies  of  Repentance,  the  Censure  belonging  to  him  should  be 
publicly  passed  upon  him."     Cotton  Mather's  MS.  Records  of  the  Second  Church,  n. 


AUGUST,     1713  229 

To  Examine  them  very  often,  whether  they  do  and  have  the 
Things  that  accompany  Salvation !  To  see  that  they  all  spend 
their  Time  in  a  very  accountable  Manner ;  and  to  dispatch 
their  Education  as  fast  as  I  can,  and  enrich  them  with  useful 
Knowledge.  I  do  something  at  all  these  Things.  But  I 
ought  to  awaken  myself  unto  the  doing  of  more,  than  I  do. 

3.  G.  D.  Among  my  Relatives,  there  are  several 
Youths  to  whom  I  present,  my  Golgotha;  at  the  End 
whereof  there   is  an  Exemple  of  early  Piety.  ^ 

4.  G.  D.  And  that  Exemple  of  early  Piety  in  a  Scholar 
I  woidd  have  to  go  into  the  Hands  of  the  Students  in  our 
Colledges;  both  that  at  Cambridge  and  that  at  Say-brook. 
I  would  send  it  also  unto  Glasgow. 

5.  G.  D.  I  am  informed  of  several  Houses  in  this 
Town,  where  there  are  young  Women  of  a  very  debauched 
Character,  and  extremely  Impudent ;  unto  whom  there  is 
a  very  great  Resort  of  young  men,  which  are  extremely 
poisoned  by  such  conversation  as  these  entertain  them 
withal.  I  must  address  our  Society,  that  by  suitable  Admo- 
nitions, and  some  other  Methods,  this  Mischief  may  be 
extinguished. 

6.  G.  D.  There  is  a  young  Gentleman  gone  to  sojourn 
at  Jamaica;  of  whose  Morals  there,  his  Friends  and  I, 
would  be  very  soUicitous.  I  would  write  unto  him;  and 
send  Books  of  Piety  also  to  him. 

7.  G.  D.  When  I  have  in  my  Eye,  any  Service  wherein 
I  would  fain  be  employ'd,  I  would  first  seriously  consider, 
by  what  Sins  I  have  more  especially  rendred  myself  un- 
worthy to  have  the  Honour  of  such  an  Employment,  and 
obtain  the  Pardon  of  them ;  I  would  then  also  consider  my 
own  Foolishness  and  Feebleness  and  Incapacities,  which 
will  render  the  powerful  Grace  of  Heaven  the  more  con- 
spicuous in  it,  if  ever  I  go  thro'  such  an  Employment.  And 
in  this  way  prsepare  to  be  serviceable. 

*  See  an  amusing  entry  in  Sewall,  Diary,  n.  392. 


230         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

1$  d.  6  m.  Satureday.  This  Day  I  sett  apart  for  Prayer 
with  Fasting  before  the  Lord.  My  Occasions  and  Inten- 
tions and  Petitions,  were  the  same  that  I  have  had  of  later 
Time,  when  I  have  been  thus  engaged.  I  had  my  Son 
Increase  also  with  me,  and  on  the  like  Account,  as  formerly. 
I  pray'd  Hkewisely  for  encouraging  Advice  to  me  from 
England.  And,  for  the  Lord's  accepting,  and  assisting, 
and  instructing  of  me,  to  do  Him  Service  in  relation  to  a 
poor  young  Man  committed  for  Murder ;  ^  that  it  may 
prove  an  Opportunity  for  Good  unto  many;  and  that  I, 
notwithstanding  my  Unworthiness,  may  be  employ'd  in  it. 
And,  for  a  Smile  of  Heaven  on  the  Confutation  of  the  Arian 
Haeresies,  which  with  the  Help  of  Heaven  I  have  praepared 
for  the  Public. 

(IX.)  For  with  the  good  Hand  of  God  upon  me,  I  have, 
not  without  some  Study,  and  contrivance,  elaborated  a 
Testimony  for  the  Cause  of  Truth,  which  has  not  been  given 
by  some  that  had  singular  Abilities  and  Obligations  for  it. 
I  have  entituled  it ;  Goliathus  detruncatus.  The  Trinity 
of  Persons,  in  the  One  most  Blessed  and  Glorious  God;  And 
the  Eternal  Godhead  of  our  Great  Saviour;  briefly  asserted, 
and  clearly  explained,  atid  victoriously  defended;  both  by  the 
Infallible  Scriptures,  and  by  the  Antenicene  Fathers.  In  an 
American  Letter  to  the  Learned  Mr.  William  Whiston. 

I  have  thoughts  of  having  this  Essay  transcribed,  and 
so  transmitted  for  London. 

I.  [August  16.]  G.  D.  My  pastoral  Visits  to  the  Flock 
must  be  revived ;  enquiries  into  the  State  of  every  one  must 
be  proposed ;  one  Afternoon  in  a  fortnight  must  be  sett 
apart  for  this  Purpose.  I  must  not  be  weary  of  this  Work 
for  the  Lord. 

16  d.  6  m.  Lord's-Day.  At  the  Lord's-Table,  first,  be- 
holding the  blessed  Jesus  as  purposing  and  purchasing  a 
wondrous  Glory  for  His  People,  and  publishing  His  Will, 

'  David  Wallis.    See  p.  240,  infra. 


AUGUST,     1713  231 

that  they  who  are  given  to  Him,  should  be  with  Him,  to 
behold  His  Glory;  I  endeavoured  then  to  putt  it  out  of 
Doubt,  that  I  am  one  of  those  who  are  for  that  Intent  given 
unto  Him.  I  gave  myself  unto  Him ;  and  I  chose  it  as 
the  Delight  of  my  Life  to  study  His  Glory ;  the  Design  of 
my  Life,  to  proclaim  it. 

2.  G.  D.  I  have  an  Opportunity  to  gett  my  Son 
Increase  cultivated,  with  many  Points  of  a  polite  Conver- 
sation, in  his  Evening-Hours ;  and  I  desire  it  may  be 
husbanded  unto  the  best  Advantage. 

3.  G.  D.  A  late  Marriage  has  added  unto  my  Rela- 
tives, a  new  Kinsman,  who  is  of  the  Sea-faring  Tribe.  Unto 
him  I  would  apply  myself,  with  suitable  Books  of  Piety, 
and  such  Discourses  as  may  have  a  Tendency  to  produce 
in  him  the  Fear  of  God. 

4.  G.  D.  The  Condition  of  the  poor  Malefactor  com- 
mitted for  a  Murder,'  I  would  endeavour  so  to  consider, 
that  the  Kingdome  of  God,  and  the  Interest  of  Piety,  may 
have  considerable  Services  from  it.  Newbury,  stiU  calls 
for  more  Care. 

5.  G.  D.  In  my  writing  of  Letters  to  very  capable 
and  eminent  Persons,  I  would  still  think  of  notable  Ser- 
vices, which  they  may  be  putt  upon  doing  of.  Thus,  now 
particularly  writing  to  that  miraculous  Man,  Mr.  Jameson, 
blind  from  his  Nativity,  but  an  Author  of  wonderful  Books ; 
I  would  putt  him  upon  writing  a  Book  for  blind  People. 

6.  G.  D.  Some  that  are  fallen  into  dreadful  Snares 
of  Sin,  and  of  Death,  must  have  Means  used  upon  them 
to  recover  them.  Especially,  the  Indian  Youth,  at  the 
Colledge. 

I  would  also  write  a  Letter  of  Consolation  unto  a  young 
Gentlewoman,  uneasily  circumstanced,  at  N.  London. 

One  likewise  at  Windsor,  having  borrowed  a  sum  of 
Money  of  me,  I  would  empower  a  Minister  there  to  call 

»  David  Wallis. 


232         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

for  it,i  and  to  divide  it  between  himself  and  the  Minister 
of  Endficld. 

7.  G.  D.  The  Case  of  a  poor  Criminal  in  the  Prison,  to 
dy  shortly  for  a  Murder,  will  oblige  me  to  bear  solemn  Tes- 
timonies against  various  Miscarriages  to  be  found  among  our 
People.  I  ought  in  order  hereunto,  exceedingly  to  examine 
myself,  how  far  I  may  have  been  myself  chargeable  wuth 
any  Degree  of  those  Miscarriages,  and  with  a  renew'd  and 
thorough  Repentance  obtained  the  Pardon  thereof. 

22  J./23  d.  6  m.  Satureday  night.     Something  of  a  Vigil. 

1.  [August  23.]  G.  D.  Will  not  the  cxvith  Psalm,  in 
likelihood  be  a  Portion  of  Scripture,  which  I  may  with  much 
Advantage  to  the  Flock,  in  a  course  of  Sermons  insist  upon  ? 

And  some  other  Subjects  I  have  my  Eye  upon. 

2.  G.  D.  My  Prayers  for  my  Consort  must  be  quick- 
ened, and  so  must  her  o\vn  by  my  Advice,  from  some  present 
Circumstances. 

3.  G.  D.  I  have  a  Nephew  at  Roxbury,  who  is  one  of 
ripe  Abilities,  and  of  great  Expectations,  designed  for  the 
evangelical  Ministry.^  I  would  now  make  a  very  particular 
Notice  of  him,  and  in  all  the  Wayes  I  can,  contribute  unto 
his  future  Serviceableness. 

4.  G.  D.  The  Condition  of  several  Churches,  calls  for 
my  most  exquisite  Care,  to  gett  them  delivered  out  of  their 
Temptations. 

Moreover  I  must  gett  that  Matter  well  settled ;  the  or- 
daining of  Ministers,  whom  we  send  unto  places  destitute  of 
the  Gospel ;  and  empowering  of  them  to  act  as  Ministers. 
Free/oTtw particularly  should  be  accommodated  in  this  matter.^ 

•  Rev.  Timothy  Edwards  was  then  over  the  church  at  Windsor,  but  Mather 
speaks  too  indefinitely  to  identify  him  as  the  man.  Rev.  Nathaniel  Collins  was  at 
Enfield. 

« Thomas  Walter. 

•  Rev.  Joseph  Avery  had  ceased  his  duties  in  i7ii,and  after  some  conten- 
tion Recompcncc  Wadsworth  had  been  called,  but  declined  the  offer.  In  1713 
Rev.  Jonathan  Dodson,  a  citizen  of  the  town,  received  a  temporary  appointment 
Qune  2),  and  held  the  pulpit  for  more  than  two  years. 


AUGUST,     1713  233 

5.  G.  D.  Besides  my  drawing  up  Instructions  for 
Agents  to  go  from  the  Indian-Commissioners  to  Martha^s 
Vineyard,  I  must  prevent  some  indirect  Proceedings  in 
Connecticot,  whereby  our  Attempts  to  Christianize  the 
Indians  there,  may  meet  with  Obstruction ;  and  Letters 
must  be  written  for  that  Purpose.  There  are  several 
other  Intentions  of  Piety,  to  be  sett  forward  among  the 
Indians. 

6.  G.  D,  There  are  several  Miserables  in  the  Prison, 
whose  conditions  call  for  my  Kindnesses. 

7.  G.  D.  It  will  mightily  illuminate  and  invigorate  my 
walk  with  God,  if  I  entertain  a  right  Notion  of  that  Return 
to  God,  wherein  lies  both  Religion  and  Felicity.  That  ceas- 
ing to  seek  Satisfaction  in  Creatures,  and  to  aim  at  my 
own  Satisfaction  exclusive  of  the  Glorious  God:  That  aim- 
ing at  the  Glory,  and  Service,  and  Pleasure  of  God  in  all 
that  I  do,  and  in  all  that  I  have ;  and  that  pressing  after 
a  most  near  Communion  with  God,  and  Enjoyment  of 
God,  and  Acquiescence  in  His  Will,  that  may  render  Him 
All  in  All  unto  me.  And  a  View  of  our  glorious  JESUS 
taken  up  into  God,  as  the  Cause  and  Way  of  our  being 
brought  home  unto  Him,  A  clear  Notion  of  this  illustrious 
Matter,  which  indeed,  I  have  now  for  many  Years  lived 
upon,  yett  needs  to  be  more  thoroughly  concocted  into 
my  Soul. 

29  c?./3o  d.  6  m.  Satureday-night.  I  enjoy 'd  a  Vigil, 
wherein  I  had  some  intimate  Conversation  with  Heaven. 
My  Visits  thither,  were  for  pardoning  Mercy ;  and  for  purify- 
ing Mercy ;  and  for  a  successful  Ministry ;  and  for  some- 
thing from  England  that  may  Encourage  me  in  my  work ; 
and  for  a  Blessing  on  what  I  have  sent  thither ;  and  for  a 
Blessing  on  my  Family,  especially  in  the  Disposal  of  my 
Son  Increase;  and  for  the  Conversion  of  the  Jew,  for  whom 
I  have  been  so  long  and  so  much  concerned!  My  God 
will  hear  me!    (Psal.  xxii.   2.) 


234         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

1.  [August  30.]  G.  D.  In  my  Catechising,  as  among 
the  Jews,  it  is  expected  every  Child  should  betimes  learn 
that  Verse,  Deut.  xxxiii.  4.  So  I  would  now  and  then 
single  out  some  notable  Verse  of  the  Gospel,  and  command 
and  perswade  all  the  Children  to  learn  it.  Such  as,  Joh. 
Ill,  16.  and  I.  Tim.  i.  15.  and  Eccl.  xii.  14. 

2.  G.  D.  Two  of  my  children,  Cresy  and  Lizzy,  have 
newly  been  scorched  with  Gun-powder,  wherein  tho'  they 
have  received  a  most  merciful  Deliverance,  especially  of 
their  Eyes,  yett  they  undergo  a  Smart  that  is  considerable. 
I  would  improve  this  Occasion  to  inculcate  Instructions  of 
Piety  on  them  and  the  rest;  especially  with  Relation  to 
their  Danger  of  eternal  Burnings. 

Cresy,  must  also  imploy  the  Liesure  which  this  has 
occasion'd  for  him,  in  the  most  profitable  Manner. 

3.  G.  D.  I  have  an  Aunt  at  Northampton,  whom  in 
regard  of  her  Piety,  and  her  AflSiction,  I  ought  to  take 
much  Notice  of. 

4.  G.  D.  The  Condition  and  Repentance  of  the  Pris- 
oner under  a  Sentence  of  Death,  may  afford  me  some  notable 
Opportunities  to  serve  the  Kingdome  of  God,  and  the 
Cause  of  Piety ;  which  accordingly  I  would  cultivate  unto 
the  best  of  my  Capacity. 

2  J./3  d.  [September.]  Wednesday /Thursday.  In  a  Vigil, 
I  humbled  myself  before  the  Lord  exceedingly.  Being 
anon  to  preach  probably  in  a  very  great  Auditory,  with 
the  condemned  Malefactor  there ;  and  an  Eye  had  unto  the 
Use  to  be  made  of  his  Condition,  and  being  also  thrown 
into  a  feeble  State  of  Health,  which  makes  me  afraid 
whether  I  shall  be  able  to  do  any  Thing  at  all ;  prostrate 
in  the  Dust,  I  loathed  and  judged  myself  before  the  Lord, 
for  my  Miscarriages,  wherein  I  had  not  been  willing  to  be 
witheld  from  sinning  against  Him,  and  wherein  I  was 
worthy  to  be  so  left,  that  I  should  have  been  as  miserable 
a  Spectacle,  as  he  that  is  now  to  appear  in  the  Congrega- 


•  SEPTEMBER,     1713  235 

tion.  Especially  my  Impurities,  and  my  Hatred  and  Malice 
towards  other  Men,  wherein  I  have  been  a  Degree  of  a 
Murderer.  I  received  the  pardoning  Mercy  of  God,  and 
pleaded  the  Blood  of  my  Saviour  for  it ;  and  I  entreated 
the  gracious  Presence  of  the  Lord  with  me,  in  the  Service 
now  before  me,  for  which  I  apprehended  myself  utterly 
insufficient.  I  then  also  sought  for  the  Mercies  propounded 
in  some  former  Vigils  (Psal.  xliv.  25,  26.) 

5.  G.  D.  I  have  now  gott  a  Catalogue  of  young  Men, 
who  visit  wicked  Houses.  And  I  will  improve  it  in  their 
Service  as  much  as  I  can.  Especially  laying  it  before  the 
Society  for  Suppression  of  Disorders ;  from  whence  we  will 
send  Admonitions  to  them. 

S  d.  "J  m.  Thursday.  It  has  pleased  the  Holy  One,  this 
Day  to  humble  me ;  and  I  entertained  the  Humiliation 
with  a  sweet  Satisfaction  in  the  Will  of  my  Father  and  my 
Saviour.  Having  been  these  two  Dayes  wasted  with  a 
Diarrhoea,  and  grown  very  sick  at  my  stomach,  my  Spirits 
utterly  failed,  before  I  had  stood  an  Hour,  in  my  Sermon, 
so  that  I  was  forced  to  break  oflf.  There  was  a  vast  Audi- 
tory, and  the  poor  condemned  prisoner  was  a  part  of  it. 
But  I  was  defeated  of  saying  a  very  great  part  of  the  Things 
which  I  was  desirous  to  have  declared  on  this  Occasion. 
But  I  am  satisfied.  I  improve  this  Dispensation  to  further 
a  Work  of  Repentance  in  me.  And  the  Holy  One  sales 
unto  me,  What  I  do,  thou  knowest  not  now,  but  thou  shalt 
know  hereafter! 

6.  G.  D.  There  is  in  this  Town  the  Son  of  a  Minister ; 
in  danger  to  be  led  away  with  Temptation.  I  would  sea- 
sonably apply  myself  to  his  Rescue. 

7.  G.  D.  I  am  oftentimes  on  Satureday  towards  the 
Evening,  engaged  in  an  agreeable  Conversation  with  some 
young  Gentlemen,  on  the  Christian  Asceticks.  I  hope,  to 
make  this  a  precious  Opportunity,  of  my  Improving  in  the 
clear  Knowledge  of  many  Points  relating  to  the  more  vital 


236         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

Piety;   and  confirming  and  strengthening  my  Dispositions 
for  a  walk  with  God. 

1.  [September  6.]  G.  D.  A  reUgious  and  a  desirable 
Schoolmaster,  now  being  brought  into  the  Grammar-School 
of  my  Neighbourhood,  I  hope  to  concert  many  things 
with  him  for  the  Good  of  the  Flock,  and  see  him  an  Instru- 
ment of  doing  many  Services. 

2.  G.  D.  My  youngest  little  Daughter  is  a  marvellous 
witty,  ready,  forward  Child ;  I  would  oblige  every  Child 
in  the  Family,  to  teach  her  each  of  them  Sentences  of  Piety, 
that  so  she  may  betimes  and  apace  have  her  mind  filled 
with  Maxims  of  Piety. 

3.  G.  D.  I  would  encourage  my  aged  Parent,  unto  as 
many  Services  by  the  way  of  the  Press,  as  may  be ;  where 
his  Bow  yett  abides  in  Strength.  Particularly,  to  write  a 
Book  for  aged  People. 

4.  G.  D.  The  more  I  think  of  it,  the  more  it  appears 
unto  me,  a  most  seasonable  and  profitable  Service,  to  revise 
and  prepare  for  the  Press,  my,  Ratio  DisciplincB  an  Account 
of  the  Methods  and  Customes  used  in  our  Churches.  It 
will  have  a  mighty  Tendency,  to  praeserve  our  Disciphne, 
and  procure  a  Beauty  to  the  Exercise  of  it  in  all  Adminis- 
trations. And  it  may  also  be  our  Vindication  to  the  World, 
and  a  Satisfaction  to  our  Brethren. ^ 

5.  G.  D.  There  is  a  multitude  of  Services,  in  the  School 
for  the  pious  and  learned  Education  of  the  Children,  whereto 
I  would  propose  to  advise  our  Schole-Master. 

10  d.  7  m.  Thursday.  And  now  I  see  the  Glorious  Good- 
ness of  my  dear  and  sweet  Saviour.  Oh !  that  I  may  love 
and  serve  my  most  gracious  Lord,  with  a  most  marvellous 
Reliance  upon  Him!  The  Balk  which  I  suffered  in  my 
Services  a  week  ago,  was  but  only  to  find  me  an  Opportunity 
for  further  and  greater  Services.  The  Minister  who  should 
have  succeeded  in  the  Lecture,  was  importunate  with  me, 

'  Printed  in  1726. 


SEPTEMBER,     1713  237 

to  take  his  Lecture.  I  did  so;  and  in  a  great  Auditory, 
with  mighty  Assistences  from  above,  I  bore  my  Testi- 
monies for  Piety,  and  made  large  Additions  to  what  I  in- 
tended a  Week  ago,  and  was  heard  with  much  Attention, 
and  I  hope,  with  much  Impression ;  my  Sermon  extended 
unto  about  an  hour  and  three  Quarters,  and  my  Strength 
held  out  unto  the  Last ;  tho'  I  was  tired  with  my  Catechis- 
ing yesterday,  and  had  something  of  my  last  Week's  Dis- 
temper then  also  upon  me.  The  Prayer-hearing  Lord,  in 
a  way  of  sovereign  Grace,  dealt  wonderfully  with  me. 

6.  G.  D.  I  must  renew  my  Enquiry's  into  the  Condi- 
tion of  poor  Prisoners;  It  is  possible  I  may  find  among 
them,  some  Objects  of  Charity,  whom  I  may  releeve  in 
many  Instances. 

7.  G.  D.  I  would  most  accurately  Study  the  Descrip- 
tion of  a  lukewarm  Christian,  and  most  impartially  enquire, 
wherein,  and  how  far,  I  may  myself  answer  the  unhappy 
Character. 

12  d.  7  w.  Satureday.  This  Day  I  sett  apart  for  Prayers 
and  Alms,  with  Fasting  before  the  Lord.  The  Occasions 
were  such  as  I  have  had  heretofore-;  and  so  were  the  Exer- 
cises. I  had  also  an  Eye  to  some  special  Services  that  are 
before  me. 

I.  [September  13.]  G.  D.  One  of  the  best  Things  that 
I  can  do  for  my  Flock  is,  to  give  them  a  Description  of 
lukewarm  Christians,  with  a  Disswasive  unto  them  to  avoid 
the  unhappy  Character.  The  Neighbourhood  is  full  of 
them. 

13  d.  7  m.  Lords  Day.  Having  preached  a  Sermon  as  full 
of  divine  Flame,  as  I  could,  that  I  might  bring  the  Flock 
out  of  the  lukewarm  Frame,  that  so  generally  prevails  upon 
them,  I  carried  them,  as  in  my  Sermon  I  told  them  I  would, 
unto  the  Lord's-Table  for  the  Care  of  it.  Here  in  the 
Prayers  I  proposed  such  Considerations  from  the  object 
before  us,  as  might  quicken  us  to  Rehgion  in  earnest ;  and 


238         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

pleaded  also,  that  the  Death  of  our  Saviour  had  purchased 
for  us  the  Life  of  Piety  in  our  Souls,  and  that  He  lived  as 
the  Prince  of  Life,  to  bestow  it  upon  us.  I  presented  my- 
self with  the  Flock,  as  a  Sacrifice  before  the  Lord,  as  a 
People  willing  to  be  the  Lords ;  entreating,  that  a  Ray  shott 
from  the  glorious  Lord  upon  us,  might  sett  us  on  Fire ;  and 
inflame  our  Hearts  with  a  Love  to  Him,  and  a  Zeal  to  serve 
Him,  that  should  be  a  Fire  with  a  vehement  Flame. 

2.  G.  D.  I  have  now  a  various  Prospect,  for  the 
Improvement  of  my  Son  Increase,  in  a  good  Education, 
and  I  would  prosecute  it  unto  the  uttermost. 

3.  G.  D.  I  have  a  poor  little  Kinsman  under  an  unac- 
countable Malady,  in  much  Danger  of  Death ;  I  must 
endeavour  the  service  and  the  comfort  both  of  the  Child, 
and  of  his  Mother,  as  much  as  I  can. 

16  d.  'J  m.  4.  G.  D.  An  Ordination  is  this  Day  sol- 
emnized in  this  Town,  at  which  a  great  Confluence  of 
People  are  like  to  be  present.  And  I  may  be  called  unto 
some  of  the  pubhc  Actions  in  it,  I  would  make  it  an  Oppor- 
timity  to  declare  such  Things,  as  may  leave  a  manifold 
Impression  [of]  Religion ;  especially,  with  the  Candidates  of 
the  Ministry.' 

5.  G.  D.  Something  must  be  done,  to  prevent  the 
Division  and  Confusion  of  the  Christian  Indians  at  Sand- 
wyche. 

1 7  (/.  7  w.  Thursday.  As  the  Lord  accepted  me  yesterday 
to  glorify  His  Name,  in  a  principal  part  of  the  public  Action, 
that  was  carried  on  with  great  Solemnity,  in  a  very  great 
Auditory,  so  He  this  day,  allowed  me  and  assisted  me,  not- 
withstanding the  weak  State  of  my  Health,  to  Glorify  Him 
in  the  Lecture ;  Three  Lectures  together  have  now  been 
devolved  upon  me ;  and  tho'  I  was  humbled  with  Sickness, 
that  obliged  me  to  some  Abruptness  in  the  first  of  them,  I 

•  Rev.  Joseph  Sewall  was  ordained  colleague  of  Rev.  Ebenezer  Pemberton. 
See  Sewall,  Diary,  11.  397. 


SEPTEMBER,     1713  239 

have  in  the  Rest,  enjoy'd  a  very  sensible  Presence  of  God 
with  me.     What  shall  I  render  to  the  Lord ! 

6.  G.  D.  Some  Servants  of  God  arrived  unto  us  from 
other  parts  of  the  world,  are  in  Circumstances  of  Difficulty, 
which  call  for  my  charitable  Contrivances  and  Assistences 
on  their  behalf. 

7.  G.  D.  My  Skill  and  Care  in  this  Point,  ought  to 
be  improved  into  a  greater  Degree  of  Brightness ;  in  Writ- 
ing of  Letters,  I  would  with  more  ingenuity  contrive,  be 
the  Business  what  it  will,  how  to  bring  in  something  that 
may  glorify  my  dear  Saviour,  and  contribute  unto  the 
grand  Intentions  of  Piety. 

1.  [September  20.]  G.  D.  I  think  to  transfer  my  Cate- 
chising at  which  the  Lads  are  very  numerous,  from  my  own 
House  unto  the  School ;  where  I  may  have  a  greater  Oppor- 
tunity to  edify  others  that  may  be  Spectators.  For  the 
Catechising  of  the  Females,  I  yett  need  further  Direction. 

2.  G.  D.  I  have  a  Prospect  of  a  religious  Family,  of 
a  Merchant  in  good  Business,  to  which  I  apply  myself, 
that  my  Son  Increase  may  be  disposed  there.  But  I  would 
still  ply  him  with  all  possible  Methods  for  a  most  liberal 
Education  in  other  Points;  that  he  may  be  a  man  very 
useful  in  the  World. 

3.  G.  D.  I  have  some  Kindred  at  Mistick,  whom  I 
incline,  as  soon  as  I  can  recover  an  Afternoon  for  that 
purpose,  to  visit  with  Endeavours  to  serve  the  Cause  of 
Piety  among  them. 

4.  G.  D.  The  poor  young  Man,  who  is  to  dy  this 
Week,  I  obtain  from  him  an  Instrument  of  pertinent  and 
penitent  Passages,  which,  I  hope,  will  be  applied  unto  many 
good  Purposes,  when  I  come  to  publish  it. 

(X.)  And  this  is  what  I  purpose  to  do.  For  to  serve 
the  Interests  of  Piety,  with  the  Engines  wherewith  I  am 
furnished,  from  the  Condition  of  the  young  Man,  who  is  con- 
demned to  dy  for  a  Murder,  I  give  to  the  Bookseller,  what 


240         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

I  have  preached  on  his  Occasion  ;  with  some  further  Account 
of  the  young  Man,  and  his  Repentance.  It  is  entituled, 
The  Curbed  Sinner,  A  discourse  upon  the  Gracious  atid 
Wondrous  Restraints,  Laid  by  the  Providence  of  the  glorious 
God,  on  the  sinful  Children  of  men,  to  ivithold  them  from 
Sinning  against  Him.  Occasioned  by  a  Sentence  of  Death, 
passed  on  a  poor  young  man,  for  the  Murder  of  his  Com- 
panion. With  some  Historical  Passages,  referring  to  that 
unhappy  Spectacle.^ 

23  d.  7  m.  Wednesday.  With  a  Mind  full  of  Discourage- 
ments, I  took  a  Chaise,  and  rode  irnto  Dedham,  where,  (as 
it  uses  to  be,  and  after  my  Mind  is  very  much  discouraged) 
I  enjoy'd  a  mighty  Presence  of  the  Lord  with  me,  in  preach- 
ing the  Lecture. 

5.  G.  D.  I  observe  diverse,  especially  Elder,  men  in 
the  Town,  who  have  little  Business  to  do ;  I  would  insinu- 
ate myself  into  their  Conversation  ;  and  project  with  them, 
and  suggest  to  them,  those  Methods,  with  which  they  may 
improve  their  Liesure-time  in  doing  Abundance  of  Good. 
Especially  in  visiting  and  counselling  and  comforting  the 
Afflicted,  and  finding  out  the  Indigent. 

6.  G.  D.  I  must  make  the  poor  Indians  as  well  as  the 
poor  English,  the  Objects  of  my  poor  Dispensations.  I 
hear  of  an  aged  Indian,  thirty  miles  off,  under  Languish- 
ments  nigh  imto  Death,  and  cast  off  by  those  that  should 
have  more  Compassion.  I  would  send,  Releefs  unto  this 
destitute  Creature. 

7.  G.  D.  Whenever  I  do  any  Services  for  the  Lord, 
and  for  His  Kingdome,  tho'  I  am  not  on  such  Occasions 
a  Stranger  to  Thoughts  on  the  Points,  which  render  me 
singularly  unworthy  to  be  honoured  with  being  employed 
in  such  Services,  yett  I  must  grow  more  explicit  in  them, 

'  Printed  by  John  Allen  for  Nicholas  Boone,  1713,  with  a  sermon  by  Benja- 
min Coleman,  and  a  True  Relation  of  the  Murder.  The  Relation  was  probably 
prepared  by  Mather,  and  on  Wallis's  narration. 


SEPTEMBER,     1713  24I 

and  more  effected  with  them.  So  will  sovereign  Grace  be 
glorified ;  and  this  on  continual,  and  observable  Occasions. 
(XI.)  The  Sermon  which  I  preached  at  the  Lecture,  a 
little  above  a  Week  ago,  I  was  much  at  a  Loss  in  my  Mind, 
whether  I  should  preach  it  or  no,  or  what  I  should  preach 
upon,  if  I  did  preach  at  all.  In  the  Night,  while  my  mind 
was  thus  dubious,  I  dream't  that  I  did  preach,  and  I  had 
my  Text  also  assigned  me  in  my  Dream.  I  proceeded,  and 
all  fell  out,  unto  good  Acceptance  among  the  People  of 
God.  Some  of  my  Neighbours  desired  a  copy  of  the  Ser- 
mon, that  they  might  give  it  unto  the  Public.  The  Subject 
is  the  most  important  in  the  World ;  and  the  Sermon  will 
be  an  agreeable  Engine  for  me  to  employ  on  many  Occasions, 
when  Books  of  Piety  are  to  be  dispensed.  So  I  fitt  the 
Discourse  for  the  Press;  and  give  it  unto  the  Bookseller, 
under  this  Title.  What  should  be  most  of  all  thought 
UPON.  A  brief  Essay  to  awaken  in  a  Dying  Man  {that  is 
to  say,  in  every  Man,)  a  proper  and  lively  Concern  for,  A 
Good  State  after  Death.  With  some  Direction,  how  the  Good 
State  is  to  be  obtained  and  Ensured.^ 

1.  [September  27.]  G.  D.  Why  should  not  the  Ring- 
ing of  the  Bell,  on  the  Lords-Dayes,  ever  awaken  in  me 
some  suitable  Upliftings  of  Soul  unto  the  Lord,  on  the 
behalf  of  the  Flock,  which  the  Bell  thus  calls  together! 

2.  G.  D.  Great  Reason  have  I  to  suspect,  that  I  shall 
by  Death  be  taken  from  a  large,  and  a  poor  Family ;  and 
that  I  may  leave  a  numerous  Family  to  conflict  with  many 
Difficulties,  in  a  barbarous  Neighbourhood.  I  ought  with 
all  possible  Prudence  and  Vigour,  to  take  my  Measures 
accordingly :  To  treat  my  children  every  Day,  as  one 
quickly  going  from  them ;  To  bring  them  into  such  Methods 
of  Piety,  from  that  Consideration,  that  they  may  be  sure, 
God  will  be  their  Father;  To  cultivate  such  Points  of 
Education  in  them,  as  may  enable  them  to  subsist  them- 

*  Printed  by  T.  Green,  for  D.  Henchman,  1713. 
n'i6 


242         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

selves ;   and  to  bespeak  such  Friends  for  them,  as  may  do 
friendly  Ofi&ces  for  them,  when  I  shall  be  gone  from  them. 

3.  G.  D.  I  have  a  Sister,  in  many  other  Afflictions, 
and  in  Hazard  of  losing  her  Sight.  Her  Condition  calls 
for  my  Compassions  and  Assistences,  in  all  the  Wayes  that 
I  can  think  of. 

4.  G.  D.  I  am  informed,  that  the  Minds  and  Manners 
of  many  People  about  the  Countrey  are  much  corrupted, 
by  foolish  Songs  and  Ballads,  which  the  Hawkers  and  Ped- 
lars carry  into  all  parts  of  the  Countrey.  By  way  of  Anti- 
dote, I  would  procure  poetical  Composures  full  of  Piety, 
and  such  as  may  have  a  Tendency  to  advance  Truth  and 
Goodness,  to  be  published,  and  scattered  into  all  Corners 
of  the  Land.  There  may  be  an  Extract  of  some,  from  the 
excellent  Watts^s  Hymns. 

5.  G.  D.  An  aged  and  a  pious  Matron,  the  First-born 
of  this  Town,  died  yesterday.^  It  may  glorify  God,  and 
promote  Godliness,  if  I  this  Day  in  the  Lecture,  preach  a 
Funeral-sermon  for  her ;  it  may  putt  many  women  upon 
the  Exercise  of  all  Goodness. 

6.  G.  D.  A  Wretched  man,  who  is  a  Justice  of  Peace 
lives  in  detestable  Adulteries.  I  would  write  unto  him, 
a  solemn  Letter,  and  by  such  Faithfulness  endeavour  his 
Recovery. 

7.  G.  D.  In  reading  over  Dr.  Calamies  Accounts  of 
the  BartholomcBan  Sufferers,  I  hope  to  make  sensible  Im- 
provements in  Piety ;  And  especially  in  those  two  Points ; 
First,  much  Industry  in  the  Business,  of  my  great  Master ; 

*  Mary,  daughter  of  Rev.  John  Wilson,  was  born  September,  1633.  She 
married  November  5,  1651,  for  her  first  husband  Rev.  Samuel  Danforth,  who 
died  in  1674;  and  for  her  second,  Joseph  Rock,  whose  first  wife  was  Elizabeth, 
daughter  of  John  Coggan.  In  a  sermon  delivered  uf)on  her  death  Mather  says: 
"one  of  the  First-born,  if  not  the  Very  First  of  her  Sex  that  was  born  in  this 
famous  Metropolis  of  the  English-America :  and  who  deserves  to  be  honourably 
mentioned  as  long  as  Boston  shall  endure,  which,  I  hope,  will  be  unto  the  Second 
Coming  of  our  Saviour."  She  died  September  30.  The  text  of  the  sermon  is 
given  on  p.  288,  infra. 


OCTOBER,     1713  243 

Secondly,  much  Reliance  on  the  Providence  of  the  glorious 
One,  to  have  my  Family  well  provided  for.  Moreover, 
many  historical  Passages  will  be  of  great  Benefit  unto  me, 
in  my  Endeavours  after  a  fruitful  and  useful  Conversation. 

1.  [October  4.]  G.  D.  Some  very  remarkable  Deliver- 
ances at  Sea,  have  been  lately  granted  unto  some  in  this 
Place;  May  not  I  do  well  to  collect  and  publish  them; 
and  from  thence  also  take  Occasion  to  address  the  Sea- 
faring Part  of  my  Auditory,  with  new  Admonitions,  to 
make  a  right  Use  of  the  divine  Dealings  with  them  ? 

2.  G.  D.  I  am  now  proceeding  in  the  Choice  of  Patrons 
for  my  Children,  to  treat  each  of  them  with  a  particular 
Tenderness ;  especially,  which  I  leave  them  Orphans. 

3.  G.  D.  The  Departure  of  that  aged  and  pious 
Matron,  who  was  buried  the  last  week,  affords  me  an  Oppor- 
tunity to  discourse  with  my  Mother,  upon  her  prseparations. 

4.  G.  D.  I  would  with  mature  Advice,  prevail  on  our 
Booksellers,  to  become  furnished  from  England,  with  cer- 
tain Books,  that  our  Candidates  of  the  Ministry  ought  in 
the  first  place,  to  be  supplied  withal.  And  then  see  that 
the  said  Candidates  do  therewith  supply  themselves.  This 
may  prove  a  Service  of  no  little  Consequence. 

Especially  Ravanellus,  Turretin.  Ushers  Body  of  Divin- 
ity. Alstedii  Turris  David,  Edward's  preacher  And,  Theo- 
logia  Reformata.^ 

5.  G.  D.  There  are  some  wealthy  Persons,  who  have  no 
Children ;  and  by  consequence  are  capable  of  doing  much 
good  with  their  Estates.  I  would  address  Letters  to  them, 
with  as  much  Artifice  and  Insinuation  as  I  can,  to  obtain 
from  them,  all  the  Good  that  they  can  be  mov'd  unto. 

'  These  names  are  written  in  the  margin. 

Three  generations  of  Turretini  wrote  upon  theology  as  then  understood — • 
Benedict  (1588-1631),  Francois  (1623-1687),  and  Jean  Alphonse  (1671-1737). 
Ussher's  "Body  of  Divinitie"  first  appeared  in  1645;  Johann  Heinrich  Alsted 
(1588-1638)  wrote  much  on  divinity,  and  always  in  Latin,  long  holding  a  favored 
place  among  the  educated.  His  Turris  Babel  Deslruda,  1639,  may  have  been  the 
book  intended  by  Mather  in  this  entry. 


244         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

6.  G.  D.  A  poor  Man  who  has  liv'd  in  credible  Cir- 
cumstances, but  fallen  into  Decay,  putt  himself  into  a 
Red-Coat,  that  he  might  receive  the  Kindnesses  of  the 
Governour  at  N.  York,  who  advised  him  to  it.  But  missing 
what  he  Expected,  he  elopes  to  N.  E.  Where  our  Gover- 
nour at  the  desire  of  him  at  N.  York  takes  him  up,  and 
keeps  in  prison,  to  send  him  home.  Here,  his  ungodly 
mind  has  been  so  enraged  at  his  Evil  circumstances,  that 
with  all  his  force  and  fury,  he  stab'd  at  his  Heart  with  a 
Pen-knife.  God  strangely  prevented  the  Wound's  proving 
mortal.  He  is  very  poenitent,  and  in  wonderful  Distress. 
Tis  possible  he  may  be  brought  home  to  God,  on  this  woful 
Occasion.  However,  I  write  as  nice  Letters  as  I  can,  unto 
the  Governours  both  of  N.  E.  and  of  N.  York,  to  obtain 
favour  of  him ;  and  his  Rescue  from  the  Circumstances, 
that  procure  him  his  Temptations. 

(XII.)  That  I  might  serve  the  Interests  of  Piety,  and 
do  Justice  to  the  Memory  of  a  religious  Matron,  and  pro- 
voke the  Imitation  of  her  Piety,  I  now  fitted  for  the  Press, 
a  sermon,  I  lately  preached  at  the  Lecture.  It  is  entituled. 
Nepenthes  Evangelicum.  A  brief  Essay,  upon  a  soul  at 
Ease,  in  what  Piety  mil  bring  both  Parents  and  Children  to. 
A  Sermon  occasioned  by  the  Death  of  a  Religious  Matron,  Mrs. 
Mary  Rock;  who  having  Entred  the  Eighty  first  year  of  her 
Age,  withdrew  from  us;  jo  d.  y  m.  1713.^ 

7.  G.  D.  It  is  time  for  me  to  enquire  into  the  Errors, 
that  may  attend  the  Dayes  of  Prayer,  I  keep  from  time  to 
time  in  the  Religion  of  the  Closett. 

I  must  not  leave  too  much  of  my  Study  for  my  Sermons, 
to  be  prosecuted  on  these  Dayes ;  whereby  my  Application 
to  the  more  special  Work  of  the  Dayes  has  been  sometimes 
too  much  interrupted. 

I  must  more  particularly  consider  the  more  enormous 
Transgressions  of  my  Life,  and  renew  my  Repentance  for 

'  See  p.  242,  supra. 


OCTOBER,     1713  245 

those  Enormities;    remember  against  myself  my  former 
Iniquities. 

I  must  conclude  the  Services,  with  more  explicit,  new 
and  strong  Resolutions,  for  a  Walk  with  God. 

10  d.  8  m.  [October.]  Satureday.  This  Day  I  sett  apart 
for  Prayer  with  Fasting,  as  has  been  usual  with  me.  The 
Occasions  were  the  same,  that  I  have  of  late  had  for  my 
former  Dayes ;  The  Experiences  also  much  the  same. 

1.  [October  11.]  G.  D.  I  would  again  look  into  Greg- 
ories  Pastoralis  Cura,  and  consider  the  several  Classes  of 
people  in  a  Flock,  by  him  enumerated;  and  how  each  of 
them  are  to  be  admonished.  And  I  would  endeavour  as 
great  a  Variety  of  both  public  and  private  Admonitions, 
unto  the  various  People  of  my  Neighbourhood. 

II  d.  Sm.  Lords-day.  My  Father's  Illness,  cast  upon 
me  the  Administration  of  the  Eucharist.  At  which  my 
main  Endeavour  was,  to  obtain  a  Deliverance  from  the 
chief  Trouble  and  Sorrow  of  a  dying  Hour,  which  lies  in 
the  Pains  of  Hell  then  getting  hold  on  the  Sinner ;  and  this 
I  did,  especially  by  pleading  of  this,  that  our  Great  Saviour 
had  suffered  these  on  our  behalf. 

2.  G.  D.  May  not  I  humbly  plead  it  with  the  glorious 
Lord,  on  the  behalf  of  my  poor  Children,  and  for  their 
being  well-provided  for,  when  I  am  dead  and  gone ;  that 
the  considerable  Interest,  (by  this  Time,  it  would  have 
been  many  hundreds  of  Pounds,)  which  I  should  have  laid 
up  for  them,  has  been  employ'd  in  their  Subsistence  and 
Education,  when  I  might  have  justly  expected  the  Supplies 
for  that,  from  the  Flock ;  but  have  waved  that  Expectation, 
that  so  I  might  not  be  burdensome  to  them,  or  hinder  the 
Success  of  my  Ministry!  There  is  not  the  Least  of  Merit 
in  this  my  Self-Denial ;  But  yett,  may  it  not  encourage 
me  to  hope,  that  the  gracious  Lord  will  retaliate  this  unto 
my  Children? 

12  d.  8  m.     This  Day,  in  Ships  arriving  from  London,  I 


246         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

receive  Letters  from  the  Secretary  of  the  Royal  Society, 
who  tells  me,  that  my  Curiosa  Americana  being  readd  before 
that  Society,  they  were  greatly  satisfied  therewithal,  and 
ordered  the  Thanks  of  the  Society  to  be  returned  unto  me ; 
they  also  signified  their  Desire  and  Purpose,  to  admitt  me 
as  a  Member  of  their  Body.  And,  he  assures  me,  that 
at  their  first  lawful  Meeting  for  such  Purposes,  I  shall 
be  made,  A  Fellow  or  the  Royal  Society;  Whereof 
he  Expects  then  to  send  me  the  Advice,  and  some  other 
Entertainments.  1 

This  is  a  marvellous  Favour  of  Heaven  to  me ;  A  sur- 
prising Favour;  One  that  will  much  encourage  me,  and 
fortify  me,  in  my  Essayes  to  do  Good ;  and  add  unto  the 
superiour  Circumstances,  wherein  my  gracious  Lord  places 
me  above  the  Contempt  on  [of]  envious  Men.  Oh!  what 
shall  I  render  to  the  Lord?  I  entertain  these  things,  pros- 
trate in  the  Dust  before  the  Lord,  with  all  humble  self- 
Abhorrence,  and  cry  from  thence  unto  Him,  that  He  would 
enable  me  to  make  a  due  Improvement  of  the  Things  in 
which  He  smiles  upon  me;  and  hereby  quicken  my  Dili- 
gence in  His  Holy  Service. 

3.  G.  D.  Still  my  Concern  is  for  my  aged  Parents; 
Inventing  all  possible  Wayes,  to  make  them  comfortable. 
And  unto  some  of  my  Relatives  that  are  at  this  time  sojourn- 
ing in  my  Neighbourhood,  I  would  give  some  agreeable 
Books  of   Piety. 

13  (i.  8  w.  This  Day  an  Ordination  was  carried  on  at 
Charlestown :  and  thro'  the  Favour  of  God,  so  carried  on, 
as  to  testify  His  presence  among  us,  and  exhibit  something 
of  His  Glory,  and  as  honourable  Solemnity  in  the  Order  of 

*  The  doubts,  which  have  surrounded  the  election  of  Mather  to  the  Royal 
Society,  have  been  solved  by  Sir  Arthur  Herbert  Church,  who  finds  that  he  was 
elected  F.  R.  S.  on  April  11,  1723.  He  had  been  proposed  for  membership 
some  years  before,  and  this  entry  in  the  Diary  probably  fixes  the  time  of  the 
first  submission  of  his  name.  He  certainly  used  the  usual  letters  of  a  member 
before  his  election  was  actually  held. 


OCTOBER,     1713  247 

our  Churches.  But,  by  the  Singular  Providence  of  the 
Lord,  a  great  part  of  the  work  was  devolved  on  the  un- 
worthiest  Person  in  the  Great  Assembly.  I  made  the 
Prayer  before  the  Sermon ;  and  I  gave  the  Fellowship  of 
our  Churches,  in  a  large  Speech,  wherein  I  enjoy'd  the 
signal  Assistences  of  God.' 

4.  G.  D.  I  would  consider,  what  Subjects  in  Philos- 
ophy may  peculiarly  need  cultivation,  and  I  would  improve 
my  Correspondence  with  the  Secretary  of  the  Royal  Society, 
to  sett  afoot  among  the  Members  thereof,  such  Studies  as 
may  be  for  general  Benefit,  and  have  hitherto  been  but 
little  prosecuted. 

5.  G.  D.  I  would  send  a  Copy  of  my,  Goliathus  detrun- 
catus,  unto  Cmnbridge,  to  be  perused  by  the  principal  Mem- 
bers of  the  Colledge  there ;  supposing  it  may  be  seasonable 
to  fortify  them  with  such  Things  against  the  Error  of  the 
wicked.  I  would  also  send  thither,  to  be  read,  the  Books 
of  my  Friend  Mr.  Jameson,  etc.  against  Episcopacy. 

6.  G.  D.  An  aged  Gentlewoman,  whose  Milk  I  suck'd, 
when  I  was  an  Infant,  is  now  in  another  Town,  lying  a  poor 
Clinic  under  a  Palsey,  and  in  indigent  Circumstances.  I 
must  send  Releefs  unto  her.^ 

7.  G.  D.  The  Maxims  of  the  Kingdome  of  God,  which 
I  have  studied,  and  praepared,  and  published,  I  would  suc- 
cessively take  each  of  them,  into  yett  a  more  solemn  and 
thorough  Consideration,  and  so  study  them,  as  to  have 
my  Heart  and  Life  exceedingly  conformed  unto  them,  and 
to  render  it  evident  that  they  are  the  Maxims  of  my  whole 
Conduct  in  the  World.     I  would  propose  hereby,  not  only 

*  Rev.  Joseph  Stevens,  who  was  ordained  as  colleague  of  Rev.  Simon  Brad- 
street.  Sewall  describes  Mather's  speech  as  "august,  shewing  that  the  Congre- 
gational Churches  early  declar'd  against  Independency,  that  all  the  Reformation 
of  the  Continent  of  Europe  ordain'd  as  New  England  did;  shew'd  that  their 
Ordination  had  no  other  Foundation.  Declared  what  was  expected  of  the  Or- 
dained person,  what  of  the  church,  and  then  gave  the  Right  Hand  of  Fellowship." 
Diary,  n.  402. 

*  Probably  Mrs.  Gale.     See  p.  160,  supra. 


248         DIARY. OF  COTTON  MATHER 

to  assure  my  part  in  the  Kingdome  of  God,  but  also  to  be 
a  more  qualified  Instrument  from  the  advancing  of  it. 

1.  [October  18.]  G.  D.  The  Measles  coming  into  the 
Town,  it  is  likely  to  be  a  Time  of  Sickness,  and  much  Trouble 
in  the  Families  of  the  Neighbourhood.  I  would  by  my 
public  Sermons  and  Prayers,  endeavour  to  prepare  the 
Neighbours  for  the  Trouble  which  their  Families  are  likely 
to  meet  withal. ^ 

2.  G.  D.  The  Apprehension  of  a  very  deep  Share,  that 
my  Family  may  expect  in  the  common  Calamity  of  the 
spreading  Measles,  will  oblige  me  to  be  much  in  pleading 
the  Great  Family-Sacrifice,  that  so  the  Wrath  of  Heaven 
may  inflict  no  sad  Thing  on  my  Family;  and  to  quicken 
and  augment  the  Expressions  of  Piety,  in  the  daily  Sacri- 
fices of  my  Family;  and  to  lay  hold  on  the  Occasion  to 
awaken  Piety,  and  Preparation  for  Death,  in  the  Souls  of 
the  children. 

3.  G.  D.  I  am  now  furnished  with  Opportunities, 
which  I  would  make  use  of,  to  convey  Books  of  Piety,  in 
discharge  of  my  Duty,  to  Relatives,  whom  I  have  never 
seen,  in  Connedicot. 

4.  G.  D.  The  Island  of  Nantucket  greatly  wants,  to 
have  a  Minister  afforded  unto  it ;  and  I  would  Employ 
my  best  Enquiries  and  Endeavours,  that  this  want  may 
be  supplied. 2 

5.  G.  D.  There  are  several  fresh  Occasions,  for  ser- 
vice to  be  done  unto  the  Interests  of  Religion  among  our 
Indians ;  which  I  am  to  prosecute  among  the  Commissioners, 

6.  G.  D.  A  decay 'd  Gentleman  of  Youghal  in  Ireland, 
is  here ;  to  whom  I  am  to  dispense  many  Kindnesses :  and 
make  some  Disbursements  for  him. 

*  See  Sibley,  Harvard  Graduates,  in.  113,  for  a  printed  letter  on  the  measles, 
attributed  to  Mather.     Also  pp.  252,  272,  infra. 

'  Of  the  early  history  of  the  Congregational  Church  in  Nantucket  little  or 
nothing  is  known.  About  1711  a  church  was  gathered,  and  presumably  under 
one  of  the  Mayhews. 


OCTOBER,     1713  249 

7.  G.  D.  For  my  more  effectual  Supply  with  good 
Thoughts  and  that  my  Mind  may  not  ly  fallow  as  I  am 
walking  the  Streets,  or  in  the  Intervals  of  Business,  I  would 
have  the  Sceletons  of  Sermons  on  several  Subjects,  prae- 
pared,  with  Blanks  left  for  good  Thoughts  to  be  entred 
thereupon,  and  have  my  Mind  applied  this  Way,  when  I 
have  nothing  more  suitable  to  think  upon. 

On  the  iS  d.  8  m.  a  week  ago,  my  Son  Increase  fell  sick ; 
about  the  Middle  of  the  Week,  the  sickness  appeared  to  be 
Measles.  God  graciously  carries  him  thro'  a  gentle  Visita- 
tion.    But  now,  what  Uneasiness  is  my  Family  to  look  for  ? 

1.  [October  25.]  G.  D.  The  grievous  Unsuccessfulness 
of  my  Ministry,  ought  to  be  unto  me,  the  most  pungent 
Matter  of  Grief  in  the  World.  It  should  be  with  me,  a 
Matter  of  more  Concern,  more  Study,  more  Prayer,  and 
very  deep  Abasement  of  Soul  before  the  Lord.  I  ought  to 
be  more  concerned  about  it,  more  affected  with  it ;  and 
to  do  more  that  I  may  find  out  the  Cause  of  it,  and  if  it 
be  possible  obtain  the  Removal  of  it,  and  a  greater  Success 
of  the  Gospel  in  my  Neighbourhood. 

2.  G.  D.  The  spreading  Malady  of  the  Measles,  which 
to  many  proves  a  Grievous  one,  having  entred  my  Family, 
I  must  in  my  Family-Sacrifices  have  an  Eye  to  the  Condi- 
tion of  my  Family. 

I  must  quicken  the  praeparation  of  my  Domesticks,  for 
the  unknown  Issue  of  their  Calamity. 

And  now,  my  Son  Increase  is  on  his  Recovery,  I  must 
oblige  him  unto  it,  as  his  first  Work,  to  draw  up  in  writing, 
some  special  Resolutions,  for  the  future  Conduct  of  his  Life. 

3.  G.  D.  I  have  some  Relatives  at  Medford,  especially 
one  Kinswoman  languishing  under  incurable  Sickness.  If 
I  can  accomplish  it,  I  would  give  them  a  Visit ;  and  instruct 
them,  and  comfort  them,  and  pray  with  them. 

My  desireable  Daughter  Nibby,  is  now  lying  very  sick 
of  the  Measles. 


250         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

4.  G.  D.  Since  a  very  sensible  Calamity  is  begun  upon 
the  Town,  and  such  as  wiU  not  be  without  some  Degree  of 
MortaHty,  I  may  do  well  to  glorify  my  Saviour,  with  a 
Discourse  at  the  Lecture,  on  the  Methods  of  consulting 
the  Safety  and  Welfare  of  our  Families,  by  getting  the 
Blood  of  the  Great  Passeover  sprinkled  on  our  Houses. 

5.  G.  D.  The  Time  of  the  year  arrives  for  me,  in  my 
prayers,  at  the  Lecture  as  well  as  on  the  Lord's-day,  to 
animate  the  Charity  of  the  good  People  in  the  Towti,  and 
their  Compassion  to  the  Poor  for  their  DiflSculties  in  the 
approaching  Winter. 

6.  G.  D.  The  Spreading  of  the  Measles  in  the  Town, 
which  will  prove  an  heavy  Calamity,  and  is  much  worse 
to  us  Americans  than  it  is  in  Europe,  it  adds  exceedingly 
to  the  Difficulties  of  the  Famihes,  where  they  conflict  with 
Poverty.  I  must  have  my  Eye  much  upon  these  miserable 
Families,  and  do  my  best,  that  they  may  be  provided  for. 

30  d.  8  m.  Friday.  This  Day,  my  Consort,  for  whom  I 
was  in  much  Distress,  lest  she  should  be  arrested  vAih  the 
Measles  which  have  proved  fatal  to  Women  that  were  with 
child,  after  too  diligent  an  Attendence  on  her  sick  Family, 
was  no  doubt  something  before  her  Time,  surprized  with 
her  Travail ;  But  God  favored  her  with  a  very  easy  Time ; 
and  about  the  middle  of  the  Afternoon  graciously  delivered 
her,  of  both  a  Son  and  a  Daughter ;  perfect  and  likely  chil- 
dren, wherein  I  receive  numberless  Favours  of  God.^ 

My  dear  Katy,  is  now  also  dowTi  with  the  Measles;  in 
somewhat  more  favorable  Circumstances,  than  those  that 
have  gone  before  her. 

7.  G.  D.  The  Glorious  God,  in  the  surprising  Increase 
of  my  Family,  rebukes  my  sinful  Fears  of  having  them  all 
well-provided  for.    Thro'  the  Assistence  of  His  Grace,  I 

'  Mather  had  a  taste  for  the  unusual.  Only  a  fortnight  before  he  had  piloted 
Sewall  to  see  a  "portentous  birth"  of  twins,  at  the  North  End  in  Prince  Street. 
Sewall,  Diary,  11.  403. 


NOVEMBER,     1713  251 

find  those  Fears  gloriously  vanish,  as  my  Family  increases, 
I  find  my  soul  rejoicing  in  the  View  of  my  having  in  my 
Family,  more  Servants  born  unto  my  Saviour.  And  I 
triumph  in  an  Assurance,  that  his  fatherly  Providence  will 
take  a  marvellous  Care  of  them.  I  must  watch  against 
the  least  Motions  or  Tendencies  of  Unbeleef. 

1.  [November  i.]  G.  D.  There  are  People  in  my  Flock, 
who  have  arrived  unto  a  considerable  Age,  and  are  of  good 
Esteem  for  their  Piety.  And  yett  these  People,  never  have 
come  to  the  Table  of  the  Lord.  Nay,  some  of  them  are 
not  baptised  unto  this  Day.  In  public  Sermons,  about  the 
Things,  which  it  will  trouble  one  in  a  dying  Hour,  to  have 
left  undone,  I  would  bestow  some  terrible  Awakenings,  on 
these  dilatory  Christians. 

1  d.  g  m.  [November.]  Lords  Day.  This  Day,  I  baptised 
my  new-born  Twins ;  and  first  secretly,  then  publickly, 
gave  them  up  unto  the  Lord,  and  laid  hold  on  His  gracious 
Covenant  for  them.  My  Wife's  vertuous  Mother  having 
worn  the  Name  of  Martha,  the  Relatives  were  fond  of 
having  the  Daughter  called  so ;  which  name  also  signifying, 
Doctrix;  may  the  better  suit  (as  my  Father  said)  a  Doctor's 
Daughter.  I  then  thought,  who  was  Martha's  Brother; 
and  that  Eleazar  was  the  same  with  Lazarus;  and  a  priestly 
Name ;  and  the  Child  must  be  led  to  look  for  the  Help  of 
God,  which  is  in  the  Signification  of  the  Name.  I  had  also 
an  excellent  Uncle  of  that  Name.'  So  I  called  them, 
Eleazar  and  Martha.^ 

2.  G.  D.  I  will  now  teach  my  Son  Increase,  (and  others 
of  my  Children,)  the  way  of  raising  a  Lesson  out  of  every 
Verse,  in  his  Reading  of  the  Bible ;  and  of  turning  it  into 
a  Prayer;  and  engage  him  (and  them)  unto  a  daily  Course 
of  Reading  the  Bible  in  such  a  Way. 

1  Born  in  Dorchester,  Mass.,  1637,  and  died  at  Northampton,  1669.  He 
married  Esther,  daughter  of  Rev.  John  Warham.  He  also  kept  a  diary,  from 
which  his  nephew  makes  an  extract,  in  the  Magnalia,  Book  in.  131. 

'  Both  died  in  November.     They  were  the  last  born  of  Mather's  children. 


252  DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

3.  G.  D.  The  Languishments  of  my  Parent  supply  me 
with  fresh  Occasions  to  serve  him,  and  help  him,  and  study 
Wayes  of  making  his  Condition  easy  to  him. 

4.  G.  D.  I  would  consider,  whether  I  may  not  do  well, 
to  print  a  little  Sheet,  of  Advice  for  sick  persons,  and 
Houses,  and  lodge  it  in  the  sick  Families,  as  the  Malady 
spreads,  which  is  now  likely  to  prove  so  grievous  unto  the 
Town.     I  am  afraid,  whether  I  shall  gett  Time,  or  no. 

In  my  poor  Family,  now,  first,  my  Wife  has  the  Measles 
appearing  on  her ;  we  know  not  yett  how  she  will  be  handled. 

My  Daughter  Nancy  is  also  full  of  them ;  not  in  such 
uneasy  Circumstances  as  her  praedecessors. 

ISIy  Daughter  Lizzy,  is  likewise  full  of  them ;  yett  some- 
what easily  circumstanced. 

My  Daughter  Jerusha,  droops  and  seems  to  have  them 
appearing. 

My  Servant-maid,  lies  very  full  and  ill  of  them. 

Help  Lord ;  and  look  mercifully  on  my  poor,  sad,  sinful 
Family,  for  the  Sake  of  the  Great  Sacrifice ! 

5.  G.  D.  The  Corporation  in  London,^  having  refused 
to  dismiss  me,  (as  I  desired,)  from  sitting  with  the  Com- 
missioners for  the  Evangelical  Affaires  among  the  Indians, 
I  would  more  than  ever  sett  myself  to  serve  them.  And  I 
would  now  particularly,  write  unto  one  who  is  very  capable 
of  doing  it,  that  he  would  project  and  offer  a  Plan,  to  be 
prosecuted,  for  a  good  Settlement  of  Things  at  Natick. 

My  little  Son  Samuel  is  now  full  of  the  Measles. 

*  That  is,  the  Society  for  working  among  the  Indians  in  New  England,  or 
that  for  the  Propagation  of  the  Gospel  in  Foreign  Parts.  In  a  privately  printed 
volume,  prepared  by  the  existing  New  England  Company,  which  holds  the  records 
of  the  earlier  company  for  missionary  work  among  the  Indians,  will  be  found 
some  interesting  letters  written  by  Mather  and  others  on  its  operations.  It  is 
entitled:  Some  Correspondence  between  the  Governors  and  Treasurers  of  the  New 
England  Company  in  London  and  the  Commissioners  of  the  United  Colonies  in 
America  .  .  .  1657-1712.  Mather  in  his  references  is  not  very  clear  as  to  the 
particular  society  intended,  but  the  Society  for  the  Propagation  of  the  Gospel  in 
Foreign  Parts  was  an  agency  of  the  Church  of  England,  to  which  Mather,  of 
course,  could  never  have  belonged  in  any  capacity.     See  p.  327,  infra. 


NOVEMBER,     1713  253 

6.  G.  D.  An  aged  Man  in  my  neighbourhood,  letts 
me  know  that  he  wants  a  Garment  for  the  Winter.  I 
must  provide  him  one. 

7.  G.  D.  Those  Words  of  my  Saviour  do  much  run 
in  my  mind ;  The  Cup  which  my  Father  gives  me,  shall  not 
I  drink  it?  I  would  endeavour  all  possible  Imitation  of 
such  a  patient  Submission  unto  the  Will  of  God,  in  the 
Difficulties  which  are  at  this  Time  exercising  of  my  Family. 
But  then  I  would  in  my  most  serious  Meditations  extend 
this  Piety  much  further  than  so.  I  would  sett  myself, 
(and  sett  apart  a  due  Portion  of  Time  for  it,)  seriously  to 
consider,  on  every  Cup,  that  I  may  suppose  possible  to 
be  given  me ;  and  on  each  Cup,  I  would  very  distinctly 
consider  the  divine  Principles  which  ought  to  produce  my 
Submission  to  it,  and  I  would  humbly  and  with  all  possible 
Resignation  express  my  Submission  accordingly. 

J  d.  gm.  I  sett  apart  this  Day,  as  I  had  much  Cause, 
and  it  was  high  Time,  to  do,  for  Prayer  with  Fasting  before 
the  Lord.  Not  only  are  my  Children,  with  a  Servant, 
lying  sick,  but  also  my  Consort  is  in  a  dangerous  Condi- 
tion, and  can  gett  no  Rest ;  Either  Death,  or  Distraction, 
is  much  feared  for  her.  It  is  also  an  Hour  of  much  Distress 
in  my  Neighbourhood.  So,  I  humbled  myself  before  the 
Lord,  for  my  own  Sins,  and  the  Sins  of  my  Family ;  and  I 
presented  before  Him  the  great  Sacrifice  of  my  Saviour, 
that  His  wrath  may  be  turned  away  from  me,  and  from 
my  Family;  and  that  the  Destroyer  might  not  have  a 
Commission  to  inflict  any  deadly  Stroke  upon  us. 

I.  [November  8.]  G.  D.  The  most  seasonable  Instruc- 
tion I  can  give  unto  the  Flock,  at  this  Time  of  uncommon 
Affliction,  will  be,  in  a  Discourse,  upon  a  patient  Submis- 
sion to  whatever  Cup,  our  heavenly  Father  shall  order  for  us. 

8  d.  gm.  Lord's-Day.  My  Errand  unto  the  Table  of  the 
Lord,  was  to  obtain  a  Pardon,  for  whatever  Sin,  might 
embitter  whatever  Cup  shall  be  ordered  for  me;    that  it 


254         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

may  come  from  a  reconciled  Father;  and  to  obtain  the 
Grace  to  take  in  a  suitable,  and  submissive  Manner,  every 
Cup  that  my  Father  shall  please  to  give  me. 

This  Day,  I  entertained  my  Neighbourhood,  with  a 
Discourse,  on  Joh.  xviii.  ii.  The  Cup  which  my  Father 
has  given  me  shall  not  I  drink  it?  And,  lo,  this  Day,  my 
Father  is  giving  me  a  grievous  and  bitter  Cup,  which  I 
hop'd,  had  pass'd  from  me. 

For  these  many  Months,  and  ever  since  I  heard  of  the 
venemous  Measles  invading  the  Countrey  sixty  Miles  to 
the  Southward  of  us,  I  have  had  a  strong  Distress  on  my 
Mind,  that  it  will  bring  on  my  poor  Family,  a  Calamity, 
which  is  now  going  to  be  inflicted.  I  have  often,  often 
express'd  my  Fear  unto  my  Friends  concerning  it.  And 
now,  the  Thing  that  I  greatly  feared  is  coming  upon  me! 

When  I  saw  my  Consort  safely  delivered,  and  very 
easy,  and  the  Measles  appearing  with  favourable  Symp- 
tomes  upon  her,  and  the  Physician  her  Brother'  appre- 
hending all  to  look  very  comfortably,  I  flattered  myself, 
that  my  Fear  was  all  over. 

But  this  Day  we  are  astonished,  at  the  surprising  Symp- 
tomes  of  Death  upon  her ;  after  an  extreme  Want  of  Rest 
by  Sleep,  for  diverse  whole  Dayes  and  Nights  together. 

To  part  with  so  desireable,  so  agreeable  a  Companion, 
a  Dove  from  such  a  Nest  of  young  ones  too !  Oh !  the  sad 
Cup,  which  my  Father  has  appointed  me!  I  now  see  the 
Meaning  and  the  Reason  of  it,  that  I  have  never  yett  been 
able  to  make  any  Work  of  it,  in  Prayers  and  Cries  to  God, 
that  such  a  Cup  as  this  might  pass  from  me.  My  SuppU- 
cations  have  all  along  had,  a  most  unaccountable  Death 
and  Damp  upon  them ! 

Tho'  my  dear  Consort,  had  been  so  long  without  Sleep, 
yett  she  retain'd  her  Understanding. 

I  had  and  us'd  my  Opportunities  as  well  as  I  could, 

'  Dr.  John  Clark,  prominent  as  a  politician  as  well  as  a  physician. 


NOVEMBER,     1713  255 

continually  to  be  assisting  her,  with  Discourses  that  might 
support  her  in  this  Time,  and  praepare  her  for  what  was 
now  before  us. 

It  comforted  her  to  see  that  her  children  in  law  were 
as  fond  of  her,  as  her  own  could  be !  ^ 

God  made  her  willing  to  Dy.  God  extinguished  in  her 
the  Fear  of  Death.  God  enabled  her  to  committ  herself 
into  the  Hands  of  a  great  and  good  Saviour;  yea,  and  to 
cast  her  Orphans  there  too,  and  to  beleeve  that  He  had 
merciful  and  wonderful  Things  to  do  for  them. 

I  pray'd  with  her  many  Times,  and  left  nothing  undone, 
that  I  could  find  myself  able  to  do  for  her  Consolation. 

On  Munday,  g  d.  g  m.  between  three  and  four  in  the 
Afternoon,  my  dear,  dear,  dear  Friend  expired. 

Whereupon,  with  another  Prayer  in  the  melancholy 
Chamber,  I  endeavoured  the  Resignation  to  which  I  am 
now  called,  and  cried  to  Heaven  for  the  Grace  that  might 
be  suitable  to  the  calamitous  Occasion,  and  carried  my 
poor  Orphans  unto  the  Lord. 

It  comforts  me  to  see  how  extremely  Beloved,  and 
lamented  a  Gentlewoman,  I  now  find  her  to  be  in  the 
Neighbourhood. 

Much  weakness  continues  on  some  of  my  other  Chil- 
dren.   Especially  the  Eldest.    And  the  poor  Maid  in  the. 
Family,  is  very  like  to  dy. 

2.  G.  D.  Oh!  the  Prayers  for  my  poor  Children,  oh! 
the  Counsils  to  them,  now  called  for! 

The  particular  Scriptures,  I  shall  direct  them  to  read! 
And  the  Sentences  thereof  to  be  gotten  by  heart. 

3.  G.  D.  My  Relatives,  especially  those  of  my  deceased 
Consort,  I  will  entertain  with  Books  of  Piety,  that  shall 
have  in  them  a  Memorial  of  her. 

10  d.  gm.  This  Day,  in  the  midst  of  my  Sorrowes  and 
Hurries,  the  Lord  helped  me  to  prsepare  no  less  than  two 

*  This  paragraph  is  written  in  the  margin. 


256         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

Sermons,  for  a  public  Thanksgiving,  which  is  to  be  cele- 
brated the  Day  after  to  morrow. 

But  I  am  grievously  tried,  with  the  threatning  Sickness, 
on  my  discreet,  pious,  lovely  Daughter  Katharin. 

And  a  Feavour  which  gives  a  violent  Shock  to  the  very 
Life  of  my  dear  pretty  Jerusha. 

Fresh  Occasions  of  SuppUcation  and  Resignation! 

II  d.  g  m.  Wednesday.  This  Day,  I  interr'd  the  earthly 
part  of  my  dear  Consort.     She  had  an  Honourable  Funeral. ' 

4.  G.  D.  On  the  Occasion  of  my  Consort's  Funeral, 
I  considered,  that  it  would  be  a  sensible  Service  to  the 
Cause  of  Piety,  if  the  Rules  of  Piety  to  be  observed  [at]  a 
Funeral,  were  more  understood,  embraced,  and  practised. 

(XIII.)  For  which  Cause,  I  now  gave  unto  the  Printer, 
a  Discourse,  which  I  had  lying  by  me,  praepared  some  while 
ago,  on  that  Intention.  And  I  propose  to  annex  unto  a 
Convenient  Number  of  them,  a  Memorial  of  my  Departed 
Consort,  which  I  would  present  unto  her  particular  Friends. 
It  is  Entituled ;  A  Christian  Funeral.  A  brief  Essay  on 
that  Case,  What  should  be  the  Behaviour  of  a  Chris- 
tian AT  a  Funeral?  or,  Some  Directions,  How  to  Regulate 
a  Funeral,  by  the  Rules  of  Religion;  afid  how  to  enliven 
Religion  from  the  Circumstances  of  the  Dead,  at  the  House 
of  Mourning."^ 

5.  G.  D.  The  epidemical  Malady  begun  upon  this 
Town,  is  like  to  pass  thro'  the  Countrey.  A  good  Regi- 
ment of  the  sick  under  it,  might  save  many  Lives,  which 
are  like  to  be  lost  thro'  mismanagement.  I  am  thinking, 
whether  it  would  not  be  a  service  imto  the  public,  to  insert 
in  the  News-paper,  a  brief  Direction  for  the  managing  of 
the  sick.  I  will  advise  with  a  Physician  or  two,  whether 
I  had  best  oflfer  such  a  Thing  or  no. 

'  "Bearers,  Col.  Hutchinson,  Mr.  Em.  Hutchinson;  Mr.  Dallie,  Wadsworth; 
Pemberton,  Colman."  Sewall,  Diary,  11.  407.  Daill6  was  minister  of  the  Hugue- 
not congregation  in  Boston. 

'  Printed  by  B.  Green,  1713. 


NOVEMBER,      1713  257 

12  d.  g  m.  Thursday.  This  Day  I  am  called  unto  the 
Services  of  a  public  Thanksgiving, 

I  rose  early;  In  the  Retirements  of  my  study,  I  spent 
some  Time,  in  my  Thanksgivings  to  the  Glorious  Lord,  for 
the  Favours  of  the  divine  Conduct,  which  I  have  seen  in 
the  former  Part  of  my  Life ;  and  then  for  the  favourable 
Circumstances  with  which  I  am  at  present  revived,  while 
walking  in  the  Midst  of  Trouble  ;  my  Life  and  some  Degree 
of  Health  and  Strength  praeserved,  my  Family  of  desire- 
able  Children,  and  comfortably  provided  for ;  my  Ministry, 
and  in  so  considerable  a  Station,  and  so  enriched  with 
Opportunities  to  do  Good ;  And  the  Reputation  which  I 
enjoy  abroad  in  the  World :  but  above  all,  my  Acquaint- 
ance with,  and  Interest  in  my  dear  Saviour,  and  the  sancti- 
fying Effects  of  His  Grace  upon  me. 

I  was  then  carried  thro'  all  the  public  Services  in 
both  Parts  of  the  Day ;  and  enjoy'd  a  marvellous  Presence 
of  the  Lord  with  me,  assisting,  enlarging,  strengthening 
of  me. 

This  very  Thing,  is  a  precious  Article  for  Thanksgiving ; 
that  in  the  midst  of  so  many  Hurries  and  Sorrowes,  and 
grievous  Disadvantages,  I  should  be  enabled  to  go  thro' 
so  many  and  so  heavy  Services,  and  in  such  a  Manner ! 

The  Subject  on  which  I  preached  my  two  Sermons,  was, 
Psal.  cxxxviii.  7.  Tho'  I  walk  thro'  the  midst  of  Trouble, 
thou  wilt  revive  me. 

6.  G.  D.  I  hear  of  some  aged  and  bedrid  people,  which 
I  design  speedily  to  visit,  with  the  most  suitable  Consola- 
tions and  Assistences. 

14  d.  9  m.  Satureday.  This  Morning,  the  first  Thing  that 
entertains  me,  after  my  rising,  is,  the  Death  of  my  Maid- 
servant, whose  Measles  passed  into  a  malignant  Feaver, 
which  has  proved  mortal  to  her. 

Tis  a  Satisfaction  to  me,  that  tho'  she  had  been  a  wild, 
vain,  airy  Girl,  yett  since  her  coming  into  my  Family,  she 

n  •  17 


258         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

became  disposed  unto  serious  Religion ;  was  awakened 
unto  secret  and  fervent  Supplications ;  gave  herself  to  God 
in  His  Covenant :  (upon  which,  a  few  Weeks  ago,  I  bap- 
tised her :)  and  my  poor  Instructions,  were  the  means  that 
God  blessed  for  such  happy  Purposes. 

7.  G.  D.  And  now,  as  I  am  called  still  unto  more 
Assiduities  in  my  Praeparations  for  my  own  Death,  and  unto 
more  exquisite  Projections  and  Contrivances,  how  a  Family 
visited  with  so  much  Death,  may  become  an  Exemple  of 
uncommon  Piety :  So,  I  must  have  my  Repentance  for  my 
Miscarriages  in  my  Behaviour  towards  my  Servants,  very 
much  excited  and  promoted. 

Oh!  the  Trial,  which  I  am  this  Day  called  unto  in  the 
threatning,  the  dying  Circumstances  of  my  dear  little 
Jerushal  The  Resignation,  with  which  I  am  to  offer  up 
that  Sacrifice !  Father,  Lett  that  Cup  pass  from  me.  Never- 
theless — 

The  Two  Newborns,  are  languishing  in  the  Arms  of 
Death. 

1.  [November  15.]  G.  D.  Tis  a  Time  of  much  Calamity 
in  my  Neighbourhood,  and  a  Time  of  much  MortaUty  seems 
coming  on.  My  public  Prayers  and  Sermons  must  be  ex- 
ceedingly adapted  for  such  a  Time. 

IS  d.  g  m.  Lord's-day.  I  am  this  day  called  unto  a  great 
Sacrifice ;  for  so  I  feel  my  little  Jerusha.  The  dear  little 
Creature  lies  in  dying  Circumstances.  Tho'  I  pray  and 
cry  to  the  Lord,  for  the  Cup  to  pass  from  me,  yett  the 
glorious  One  carries  me  thro'  the  required  Resignation.  I 
freely  give  her  up.     Lord,  she  is  thine !    Thy  will  be  done ! 

16.  d.  gm.    Little  Jerusha  begins  a  little  to  revive. 

2.  G.  D.  Having  my  Family  in  a  new  Condition,  and 
under  many  Calls  for  a  great  Improvement  in  Piety,  I 
would  now  form  a  new  Projection,  for  Exercises  of  Piety 
to  be  maintained  in  my  Family,  that  shall  be  attended  with 
more  exquisite  and  heavenly  Circumstances  than  ever,  as 


NOVEMBER,     1713  259 

soon  as  ever  the  restored  Health  of  my  Httle  Folks,  will 
putt  us  into  a  Capacity. 

3.  G.  D.  I  have  a  Family  of  remote  Relatives,  not 
far  from  me  in  this  Town  ;  a  Family  from  which  I  am  treated 
with  so  much  Love  and  sincere  and  hearty  affection,  that  I 
owe  great  Returns  of  Love  unto  it.  I  will  endeavour  to 
multiply  my  Kindnesses  to  that  Family,  and  the  Expres- 
sion of  my  Concern  for  the  Welfare  of  every  part  of  it. 

The  Cross  is  a  dry  Sort  of  Wood ;  but  yett  it  proves  a 
fruitful  Tree;  and  I  shall  see  much  Peace  in  those  Fruits 
of  Righteousness,  which  I  shall  find  growing  upon  it. 

(XIV.)  The  Sermon,  which  I  preached  on  the  Lord's- 
day  when  my  Consort  lay  adying,  and  which  I  intended 
for  the  Instruction  of  my  Neighbours  in  a  Time  of  sore 
Affliction  and  Calamity,  but  Heaven  intended  it  for  my 
Own,  is  now  in  the  Press,  and,  I  hope,  will  be  serviceable  to 
the  Interests  of  Piety. 

It  is  entituled,  The  Will  of  a  Father  submitted  to. 
The  Duty  of  Patient  Submission  to  Every  Condition,  which 
the  Providence  of  God  orders  for  the  Children  of  men :  Enforced 
from  the  Glorious  Pattern  of  the  Blessed  JESUS,  readily  and 
cheerfully  submitting  to  take  the  Cup,  which  His  Father  had 
given  Him.  In  a  very  brief  Discourse,  made  with  a  special 
Regard  unto  a  Religious  Family  burrying  an  only  Son.  And 
at  a  time  of  much  affliction  in  the  Neighbourhood.'^ 

(XV.)  And  then,  the  Sermon  which  I  preached  this 
Week,  on  the  Occasion  of  my  Consort's  Funeral,  partly  to 
do  Justice  unto  her  Memory  which  is  of  precious  Esteem  in 
the  Neighbourhood ;  but  chiefly  that  I  may  still  have  the 
Happiness  to  do  the  more  Good  for  every  Evil  that  befalls 
me ;  I  have  sent  this  also  to  the  Press,  with  a  Design  to 
make  a  Present  of  it,  unto  such  as  it  may  be  proper  for  me 
to  treat  with  it,  on  her  Account.  It  is  entituled.  The  Re- 
ligion OF  the  Cross.    A  brief  Essay  upon  the  CROSS, 

'Printed  by  T.  Fleet,  for  D.  Henchman,  1713. 


26o         DIARY  or  COTTON  MATHER 

whereof  our  Great  Saviour,  who  was  crucified  for  us,  will  have 
every  Christian  to  he  a  SuJ'erer.  With  some  Instructions 
unto  the  Christian  how  to  bear  the  Cross  appointed  for  him. 
Occasioned  by  what  was  encountred  in  the  Death  of  that  Ver- 
tuous  Gentlewoman,  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Mather ;  who  expired, 
9  d.  9  m.  1713.^ 

17/18  d.  9  m.  Tuesday,  Wednesday.  About  Midnight, 
little  Eleazar  died, 

4.  G.  D.  A  considerable  Interest,  bequeathed  in  an 
ancient  Legacy,  for  pious  Uses,  is  lately  and  strangely 
recovered,  for  the  Encouragement  of  Literature  and  Relig- 
ion, in  this  Countrey.  The  Master  of  Chancery,  who  has 
it  lodged  in  his  hands,  waits  for  Directions  from  some 
Gentlemen,  here,  to  whose  Number  I  belong.  The  Gentle- 
men are  very  dilatory;  and  therefore  I  would  speedily 
move  in  this  Affair,  and  putt  it  into  motion,  and  see  it 
accomplished.^^ 

5.  G.  D.  I  am  now  writing  for  London.  I  would  send 
certain  little  Books  which  have  been  published  here,  and  may 
prove  acceptable  and  serviceable  there,  unto  certain  Book- 
sellers, who,  if  they  please,  may  give  them  a  new  Edition. 

I  am  the  rather  encouraged  unto  this,  because  newly, 
in  the  midst  of  my  domestic  Troubles,  perusing  the  pubhc 
Prints,  I  find  in  the  Advertisements,  that  sundry  little 
Books  of  mine,  have  been  lately  reprinted  at  London,  with 
Prefaces  of  eminent  Persons  to  them. 

6.  G.  D.  The  distressed  Families  of  the  Poor  to  which 
I  dispense,  or  procure  needfiil  Releefs,  are  now  so  many, 
and  of  such  Daily  Occurrence,  that  it  is  needless  for  me  here 
to  mention  them. 

20  d.  9  m.  Friday.  Little  Martha  died,  about  ten  a 
clock,  A.M. 

*  Printed  by  John  Allen,  1714. 

'  The  legacy  of  £800  left  to  Harvard  College  fifty  years  before  by  Edward 
Hopkins.    Quincy,  History  of  Harvard  College,  i.  205,  521. 


NOVEMBER,     1713  261 

I  am  again  called  unto  the  Sacrifice  of  my  dear,  dear, 
Jerusha. 

I  begg'd,  I  begg'd,  that  such  a  bitter  Cup,  as  the  Death 
of  that  lovely  child,  might  pass  from  me.  Nevertheless!  — 
My  glorious  Lord,  brought  me  to  glorify  Him,  with  the 
most  submissive  Resignation, 

7.  G.  D.  My  glorious  Lord  has  not  only  brought  me 
into  a  State  of  widowhood,  but  I  must  also  look  upon  myself, 
as  obliged  unto  a  Continuance  in  that  State,  all  the  rest 
of  my  little  Time  in  this  World ;  And  this  after  I  have  been 
very  agreeably  circumstanced  in  the  married  State.  I  must 
now,  not  only  quicken,  and  most  religiously  observe,  a  Rule 
heretofore  practised  with  me,  that  if  an  impure  Thought 
start  into  my  Mind,  I  must  presently  reject  it,  and  rebuke 
it,  and  make  it  a  Provocation  to  form  an  holy  Thought  in 
Contradiction  to  it :  but  also,  I  must  with  the  most  heavenly 
Methods  of  Meditation,  Supplication,  and  Resolution,  en- 
deavour to  obtain  from  Heaven,  the  Grace  of  the  most 
unspotted  Purity ;  that  so,  I  may  not  grieve  the  holy  Spirit 
of  God,  and  provoke  Him  to  be  my  Enemy ;  the  conse- 
quences whereof  would  be  beyond  all  Expression  miserable. 

21  d.  gm.  Satureday.  This  Day,  I  attended  the  Funeral, 
of  my  two  :  Eleazar  and  Martha. 

Betwixt  9  h.  and  lo  h.  at  Night,  my  lovely  Jerusha 
Expired.  She  was  two  years,  and  about  seven  Months, 
old.  Just  before  she  died,  she  asked  me  to  pray  with  her ; 
which  I  did,  with  a  distressed,  but  resigning  Soul ;  and  I 
gave  her  up  unto  the  Lord.  The  Minute  that  she  died, 
she  said,  That  she  would  go  to  Jesus  Christ.  She  had  lain 
speechless,  many  Hours.  But  in  her  last  Moments,  her 
speech  returned  a  little  to  her. 

Lord,  I  am  oppressed ;  undertake  for  me ! 

I.  [November  22.]  G.  D.  It  will  be  a  great  Service 
unto  my  Flock,  for  me  to  exemplify,  a  patient  Submission 
to  the  WiU  of  God,  under  many  and  heavy  Trials,  and  a 


262         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

most  fruitful  Improvement  of  my  Crosses.  But  besides 
this;  finding  some  excellent  Passages  in  a  Manuscript 
written  by  my  deceased  Consort,  I  will  publish  them,  at 
the  End  of  her  Funeral-Sermon :  since  they  may  be  of 
uncommon  Consequence  to  serve  the  great  Interests  of 
Piety,  not  only  in  my  Flock,  among  whom  I  design  much 
to  disperse  the  Book,  but  also  among  all  the  People  of  God.' 

2.  G.  D.  My  poor  Family  is  now  left  without  any 
Infant  in  it,  or  any  under  seven  Years  of  Age.  I  must  now 
apply  myself  with  most  exquisite  Contrivance,  and  all  the 
Assiduity  imaginable,  to  cultivate  my  Children,  with  a  most 
excellent  Education.  I  have  now  singular  Opportunities  for 
it.  Wherefore  I  must  in  the  first  Place,  earnestly  look  up 
to  the  glorious  Lord,  who  gives  Wisdome,  for  Direction. 

Our  Diet  at  the  Table,  shall  be  mighty  handsomely  and 
usefully  carried  on.  There  shall  be  the  Rules  of  Behaviour 
nicely  given  and  used  there.  And  some  instructive  Sub- 
ject, alwayes  be  discoursed  on. 

23  d.  9  m.  Mutiday.  This  Day,  I  followed  my  dear 
Jerusha  to  the  Grave.  But  having  a  Mind,  full  of  Resigna- 
tion ;  with  Resolutions,  more  than  ever  to  glorify  my  dear 
Saviour;  especially  in  what  I  may  do  for  my  own  and 
other  Children. 

I  putt  a  printed  Memorial  for  her,  in  a  Number  of  my 
little  Books  about,  A  Christian  Funeral;  which  I  design  to 
give  away. 

3.  G.  D.  I  am  writing  and  sending  such  Things,  unto 
my  Brother  in  Witney,^  as  may  be  of  use  to  him  in  the 
Service  of  God,  and  may  be  an  Introduction  to  the  Benefit 
of  my  own  Family. 

4.  G.  D.  It  is  a  Time  of  much  Adversity  with  the 
Town ;  several  Things  may  I  do  for  the  Service  of  the 
Town  in  its  Adversity. 

•  An  Appendix  of  six  pages  contains  the  results  of  her  "Self-examination." 

*  Rev.  Samuel  Mather  (1674-        ). 


NOVEMBER,     1713  263 

First,  I  may  give  to  the  Town,  an  Exemple  of  bearing 
Adversity  after  a  suitable  Manner,  and  of  not  Fainting  in 
the  Day  of  Adversity.  The  Eyes  of  the  People  are  much 
upon  me.  0  my  dear  Saviour,  Assist  me  to  glorify  thee! 
Secondly,  my  Sermons  may  be  suited  unto  this  Day  of 
Adversity.  On  the  Lecture  to  morrow,^  I  design  one 
particularly. 

Thirdly.  I  may  do  something  to  awaken  the  Spirit  of 
Prayer,  which  the  Day  of  Adversity  calls  for.  This  I 
would  propose  among  my  Brethren,  particularly  for  apply- 
ing the  Lecture  that  way. 

Fourthly.  Charitable  Distributions  among  the  Poor, 
are  now  very  seasonable.  I  will  procure,  and  I  will  dis- 
pense, as  many  of  these,  as  I  can. 

5.  G.  D.  The  grand  Intention  of  my  Life  is,  to  Do 
Good.  These  poor  Memorials  are  far  from  containing  all 
the  Projections  which  I  have  of  such  a  Tendency.  And  it 
comforts  me  to  think,  that  when  I  am,  tho'  with  much 
Imperfection,  yett  with  some  Sincerity,  thus  engaged,  my 
gracious  God  will  fulfil  that  Word  unto  me,  /  will  surely 
do  thee  Good. 

On  this  Day  of  the  Week,  when  I  am  not  thinking  on 
what  Good  may  be  sett  forward  in  the  several  Societies, 
to  which  I  stand  related,  I  think,  what  Good  may  I  excite 
other  Men  unto  the  doing  of. 

I  am  writing  to  an  ingenious  and  accomplished  Friend 
in  London,  who  maintains  a  very  general  Conversation, 
with  great  Men,  and  men  of  Capacity.  I  will  mightily 
insinuate  into  him,  that  his  Conversation  brings  him  Oppor- 
tunities to  Do  Good,  which  are  Talents  to  be  accounted 
for ;  and  press  him,  to  cultivate  that  Subject  mightily  in  his 
Conversation,  what  good  he  may  move  these  Persons  to. 

6.  G.  D.  I  am  now  furnished  with  Money  to  be  dis- 
tributed among  the  Poor  of  my  Flock.     I  need  not  here 

*  November  26. 


264         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

mention  who  they  are,  that  come  under  that  Character 
with  me,  the  objects  of  present  Charity.  But  in  public, 
I  will  go  on  to  cherish  this  Beneficence. 

(XVI.)  That  so  my  Cross  may  still  yield  more  of  that 
Fruit,  by  which  my  Saviour  who  has  ordered  it,  may  be 
glorified  and  His  People  edified,  I  send  unto  the  Press, 
the  Sermon  which  I  delivered  at  the  Lecture  yesterday. 
I  entituled  it ;  Hezekiah.  A  Christian  armed  from  Above 
with  the  Strength,  which  keeps  him  from  Fainting  in  a  Day 
of  Adversity.  In  an  Essay  made  at  Boston-Lecture;  At  a 
Time  of  much  Adversity  upon  the  Author,  and  his  Neigh- 
bourhood.^ 

7.  G.  D.  Breathing  in  the  midst  of  so  many  Deaths, 
what  can  there  be  so  needful  and  so  proper  for  me,  as  for 
me  to  Die  Daily,  and  become  a  Man  dead  unto  this  World ; 
crucified  unto  all  worldly  Enjoyments  and  Impressions! 
I  resolve  exceedingly  to  study  this  Mystery  and  Attainment 
of  practical  Christianity,  and  live  in  the  daily  Practice  of 
it,  and  be  restless  until  I  find  a  very  sensible  and  powerful 
Mortification  brought  upon  all  my  Inclinations  for  this 
World,  and  every  Thing  that  is  in  it. 

(XVII.)  Because  I  thought  it  would  contribute  unto 
the  Intentions  and  Interests  of  Piety ;  and  because  it  may 
particularly  render  my  dear  Uttle  Jerusha,  a  living  Instru- 
ment of  Good  after  her  Death,  I  sent  unto  the  Bookseller, 
the  Sermon  I  preached  on  the  last  Lord's-Day  while  the 
Child  lay  Dead  in  my  House.  It  is  entituled ;  The  Best 
Way  of  Living;  which  is.  To  Die  Daily;  Briefly  described 
and  commended,  in  a  plain  Discourse,  at  a  Time  when  the 
Author  had  newly  seen  Repeted  Strokes  of  Death  on  his  own 
Family;  And  the  Publisher  had  his  Family  also  struck  with 
a  Death  upon  a  Vital  part  of  it.^ 

I.    [November  29.]     G.  D.     I  think,  One  of  the  best  Ser- 

'  Printed  by  B.  Green  for  Benjamin  Eliot,  1713. 
'  Printed  by  J.  Allen,  17 13. 


NOVEMBER,      1713  265 

vices  I  can  do  for  my  Flock,  will  be  to  reprint  my  little 
Essay  of,  Wholesome  Words,^  for  Families  visited  with  sick- 
ness ;  and  not  only  now  disperse  it  among  our  many  sick 
Families,  but  also  hereafter  (if  I  should  live,)  in  my  pastoral 
Visits  of  the  sick,  to  leave  it  for  their  Tenders  and  Watchers, 
to  read  unto  them. 

2.  G.  D.  My  Family  is  now  getting  into  a  Model 
extremely  to  my  Satisfaction.  I  have  an  Opportunity  to 
pursue  numberless  and  exquisite  Projections,  for  the  Growth 
of  my  Olive-Plants,  in  all  that  is  excellent.  Every  Week 
will  produce  new  and  fine  Essayes  to  render  my  House  a 
School  of  Piety. 

First,  Now,  to  be  very  exact  in  my  stated  Hours,  for 
the  Devotions  of  the  Family. 

And,  next,  to  reform  our  Hours  of  Rising  to  work  in  the 
Morning,  and  going  to  Rest  at  Night.     To  be  earlier  in  both. 

3.  G.  D.  It  will  add  unto  the  Honours  and  Comforts 
of  my  aged  Parent,  and  unto  his  heap  of  Services,  if  I  take 
a  Copy  of  the  Sermon  he  lately  preached  on  the  Death  of 
my  Consort,  about  Living  to  Christ,  and  Gaining  by  Death, 
and  publish  it.^ 

4.  G.  D.  The  Lord  exhibited  me  unto  all  the  Coun- 
trey,  for  One  whom  His  People  are  to  take  as  an  Exemple 
of  suffering  Affliction;  I  shall  glorify  Him,  if  they  have  in 
me  an  Exemple  of  Patience  also.  For  this  purpose,  the  best 
Thing  I  can  do,  will  be  to  disperse  thro'  the  Countrey,  the 
little  Treatises  which  I  have  now  on  the  Press;  all  Four 
composed  in  the  Three  Weeks  of  my  Adversity.  By  this 
Action,  I  may  serve  the  Interests  of  Religion  in  the  Coun- 
trey exceedingly. 

5.  G.  D.  I  am  collecting  some  Curiosities,  to  trans- 
mitt  unto  the  Secretary  of  the  Royal  Society  by  which  I 
hope  to  make  some  valuable  Accession  unto  their  Treasures. 

'  First  printed  in  1703. 

"  The  Believers  Gain  by  Death,  printed  by  B.  Green  for  S.  Gerrish,  1713. 


266         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

But  I  will  use  my  most  exquisite  Contrivance,  That 
[full]  Testimonies  to  the  Glories  of  my  Saviour  may  accom- 
pany them. 

6.  G.  D.  I  will  propose  and  forward  a  Collection  for 
the  Releef  of  the  Poor  in  this  Town ;  and  procure  a  Day  of 
Supplications,  to  be  kept,  by  the  four  Churches  in  the 
Town,  under  the  heavy  Calamity  that  is  now  upon  us ;  on 
which  Day,  the  Collection  may  be  attended, 

7.  G.  D.  My  glorious  Lord,  having  of  late  so  much 
called  me  imto  the  Work  of  Sacrificing,  I  desire  that  the 
Skill  and  Will  for  that  Work,  may  have  a  mighty  Improve- 
ment with  me.  I  would  therefore  mightily  use  myself  to 
such  an  Exercise  as  this;  I  would  look  on  all  my  Enjoy- 
ments, and  very  often  cast  such  a  Look  upon  the  dearest 
and  most  valuable  of  them,  with  a  sacrificing  Thought  of 
this  importance,  0  my  dear  Saviour,  If  thou  shalt  be  most 
glorified,  by  my  having  this  taken  from  me,  I  resign  it,  I  forego 
it,  I  am  content  and  willing  to  be  without  it.  I  feel  a  vast 
Army  of  Reasons  conquering  of  me,  and  reducing  me  to 
such  a  Submission.  By  using  myself  to  such  Sacrifices,  I 
shall  become  a  weaned  Christian.  And  I  shall  be  prepared 
for  all  Events.  I  shall  have  my  Life  all  filled  with  Acts 
that  will  be  unspeakably  pleasing  to  my  Saviour.  I  shall 
have  upon  me  a  joyful  Token  of  my  Share  in  the  royal 
Priesthood;  an  Evidence  and  Assurance,  that  I  shall  walk 
with  my  Glorious  JESUS  in  white  Robes  among  them, 
whom  He  will  make  Priests  unto  God. 

5  d.  10  m.  [December.]  Satureday.  Tis  high  Time  for 
me  to  be,  at  my  ancient  Practice,  of  setting  apart  whole 
Dayes,  for  Prayer  with  Fasting  before  the  Lord.  I  am  sure, 
the  Occurrences  of  the  last  Month,  (a  Month  which  drooured 
my  Family,)  sufficiently  oblige  me  to  it.  Accordingly  I 
sett  apart  this  Day,  for  Supplications ;  that  I  might  con- 
fess and  bewayle  the  Sins  that  have  procured  such  a  Deso- 
lation, as  has  been  lately  made  upon  my  Family,  such  as 


DECEMBER,     1713  267 

exhibits  me  to  all  the  Countrey,  for  an  Exemple  of  suffering 
Affliction :  (May  I  be  so,  of  Patience !)  And  that  I  might 
have  the  Pardon  thereof  seal'd  unto  me ;  which  I  think  I 
had  this  Day:  And  then,  that  I  might  obtain  Grace  to 
behave  myself  well  and  wisely  under  my  Adversity;  and 
that  I  may  mightily  improve  in  Holiness  and  Usefulness; 
and  that  I  may  be  left  unto  nothing  in  my  Widowhood, 
that  may  be  dishonourable  to  my  Character  and  Profes- 
sion. And,  finally,  that  my  Family  may  be  putt  into  an 
agreeable  Condition,  and  every  Thing  in  it  be  comfortably 
carried  on,  and  the  Exercises  of  Piety,  and  the  Accomplish- 
ments of  a  fine  Education,  be  more  than  ever  prosecuted  in 
it.     Other  Petitions,  I  had  also  to  carry  unto  the  Lord. 

I.  [December  6.]  G.  D.  The  Strokes  of  Heaven  on  my 
Family,  methinks,  call  me  to  do  more  for  the  Service  of 
my  glorious  Lord,  in  the  Families  of  my  Neighbourhood. 
As  far  as  Weather  and  Liesure,  and  Strength,  will  admitt 
of  it,  I  would  make  more  Visits  to  my  Neighbours.  But 
in  these  my  Visits,  I  would  with  all  possible  Sanctity,  and 
Gravity,  and  Pertinency,  not  only  address  the  Heads  of  the 
Families,  on  Points  of  the  greatest  Concernment,  but  also 
call  for  the  Children  and  Servants,  and  with  as  exquisite 
Artifices  of  Insinuation  as  I  can  be  Master  of,  engage  them 
to  serious  Piety. 

6  d.  ID  m.  Lords-Day.  My  Errands  to  the  Table  of  the 
Lord,  were  first,  for  that  Grace  that  may  render  me  holy 
in  all  manner  of  Conversation.  And,  then,  for  a  Disposition 
to  enquire  much  into  the  glory  of  my  dear  Saviour;  and 
the  Blessedness  of  arriving  to  very  clear  Apprehensions  of  it. 

But,  what  shall  I  say?  My  Life  is  almost  a  continual 
Conversation  with  Heaven,  and  more  particularly,  in  my 
Attendence  on  the  divine  Institutions,  my  Intentions  of 
Piety,  and  my  Applications  to  Heaven,  are  so  many  and 
so  various,  —  it  becomes  impossible  for  me  to  keep  Records 
of  thousands  of  them. 


268         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

2.  G.  D.  The  quiet  and  easy  and  unhurried  Condition 
which  my  Family  (by  sad  Things)  is  bro't  unto,  gives  me 
new  Opportunity  to  examine  more  distinctly  my  Children 
every  Night;  especially,  on  these  two  Points;  Whether 
they  have  observed  the  Religion  of  the  Closett  in  the  Day? 
And,  How  they  have  spent  their  Time,  what  good  Thing  they 
have  done  in  the  Day? 

3.  G.  D.  I  have  a  Kinsman,  the  Son  of  my  Sister,  at 
Roxbury,  who  designs  the  Evangelical  Ministry. ^  Besides 
other  wayes  of  serving  Him,  I  will  bestow  certain  agreeable 
Books  upon  him. 

4.  G.  D.  I  greatly  incline  to  the  Study  of  Sermons 
on  Subjects,  adapted  unto  several  Occupations,  which  are 
follow'd  by  great  Numbers  of  People ;  and  when  I  have 
prepared  such  Sermons,  I  would  procure  them,  to  be  tran- 
scribed ;  perhaps  with  annexed  Meditations ;  and  then  send 
them  unto  my  Bookseller  in  London,  to  be  published  there, 
with  Prefaces  of  the  best  men  unto  them. 

5.  G.  D.  Our  Neighbours,  that  are  forming  a  new 
Church,  have  begun  a  private  Society  which  invites  me  to 
visit  them.  I  would  with  all  possible  Candor  give  my 
Visits  unto  them,  and  make  it  a  precious  Opportunity  to 
prevent  Abundance  of  Sin,  and  produce  Abundance  of  Good. 

6.  G.  D.  The  poor  and  miserable,  are  so  multiplied 
and  so  manifested  by  the  epidemical  Sickness,  that  it  is 
needless  for  me,  to  insert  as  yett,  any  particular  Objects  of 
my  Care  in  that  Rank ;  there  is  a  Number  of  them,  which 
this  Morning  I  am  thinking  of. 

7.  G.  D.  I  will  pursue  the  Thoughts  of  this  Day  se'n 
night  and  mention  a  sweet  Experience  thereupon,  wherein 
I  desire  to  grow  exceedingly. 

If  I  happen  to  think  on  any  desireable  Enjoyment, 
which  I  have  not  sacrificed,  with  a  cordial  and  explicit 

'  Probably  Rev.  Thomas  Walter  (1696-1725),  son  of  Rev.  Nehemiah  Walter, 
and  Sarah  Mather. 


DECEMBER,     1713  269 

Resignation  of  it,  my  Soul  falls  a  Trembling  at  the  Idolatry 
and  Rebellion  I  am  in  danger  of,  and  presently  forms  an 
Act  of  Resignation.  Every  Relish  I  take  in  any  Enjoy- 
ment, shall  produce  a  Thought  of  this  Importance,  0  my 
Saviour,  If  thou  wilt  have  this  thing  to  he  denied  unto  me, 
that  so  my  knowing  and  Loving  and  Serving  of  thee;  may  he 
the  hetter  accommodated,  I  consent,  I  consent  that  it  he  denied 
unto  me;  I  am  willing  to  he  deprived  of  it. 

One  happy  Efifect  of  this  Exercise  is,  that  tho'  the  Idea 
of  having  my  Desireables  taken  from  me,  and  much  more 
the  suffering  of  the  Bereavement  be  for  the  present  not 
Joyous  but  Grievous,  yett  afterwards  I  find  my  soul  fill'd 
with  Peace,  in  a  Reflection  upon  it.  If  any  Desireables 
be  continued  unto  me,  I  behold  them  with  a  singular  Pleas- 
ure in  that  Notion  of  them,  this  is  one  of  my  Sacrifices. 
And,  if  I  call  to  Remembrance  the  Wormwood  and  the 
Gall  of  the  Time  when  I  underwent  the  Loss  of  my  Desire- 
ables, I  have  my  Mind  presently  and  wondrously  refresh'd 
with  this  Consideration :  My  God  help'd  me  then  to  offer 
Sacrifices  that  were  well-pleasing  to  Him.  1  find  a  Sacrificing 
Life,  to  be  fuller  of  strong  and  strange  Consolations,  than 
can  be  imagined  by  one,  who  has  made  no  Trial  of  it. 

12  d.  lo  m.  Satureday.  It  is  with  me  a  Time  that  calls 
for  more  than  ordinary  Supplications.  Wherefore  I  sett 
apart  this  Day,  as  I  did  this  Day  se'nnight,  for  prayer  with 
Fasting,  before  the  Lord. 

I  had,  besides  the  usual  and  general  Intentions  for  such 
a  Day,  especially  two  Things  intended  with  me. 

The  one  was,  to  obtain  the  Grace,  that  I  may  behave 
myself  with  all  possible  Discretion  and  Purity  in  the  Widow- 
hood, in  which  I  must  propose  to  spend  the  Rest  of  my 
Dayes.  The  other  was,  to  obtain  a  new  Heart  for  my 
Son  Increase,  and  then  the  merciful  Direction  of  Heaven, 
for  a  Matter  and  a  Business,  that  he  may  be  assign'd  unto. 

I.   [December  13.]     G.  D.   My  Contrivances  must  not  be 


270         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

over  yett,  nor  have  I  yett  litt  upon  them  all,  to  render 
the  grievous  Visitation  in  the  Sickness  on  the  Flock,  useful 
unto  the  Interests  of  Piety  among  them.  The  public 
Prayers  and  Sermons,  afiford  me,  an  ample  Field  for  these 
Contrivances;  and  indeed  what  I  have  continually  there, 
are  too  many  to  be  here  enumerated. 

2.  G.  D.  I  have  my  Family  now  in  such  a  Tranquil- 
lity, by  a  Release  from  the  Hurries,  which  the  Number  of 
Infants  in  it,  formerly  alwayes  gave  unto  it,  that  we  are 
at  Leisure  to  prosecute  many  excellent  Purposes,  which 
were  formerly  projected,  but  could  not  be  much  proceeded 
in.  One  of  them  is,  for  the  Children  to  become  furnished 
with  a  Closett  of  Remedies,  for  very  many  Cases,  in  which 
we  may  releeve  the  miserable.  This  I  would  now  imme- 
diately apply  to.  I  would  praepare  my  Catalogue.  And 
scarce  lett  a  week  pass,  without  praeparing  of  something, 
till  we  have  gone  thro'  the  Catalogue. 

3.  G.  D.  I  am  sending  some  Instruments  of  Piety,  to 
a  new  Relative,  at  Say- Br 00k. ^ 

4.  G.  D.  I  would  send  unto  several  Booksellers  in 
England,  and  in  Scotland,  several  Treatises  which  have 
been  published  here,  and  which  they  may  with  Gain  to 
themselves,  by  a  new  publication  there,  send  forth  to  serve 
the  Interests  of  Religion  in  those  Parts  of  the  World. 

5.  G.  D.  I  would  encourage  the  Physicians  of  this 
Place,  to  do  all  the  Good  that  may  be.  But  among  other 
Methods  for  it,  I  will  putt  into  their  Hands,  numbers  of  my 
little  Essay  of,  Wholesome  Words;  to  be  left  by  them,  in 
sick  Famihes,  where  they  may  see  it  Convenient. 

1 7  i.  10  m.  Thursday.  This  Day  was  kept  as  a  Day  of 
Prayer  in  the  several  Churches  of  Boston,  because  of  the 
heavy  Calamity  on  the  Town.  And  a  liberal  Collection 
was  made,  for  the  Releef  of  the  Poor,  imder  the  Calamity 
of  Sickness,  and  growing  Scarcity,    It  was  a  most   bitter 

•  Mrs.  Gurdon  Saltonstall? 


DECEMBER,      1713  271 

season,  in  regard  of  the  Cold.  But  I  enjoy'd  a  gracious 
Presence  of  God  with  me,  in  the  Services  of  the  Day,  both 
pubhckly  and  privately. 

6.  G.  D.  I  will  contribute  my  best  Informations,  to 
perfect  the  List  of  the  Poor,  to  be  considered  in  the  chari- 
table Collection,  that  is  now  made  for  them. 

7.  G.  D.  My  Thanksgivings  to  the  glorious  Lord,  for 
the  Mercies  of  the  foregoing  Day;  in  my  last  Exercise 
for  every  Day,  before  my  going  to  my  Lodging,  ought  to 
be  invigorated,  and  expatiated.  I  am  too  formal,  and 
straitned  in  the  Acknowledgments  of  what  has  been  done 
for  me  in  the  Day. 

But  there  is  especially  one  Favour  of  God,  whereof  when 
I  have  had  much  Experience,  the  Praises  wherewith  I 
glorify  Him,  ought  to  have  Raptures  in  them ;  I  ought 
with  a  mighty  Sense  of  my  Obligations  to  the  free  Grace 
of  God  my  Saviour  for  such  a  Blessing,  to  confess  his  admi- 
rable Goodness  to  me.  That  is,  when  I  have  been  preserved 
from  Sin,  and  assisted  unto  a  watchful,  fruitful,  humble 
Walk  with  God. 

1.  [December  20.]  G.  D,  Quickly,  it  may  be  a  Time 
for  me,  in  the  most  solemn  and  earnest  Manner,  to  call 
upon  that  Part  of  the  Flock,  that  have  lately  had  a  Share 
in  the  healing  Mercies  of  God,  that  they  endeavour  to 
glorify  Him,  with  suitable  Returns  of  Obedience  to  Him. 
I  would  prosecute  this  Intention  as  powerfully,  as  tis 
possible. 

And  when  I  again  receive  the  Children  unto  the  Cate- 
chising, they  having  had  a  singular  Share  in  restored  Health, 
I  would  very  particularly  adapt  unto  them,  the  Admoni- 
tions of  Piety,  suitable  to  the  Occasion. 

2.  G.  D.  There  are  several  Points,  relating  to  the 
Instruction  and  Management  of  my  Servant  Onesimus, 
which  I  would  now  more  than  ever  prosecute.  He  shall 
be  sure  to  read  every  Day.     From  thence  I  will  have  him 


272         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

go  on  to  Writing.  He  shall  be  frequently  Catechised.  I 
would  also  invent  some  advantageous  Way,  wherein  he 
may  spend  his  Liesure-hours. 

3.  G.  D.  My  pious  and  worthy  sister  Waller,^  with 
Tears  in  her  Eyes,  entreats  me,  to  cry  mightily  unto  God, 
that  her  Two  Eldest  sons,  may  have  a  Principle  of  His 
Grace  given  to  them. 

4.  G.  D.  That  which  I  have  proposed  unto  my  Physi- 
cians, I  have  now  done  myself,  upon  their  Declining  (tho' 
highly  Approving)  of  the  Action.  I  have  given  to  the 
Printer,  a  Letter  about  the  Right  Management  of  the  Sick 
under  the  Distemper  of  the  Measles;  which  is  now  spreading 
and  raging  in  the  Countrey.^  I  purpose  to  scatter  it  into 
all  parts,  and  propose  with  the  Blessing  of  Heaven,  to  save 
many  Lives.  Tho'  doubtless  my  Action  may  expose  me  to 
some  Livectives,  yett  my  Conformity  to  my  dear  Saviour, 
in  what  He  did  for  the  sick,  will  be  my  inexpressible 
Consolation. 

5.  G.  D.  A  Minister  lately  ordained  in  this  Town,  I 
would  move,  that  he  may  be  brought  into  a  share  in  our 
weekly  Lecture.' 

6.  G.  D.  A  Gentlewoman  in  my  Neighbourhood,  in 
her  Age  reduced  unto  great  poverty  and  ISIisery ;  I  wQl 
immediately  concern  myself,  to  have  her  well  provided  for. 

7.  G.  D.  No  doubt,  the  glorious  Lord  will  call  me  to 
spend  the  little  Remainder  of  my  Dayes,  in  that  single 
State,  which  He  has  now  with  a  second  Shipwreck  bro't 
me  to. 

That  I  may  glorify  the  Lord  in  such  a  State,  I  would 
in  the  first  Place  make  it  my  daily  Prayer  unto  Him ;  Grant, 

•  Sarah.    Her  two  sons  were  Increase  (1693-1718)  and  Thomas  (1696-1725). 

'  See  p.  248,  supra.  It  is  to  be  noted  that  an  epidemic  pestilence  prevailed  at 
this  time  in  parts  of  Europe  and  the  East.  In  Austria  and  Hungary  it  was  a 
spotted  fever,  which  gradually  changed  to  the  plague;  and  in  England  it  took 
the  form  of  the  sweating  sickness.     Even  cattle  and  horses  perished  in  Italy. 

'  Rev.  Joseph  Sewall. 


DECEMBER,     1713  273 

0  God  of  all  Grace,  that  I  may  glorify  thee,  with  an  exemplary 
Prudence  and  Patience,  and  Purity,  in  the  Widowhood  which 
thou  hast  call'd  me  to! 

But  this  is  not  all.  I  must  not  humour  the  Discourses 
of  silly  People,  inviting  my  Return  to  the  married  State; 
which  it  is  unaccountable  to  see,  how  much  they  have 
already  begun  upon.  (Even  the  last  Night,  I  have  a  foolish 
Message  from  a  Gentlewoman  bro't  unto  me.) 

More  than  so.  I  must  watch  against  all  internal  Temp- 
tations of  such  a  Tendency. 

Wherefore,  first,  I  would  by  no  means  indulge  my  Soul, 
in  reviving  to  my  Thoughts,  any  Idea  of  those  grateful 
Circumstances  which  I  have  heretofore  enjoy'd  in  the  mar- 
ried State ;  I  would  not  so  much  as  think  upon  the  old  and 
past,  Maritales  ineptia.  But  if  such  Thoughts  happen  to 
begin  at  any  Time  in  my  Mind,  I  would  presently  rebuke 
them,  and  retund  them.  They  shall  provoke  an  Ejaculation 
to  Heaven,  of  this  Importance  ;  O  my  dear  Saviour,  I  freely 
Sacrifice  to  thee,  whatever,  thy  Holy  Hand  has  taken  from  me! 

1  will  immediately  change  them  into  Wishes  of  this  Impor- 
tance ;  0,  that  I  may  have  the  unspeakable  Pleasures  of 
knowing  my  dear  Saviour,  and  of  doing  very  great  Services 
for  His  Kingdome,  and  good  Offices  for  Mankind! 

And  who  can  tell,  what  my  Glorious  Lord  may  do 
for  me! 

1.  [December  27.]  G.  D.  It  may  now  be  a  Time  for 
me  to  revive  my  Exercise  of  Catechising.  A  Multitude  of 
restored  Children  coming  to  this  Exercise,  I  would  make 
it  a  precious  Opportunity,  to  inculcate  mightily  upon  them, 
the  Lessons  and  the  Duties,  which  they  ought  now  to  be 
exceedingly  mindful  of. 

2,  G.  D.  May  I  not  further  modify  the  Evening-Sacri- 
fices in  my  Family,  and  make  some  edifying  Addition  to 
the  Exercises  in  them?  Yes;  my  two  younger  Children, 
shall  before  the  Psalm  and  Prayer,  answer  a  Question  in 

n-i8 


274         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

the  Catechism ;  and  have  their  Leaves  ready  turned  unto 
the  Proofs  of  the  Answer  in  the  Bible;  which  they  shall 
distinctly  read  unto  us ;  and  show  what  they  prove.  This 
also  will  supply  a  fresh  Matter  for  the  Prayer  that  is  to 
follow, 

3.  G.  D.  A  Marriage  of  a  Sister,  has  produced  me  a 
new  Brother-in-Law,i  and  several  new  Relatives,  for  whose 
Welfare  I  must  be  concerned.  I  Bestow  agreeable  Books 
of  Piety  upon  them. 

4.  G.  D.  In  my  Letters  to  London ,  I  am  to  do  some 
Service  for  our  Churches,  as  an  Advocate  against  some 
false  and  foolish  Accusations,  that  are  said  or  fear'd  to  be 
going  home  against  us. 

5.  G.  D.  I  will  accelerate  the  Publication  of  an  Instru- 
ment for  Houshold-Pieiy,  among  the  Christian  Indians. 

6.  G.  D.  A  poor  Woman  belonging  to  the  Church 
whereof  I  am  a  Servant,  is  languishing  under  an  horrible 
Cancer,  as  well  as  conflicting  with  oppressing  Poverty.  I 
will  visit  her,  and  relieve  her,  and  much  concern  myself 
that  her  Miseries  may  be  mitigated  and  sanctified. 

7.  G.  D.  In  my  Prayers  to  God  for  the  Pardon  of  my 
particular  Miscarriages,  (and  such  Prayers,  as  I  make  every 
Night,  with  relation  to  the  foregoing  Day,)  I  would  not 
only  consider  the  Sacrifice  of  my  blessed  JESUS  in  general, 
as  cleansing  from  all  Sin :  but  I  would  also  more  particu- 
larly consider,  what  there  was  in  the  spotless  Heart  and 
Life  of  my  lovely  JESUS,  most  contrary  to  the  Points 
wherein  I  have  miscarried ;  and  consider  how  admirably 
that  holy,  harmless,  undefiled  One,  was  qualified,  in  regard 
of  His  perfect  Obedience  unto  the  divine  Law,  to  be  a 
Sacrifice  for  the  Disobedient.  And  having  thus  glorified 
my  sacrificed  Saviour,  then  will  be  my  Time  to  come  in 
with  my  Supplications  for  the  Grace  which  he  has  purchased 

'Maria  Mather  (1665-1746),  widow  of  Bartholomew  Green,  married  Richard 
Fifield  in  this  year. 


JANUARY,     I  7  I  3-  I  4  275 

for  me;  the  Grace  that  shall  bring  me  into  the  highest 
Conformity  that  is  possible  unto  His  Obedience. 

2d.  II  m.  [January,  17 13-14.]  Satureday.  I  sett  apart 
this  Day,  for  Prayer  with  Fasting  before  the  Lord,  on  the 
same  Occasions,  that  I  had,  when  I  was  last  thus  engaged. 
And  I  enjoy'd  a  precious  Presence  of  the  Lord  with  me,  in 
my  Supplications. 

This  Day  I  had  a  notable  Experience. 

1.  [January  3.]  G.  D.  I  have  not  yett  gott  into  a 
Way  that  pleases  me,  for  Catechising  the  female  Children 
of  the  Flock.  But  since  I  have  translated  that  Exercise 
unto  the  School-house,  I  see  agreeable  Accommodations  for 
both  Sexes  there.  I  would  propose  it  unto  Consideration, 
whether  I  may  not  order  both  to  come  together,  into  that 
Place.  And  if  they  be  so  numerous,  that  they  can't  all  be 
heard  at  once,  they  may  be  heard  alternately :  But  all  have 
Opportunity  to  attend  the  Admonitions  then  dispensed. 

2.  G.  D.  It  is  high  time  for  my  dear  Katy,  to  proceed 
with  her  Intentions  of  joining  herself  unto  the  Church. 

3.  G.  D.  I  have  a  young  Kinsman,  who  is  entring 
upon  the  evangelical  Ministry.  I  would  apply  myself  to 
him,  with  my  best  Instructions  and  Assistences. 

4.  G.  D.  In  my  Book  of.  Pastoral  Desires,^  there  is  to 
the  Quantity  of  about  a  Sheet,  employ'd  upon  the  Methods 
of  praeparing  for,  and  Approaching  to,  the  Table  of  the. 
Lord ;  with  agreeable  Motives  unto  the  Duty.  Such  a 
brief  Engine  of  Piety,  lodg'd  in  the  Hands  of  the  People 
about  the  Countrey,  may  prove  serviceable  to  Religion. 
I  would  move  it  unto  the  Ministers  of  a  neighbouring  Asso- 
ciation, to  unite  in  the  Publication  of  such  a  thing,  with  an 
Attestation  of  theirs  unto  it. 

5.  G.  D.  The  General  Society,  for  the  Suppression  of 
Disorders,  having  been  dissolved  by  the  Calamities  of  this 
Winter,   I  would  advise  with  a  Number  of   Gentlemen, 

*  Printed  in  171 2. 


276         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

about  the  Reviving  of  it,   and  the   leavdng  out  of  some 
unworthy  and  improper  Members. 

6.  G.  D.  There  are  several  Persons,  to  whom  the  Dis- 
cipline of  our  Church  is  extendible ;  especially  some  that 
by  Recommendations  from  abroad,  have  a  transient  Com- 
munion with  us ;  of  whom  I  hear  a  very  evil  Report.  I 
must  concern  myself  in  all  proper  Wayes,  that  these  Persons 
may  not  go  without  the  Admonitions,  which  belong  unto 
them. 

7.  G.  D.  I  apprehend,  The  holy  Spirit  of  God,  is  not 
in  an  explicit  Manner  enough  pray'd  unto ;  He  is  very 
GOD  ;  a  distinct  Person  in  the  eternal  God-head.  When 
I  am  crying  to  Heaven  for  those  Blessings,  which  do  more 
peculiarly  and  conspicuously  proceed  from  Him,  I  would, 
after  a  Recognition  of  His  being  that  God,  who  is  the 
Father,  and  the  Son,  and  the  Holy  Spirit,  very  distinctly 
make  my  Addresses  to  Him.  And  very  particularly  if  an 
impure  Thought  should  be  at  any  time  thrown  into  my 
Mind,  I  will  immediately  address  Him,  with  such  a  Groan 
as  this ;  0  Holy  Spirit  of  my  God,  of  my  Father,  ajid  my 
Saviour;  purify  me,  purify  me,  purify  me!  Dwell  in  me, 
as  in  an  Holy  Temple! 

1.  [January  10.]  G.  D.  I  hear  of  no  less  than  four 
young  Men,  in  the  Covenant  of  God,  and  under  the  Watch 
of  the  Church  whereof  I  am  the  Servant,  who  take  very 
vicious  Courses.  I  must  use  the  most  proper  and  speedy 
Methods  I  can,  that  the  Discipline  of  the  House  of  the 
Lord  may  reach  unto  them.  This  may  be  a  Service,  not 
unto  them  only,  but  also  unto  all  the  Flock. 

2.  G.  D.  My  Daughters  must  live  in  the  daily  use  of 
their  Pens,  on  Subjects  that  I  shall  direct  for  them.  And 
besides  this ;  I  would,  when  I  sitt  with  my  Family  at  nine 
a  clock  in  the  Evening,  have  one  of  them  to  read  a  little 
on  some  or  other  of  the  Sciences,  and  then  in  a  way  of  Dis- 
course convey  unto  them  agreeable  Instructions  thereupon. 


JANUARY,     1713-14  277 

3.  G.  D.  I  have  a  good  Kinsman  at  Stiffi-eld,  from 
whose  brotherly  CiviHties  and  Assistences,  I  expect  a  con- 
siderable Accession  to  the  temporal  Interest  of  my  Family. 
I  ought  to  use  more  than  common  Endeavours  for  His 
eternal  Interest.  And  then  also,  I  would  project  with  him, 
how  to  make  a  new  Plantation,  wherein  we  are  together 
concerned,  a  Seat  of  Piety. 

4.  G.  D.  I  much  incline  to  resume  the  Consideration 
of  the  Maxims  of  the  Kingdome  of  God,  which  I  have  here- 
tofore more  briefly  offered  unto  the  Public  ;  and  with  many 
Illustrations  and  Demonstrations,  in  a  Treatise  upon  them, 
show  how  reasonable  and  how  honourable  they  are,  and 
how  serviceable  they  would  be ;  and  what  would  be  the 
excellent  Consequences  of  it,  if  they  were  made  the  Uniting 
Maxims,  for  all  Good  Men  to  concur  upon,  with  a  Resolu- 
tion to  associate  upon  them,  and  prosecute  them,  and  estab- 
lish them,  and  lett  fall  Things  that  are  unworthy  of  so  much 
Esteem  as  to  divide  the  World  upon  them. 

5.  G.  D.  I  would  write  a  Letter  unto  a  Gentleman  at 
Connedicot,  who  was  of  the  same  class  with  me,  when  I  was 
a  student  in  the  Colledge.  He  is  a  rich  Man,  and  I  fear, 
not  a  very  good  Man ;  and  he  hath  also  no  Family.  I 
would  so  manage  my  Address  unto  him,  as  to  win  upon 
him,  first  to  be  good,  and  then  to  do  good. 

14d.11  m.  Thursday.    A  general  Fast,  thro'  the  Province. 
I  enjoy'd  a  very  gracious  and  precious  Assistence  from 
God,  in  the  Services  of  the  Day. 

6.  G.  D.  There  are  some  very  aged  Women  in  my 
Neighbourhood,  by  old  Age  and  Weakness,  for  a  long  while 
confined  from  coming  to  the  House  of  God.  I  would  visit 
them ;  and  bestow  suitable  Instruments  of  Piety  upon  them. 

7.  G.  D.  I  desire,  that  when  in  my  Library,  or  else- 
where, I  take  up  a  Book,  which  is  a  very  useful  Performance, 
and  an  Effect  of  much  Learning  or  Labour  or  Piety,  I  would 
usually  lift  up  my  Soul  to  God,  with  some  Acknowledgment 


278         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

of  Him,  and  of  what  He  has  done,  in  disposing  and  assisting 
a  Writer  to  such  an  Undertaking. 

1.  [January  17.]  G.  D.  The  poor  Flock,  the  poor 
Flock,  whereof  I  am  the  Servant ;  a  poor,  foolish,  senseless 
People ;  how  unfruitful,  and  how  ungrateful !  How  aban- 
doned of  Heaven  to  the  neglecting  and  even  confounding 
of  their  own  Interests! 

I  am  so  strangely  at  a  Loss,  what  to  do  further  for  them ! 
I  am  daily  serving  them  in  all  the  Methods  my  barren 
Mind  can  think  of!  And  when  the  Article  of,  what  is  to 
he  done  for  them,  returns  upon  my  Meditations,  I  am  not 
so  long  plodding  upon  any  Article,  before  I  find  out  some 
Invention  to  do  further  Good.  This  Morning,  after  long 
Deliberation,  I  can  think  of  nothing  to  purpose,  but  this ; 
I  will  enlarge  my  Prayers,  that  the  Wrath  of  God  may  be 
turned  away  from  the  poor  Flock. 

And  I  will  be  more  explicit,  and  exquisite,  and  full  of 
Resignation  in  my  making  a  Sacrifice  of  it,  as  well  as  in 
pleading  the  great  Sacrifice  for  it.  And  I  will  also  spend 
more  Thoughts,  in  projecting  Petitions  and  Expressions 
for  the  public  Prayers,  in  those  Points  which  are  of  more 
common  Concernment  among  them. 

2.  G.  D.  I  foresee  an  Advantage  to  Crcsy,  of  his  being 
accomplished  in  certain  mathematical  Sciences,  (as  well  as 
those  of  the  fencing  and  music  Schole)  namely,  Geometry, 
Trigonometry,  Navigation.  His  Genius  also  stands  much 
that  Way. 

There  are  two  or  three  Points  in  Lizy's  Education,  to 
be  likewise  prosecuted. 

3.  G.  D.  I  have  a  Widow-sister,  who  greatly  needs  to 
be  putt  into  a  Way  of  subsisting  herself,  and  to  be  animated 
unto  the  use  of  her  own  vigorous  Endeavours  for  that 
Purpose.! 

4.  G.  D.    It  is  now  time  for  me  to  address  the  Town 

•  Elizabeth  Mather,  whose  second  husband,  Josiah  Byles,  died  March,  1 707-08. 


JANUARY,     1713-14  279 

and  especially  the  young  People  of  it,  with  such  Admoni- 
tions as  the  late  Calamity  on  the  Town/  and  Recovery 
from  it,  have  rendred  seasonable.  May  the  Glorious  Lord 
accept  me,  and  assist  me  in  this  Essay;  for  I  am  able  to 
do  nothing. 

5.  G.  D.  There  is  yett  another  Society,  which  I  am 
introduced  into.  The  Lord  Chancellour  ^  has  by  his  Decree, 
made  me  one  of  the  Trustees,  for  the  applying  of  a  Legacy 
left  many  years  ago,  by  Mr  Hopkins,  unto  our  Colledge, 
and  lately  recovered.  As  a  Member  of  this  Society,  I 
would  watch  all  Opportunities  to  serve  the  Good  Interests, 
which  are  to  be  served  in  it. 

21  d.  11  m.  Thursday.  After  previous  Humiliations  and 
Supplications,  wherein  I  resigned  myself  up  unto  the  holy 
Spirit  of  God,  that  I  may  be  as  His  Mouth  unto  His  People, 
I  received  a  sweet  Satisfaction  in  my  Mind,  that  I  should 
be  accepted  of  the  Lord.  Then  I  went  forth  into  a  vast 
Auditory ;  where  the  glorious  Lord  was  mightily  present 
with  me,  in  my  beginning  to  discourse  the  Things,  which 
I  thought  seasonable  for  the  Town,  relating  to  the  late 
Calamity  and  Deliverance.  What  I  purpose,  to  conclude, 
with  His  Leave  and  Help,  on  the  next  Opportunity. 

6.  G.  D.  There  are  two  men  under  much  Discom- 
posures of  Mind,  and  very  neghgent  of  their  Duty,  to  whom 
I  would  apply  myself,  with  my  best  Endeavours  to  serve 
them,  and  help  them. 

7.  G.  D.  There  occur  certain  Occasions  on  which  I 
would  use  myself,  to  turn  my  Eye,  unto  God,  and  His  holy 
Spirit,  with  such  an  Ejaculation  as  this ;  0  Glorious  Lord, 
Pardon  my  past  Impurities ;  and  now  purify  me  wonderfully ! 

I.  {January  2 i!^.]  G.  D.  I  am  still  upon  this  Thought ; 
that  I  will  endeavour  to  have  Passages,  and  Petitions,  and 
Expressions  in  my  public  Prayers,  which  may  suit  the 
several   Tribes   and   States   of   the  People,   in   a   copious 

*  The  measles.  *  *  Simon,  Lord  Harcourt  (i66i?-i727.) 


28o         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

Distinction  of  them ;  and  find  out  such  Variences,  and 
such  Pungencies,  upon  each  of  them,  as  may  much  affect 
them,  with  a  Sense  of  their  owti  Circumstances,  and  also 
direct  them,  how  they  shall  themselves  call  upon  God  for 
themselves. 

2.  G.  D.  I  must  not  give  over,  till  my  three  elder 
Children,  have  given  themselves  up  to  the  Lord  in  the 
Covenant  of  His  Church,  and  sealed  it  at  His  holy  Table. 
I  would  keep  seriously,  frequently,  continually  conversing 
with  them,  on  such  Points,  as  may  prepare  them  for  so 
excellent  an  Action. 

3.  G.  D.  I  must  cr}^  mightily  to  the  God  who  forms 
the  Spirit  of  Man  within  him,  that  my  aged  Parent,  may 
have  his  IVIind  made  easy,  with  relation  to  the  new  Church 
swarming  in  our  Neighbourhood.  His  Uneasiness  is  the 
worst,  and  in  a  Maimer  the  only,  part  of  mine ;  and  his 
placid,  and  pleasant  Encounter  with  the  Occurrences  of  this 
Affair,  will  glorify  God,  and  be  an  Honour  to  our  holy 
Religion,  and  a  great  Comfort  unto  me. 

4.  G.  D.  I  have  in  view,  a  great  Service,  to  be  prose- 
cuted, not  only  for  the  Colony  of  Cannecticot,  but  for  our 
Province  also,  —  some  Letters  of  Mine  to  principal  Persons 
in  that  Colony,  may  be  of  great  Consequence. 

5.  G.  D.  A  worthy  ISIinister  of  this  Town,  has,  with 
too  much  Reason,  his  Apprehensions  of  being  speedily 
taken  off  by  Death.  I  would  be  his  IMonitor,  for  his  prae- 
paring  a  short  Instrument,  which  he  may  leave  behind  him, 
in  Writing  to  serve  this  People,  and  the  Church  of  God, 
with  several  Important  Admonitions,  relating  to  their  great 
Interests. 

6.  G.  D.  There  is  a  Candidate  of  the  Ministry,  in  my 
Neighbourhood,  who  has  now  waited  for  Settlements  and 
Improvements,  till  he  be  gott  beyond  Thirty ;  is  at  last 
like  to  be  disappointed  in  his  Expectation,  to  be  invited 
by  the  new  Church  in  this  Neighbourhood.     I  am  in  dis- 


JANUARY,     1713-14  281 

tress  for  him ;  full  of  Sollicitudes,  that  he  may  j5nd  accept- 
ance with  the  People  of  God,  and  be  serviceable.  I  do  for 
him  all  that  I  can ;  but  I  would  particularly  endeavour  to 
reconcile  his  Mind  unto  Serviceableness  at  a  further  Dis- 
tance, and  procure  him  an  Offer  of  Opportunities. 

7.  G.  D.  The  Snuffing  of  my  Candle  is  a  very  frequent 
Action  with  me.  I  have  provided  a  great  Number  of  Per- 
tinent Thoughts,  and  Wishes,  and  Prayers  and  Praises,  to 
be  form'd  upon  the  Occurrences  in  my  Life,  which  afford 
Occasions  for  them.  I  have  not  yett  made  so  particular  a 
Provision  for  this,  as  I  now  do.  In  the  Doing  of  this  Action, 
I  would  often  think,  and  wish,  and  say.  Lord,  Lett  me  shine 
the  brighter,  for  all  my  afflictive  Diminutions! 

2,0  d.  II  m.  Satureday.  This  Day,  I  sett  apart  for  Fast- 
ing, with  Prayers  and  Alms.  I  renew'd  my  Flight  unto 
the  Sacrifice  of  my  Saviour,  for  the  Pardon  of  my  Sins ; 
particularly,  of  those  which  have  brought  upon  me  all  the 
Desolations  of  my  second  Widowhood.  The  Lord  com- 
forted me,  with  some  Assurance,  that  He  has  pardoned 
me.  I  cried  unto  the  Lord,  for  the  Aids  of  His  Grace, 
that  I  may  glorify  Him  in  my  Widowhood;  and  that  I 
may  be  preserved  from  all  Steps  that  may  wound  my  Pro- 
fession, or  hurt  my  Family.  I  look'd  up  to  the  holy  Spirit, 
that  He  would  guide  my  Studies,  and  prosper  my  Writings 
as  well  as  my  Labours,  for  the  Service  of  His  Kingdome ; 
especially  One,  which  I  have  my  Heart  much  sett  upon. 
I  had  some  domestic  Distresses ;  particularly  one,  relating 
to  the  Disposal  of  my  Son ;  which  I  carried  unto  the  Lord. 
The  State  of  His  People,  was  also  with  me. 

I  bewayled  the  Impieties  which  fill  the  English  Nation 
at  this  day ;  from  a  vile  Generation  of  men,  that  keep  this 
Day  unto  their  Lord,  an  abominable  Tyrant ;  and  besought 
of  the  most  High,  that  He  would  putt  an  End  unto  their 
Abominations,  and  mercifully  deliver  the  Nations  once 
again  from  that  which  depraves  them  wonderfully. 


282         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

1.  [January  31.]  G.  D.  I  sett  myself  this  Morning,  to 
think ;  what  Account  can  I  give  to  the  glorious  Judge  of 
the  world,  concerning  my  Discharge  of  my  Ministry  to  the 
Flock,  whereof  He  has  made  me  an  Overseer. 

When  my  Mind  is  barren  of  wise  Thoughts,  on  that 
Question,  What  further  to  be  done  for  my  Flock?  I  would 
still  retire  to  this  Meditation. 

2.  G.  D.  My  Servant  burying  of  his  Son,  it  gives 
me  an  Opportunity,  to  inculcate  agreeable  Admonitions  of 
Piety  upon  him. 

3.  G.  D.  I  must  proceed  with  further  Contrivances 
and  Assistences,  that  my  Widow-sister  may  be  well  pro- 
vided for. 

4.  G.  D.  Having  a  Variety  of  extensive  Services  for 
the  Church  of  God  before  me,  it  is  of  consequence,  that  I 
use  a  good  Order  in  prosecuting  of  them,  and  that  I  deter- 
mine which  I  shall  first  of  all  take  to  and  stick  to.  For 
this  I  humbly  look  up  to  the  Direction  of  Heaven. 

5.  G.  D.  There  are  many  Points  relating  to  natural 
History,  and  Improvements  in  Philosophy,  wherein  to  gain 
some  Information,  would  enable  me  to  do  some  Good.  I 
would  form  a  Catalogue  of  those  Points,  and  then  employ 
many  suitable  Hands  to  prosecute  the  Enquiries. 

6.  G.  D.  Having  some  further  summs  of  Money,  to 
distribute  among  the  Poor,  I  shall  be  as  careful  as  I  can  to 
find  fitt  objects  for  the  Distribution. 

7.  G.  D.  My  Mind  is  buffeted  with  horrible  Tempta- 
tions to  the  Paulician  Heresy. ^  I  must  use  more  than 
ordinary  Methods,  to  quench  these  fiery  Darts  of  the 
Divel. 

I.   [February   7.]     G.  D.    The   Swarming  Part   of  the 

'  It  would  be  difficult  to  express  the  precise  heresy  here  named,  for  even  to 
this  day  the  Paulician  tenets  are  somewhat  vague.  Attempting  to  model  their 
lives  and  cults  on  Christ  and  his  apostles  the  followers  of  this  cult  fell  under  con- 
demnation of  the  council  of  Nice  in  325,  and  ceased  to  have  any  material  influence 
upon  the  development  of  Church  traditions. 


FEBRUARY,     1713-14  283 

Flock,  are  in  danger  of  riinning  themselves  into  Disorders 
and  Confusions.  I  must  with  the  Prudence  and  Patience, 
and  Charity,  that  may  be,  give  them  what  Help  I  can. 

2.  G.  D.  Would  it  not  be  many  Wayes  a  profitable 
Exercise,  if  I  should  on  a  Satureday  Evening  have  the 
Notes  of  my  Sermon  for  the  Day  following,  readd  over  in 
my  Family,  by  one  of  the  Children,  in  the  Hearing  of  the 
rest,  and  my  own? 

3.  G.  D,  I  have  a  very  wicked  Brother-in-Law,  for 
whom  I  must  use  the  best  methods  I  can,  (and  consult 
with  his  Brother,)  that  he  may  not  persist  in  his  Wicked- 
ness, and  be  abandoned  unto  all  Confusion. ' 

4.  G.  D.  It  seems  now  high  time  for  me,  to  come  into 
Action,  and  to  do  what  my  Hand  finds  to  do,  that  the, 
Biblia  Americana,  may  be  brought  forth  into  the  World. 
Lett  me  therefore  publish  a  Sheet,  entituled,  A  New  Offer, 
to  the  Lovers  of  Religion  and  Learning,  therein  giving  an 
Account  of  the  work,  and  so  an  Opportunity  for  Subscrip- 
tions towards  the  Encouragement  of  it ;  and  not  only  spread 
Copies  of  that  offer,  thro'  this  Countrey,  but  also  send  them 
to  Europe. 

5.  G.  D.  I  must  in  the  Society  for  such  Purposes, 
bring  on  an  Enquiry,  what  may  be  done,  for  the  Suppres- 
sion of  some  very  wicked  Houses,  that  are  the  Nests  of 
much  Impiety. 

I  must  also  assist  the  Booksellers,  in  addressing  the 
Assembly,  that  their  late  Act  against  Pedlers,  may  not 
hinder  their  Hawkers  from  carrying  Books  of  Piety  about 
the  Countrey.2 

And,  thus,  the  Goodness,  and  Mercy,  and  Patience  of  the  glori- 
ous Lord,  has  brought  me  to  the  End  of  another  Year.  The  fifty 
first  Year  of  my  Age  is  terminated. 

My  most  faithful  Saviour  has  at  length  brought  me  to  a  continual 

'  Probably  John  Oliver. 

^Province  Laws,  I.  720.    It  was  published  November  14,  1713. 


284         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

Stroke  at  Sacrificing.  And  I  will  here  briefly  relate  the  Sum  of  my 
Experiences  concerning  it. 

I  much  use  myself  to  this  Exercise.  I  endeavour  to  look  on  all 
my  Enjoyments,  and  very  often  cast  a  pausing  Look,  upon  the  dear- 
est and  most  valuable  of  them,  with  a  Thought  of  this  Importance ; 

0  my  dear  Saviour,  If  thou  shall  be  most  glorified,  by  my  having  this 
taken  from  me,  I  Resign  it,  I  forego  it,  I  am  content  and  willing  to  be 
without  it.  I  feel  a  vast  Army  of  Reasons,  conquering,  and  reducing 
of  me  to  such  a  Submission ;  especially  when  I  consider  how  Sovereign, 
how  just,  how  wise,  and  how  good  a  Lord,  I  am  to  submitt  unto. 

But,  by  using  myself  to  such  Sacrifices,  I  do  more  especially  pro- 
pose, to  become  a  weaned  Christian,  and  one  praepared  for  all  Events. 

1  propose,  to  have  my  Life  all  filled  with  Acts  that  will  be  unspeak- 
ably pleasing  to  my  lovely  Redeemer.  I  propose,  to  have  upon  me 
a  joyful  Token  of  a  Share  in  the  royal  Priesthood;  an  Evidence  and 
Assurance,  that  I  shall  walk  with  a  Glorious  JESUS,  in  white  Robes, 
among  them  whom  He  will  make  Priests  unto  God. 

If  I  happen  to  think  on  any  desireable  Enjoyment,  which  I  have 
not  sacrificed  with  a  cordial  and  explicit  oblation  of  it,  my  distressed 
Soul  falls  a  trembling  at  the  Rebellion  and  Idolatry  I  am  in  danger  of ; 
and  I  presently  form,  an  Act  of  Submission,  for  its  being  made  a.  Sacrifice. 

Every  Relish  I  take  in  any  Enjoyment,  produces  in  me  a  Thought 
of  this  Tendency,  O  my  dear  Saviour,  If  thou  wilt  have  this  thing  to  be 
denied  unto  me,  that  so  my  knowing  and  loving  and  serving  of  thee  may 
be  the  better  accommodated ;  I  consent,  I  consent,  that  it  be  denied  unto 
me;  I  am  willittg  to  be  deprived  of  it. 

One  happy  Effect  of  this  Exercise,  is ;  that  tho'  the  Idea  of  having 
my  Desireables  taken  from  me,  and  much  more  the  real  Sufering  of 
the  Bereavements  wherein  they  are  actually  taken  from  me,  is,  for 
the  present  not  Joyous  but  Grievous,  yett  afterwards  I  find  a  Soul  filled 
with  Peace  in  a  Reflection  upon  it. 

If  my  Desireables  are  continued  unto  me,  I  behold  them  with  a 
singular  Pleasure  in  that  Notion  of  them  ;  this  is  one  of  my  Sacrifices! 
And  if  I  call  to  Remembrance  the  Wormwood  and  the  Gall  of  the 
Time  when  I  underwent  the  Loss  of  my  Desireables,  I  have  my  Mind, 
presently  and  wondrously  refreshed  with  this  Consideration  ;  My  God 
helped  me  then  to  oj'er  Sacrifices  that  were  well-pleasing  to  Him  I  Tis 
impossible  for  me,  to  express  the  marvellous  Peace  and  Joy  that  irradi- 
ates my  Mind,  while  I  am  thus  walking  in  the  Love  of  God.  I  find  a 
sacrificing  Life,  to  be  fuller  of  strong  and  strange  Consolations,  than 
can  be  imagined  by  one  who  has  made  no  Trial  of  it. 


february,    1713-14  285 

The  Course  of  my  Ministry  this  Year. 

15  rf.  12  m.  [February.]  1712.  I  preached  on,  Luk.  23.  39.  The 
best  of  Men  railed  upon,  and  by  the  worst  of  Men ;  And  People  suffer- 
ing of  Calumnies,  without  being  the  better  for  them. 

igd.  12  m.  Thursday.  I  preached  the  Lecture,  on  Rev.  2.  19. 
Love  and  Charity,  what  it  is,  and  how  known  (if  we  have  it)  unto 
our  great  Saviour.  (Designing  to  blow  up  that  holy  Fire  in  the  Town, 
on  some  great  Occasions.) 

22  d.  12  m.  I  preached  on  Luk.  23.  39.  Ungodly  people,  de- 
manding unreasonable  Proofs  of  the  Gospel;  and  preferring  temporal 
Benefits  to  Spiritual ;  and  questioning  whether  Jesus  be  the  Christ 
of  God.     And,  that  the  Christ  of  God  is  the  Saviour  of  men. 

I  d.  im.  [March.]  1713.  I  preached  on,  Luk.  23.  40.  The  con- 
verted Man  seeking  the  Conversion  of  others ;  and  Repentance  for 
Sin  inclining  a  Man  to  the  Rebukeing  of  Sin. 

8  d.  I  m.  I  preached,  on  Luk.  23.  40.  The  Fear  of  God  in  true 
Religion ;  how  destitute  of  it  they  are,  who  gett  no  Good  by  Afflic- 
tions ;  how  dreadful  a  Thing  it  is  to  dy  without  it. 

i$d.  im.  I  preached,  on  Luk.  23.  41.  The  Demerit  of  a  suffer- 
ing Sinner,  and  the  Innocence  of  our  suffering  Saviour. 

ig d.  im.  Thursday.  I  preached  the  Lecture,  on  Gal.  6.  3. 
Whence  and  how,  men  deceive  themselves. 

22  d.  I  m.  I  preached  on  Luk.  23.  42.  The  Reason  which  dying 
men  have  to  be  concerned  for  a  good  State  after  Death. 

2gd.  I  m.  I  preached  on,  Jer.  31.  3.  The  PecuUar  and  ever- 
lasting Love  of  God  unto  His  People.  (And  administred  the 
Eucharist.) 

$d.  2  m.  [April.]  I  preached  on,  Luk.  23.  42.  The  Kingdome 
of  our  Saviour,  at  his  coming ;  and  the  Happiness  of  those  whom  He 
will  remember  at  His  coming  in  His  Kingdome. 

12  d.  2  w.  I  preached,  on  Luk.  23.  43.  A  Paradise  for  the 
departed  Souls  of  the  Regenerate. 

16  d.  2  m.  Thursday.  A  general  Fast.  I  preached  on  Zech.  11.  9. 
The  Misery  of  a  People,  when  the  Glorious  Lord  refuses  to  feed  them. 

19  d.  2  m.  I  preached  on,  Luk.  23.  43.  That  the  greatest  of 
Sinners  may  arrive  to  Conversion  and  Salvation.  And  so,  in  eleven 
Discourses  finished  my  Essayes  on  the  History  of  the  Convert  on  the 
Cross. 

26  d.  2  m.  I  preached  on  i.  Chron.  4.  10.  Who  are  indeed 
blessed,  and  how  the  Request  to  be  so,  is  to  be  managed. 


286         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

3  <f.  3  w.  [May.]  I  preached,  a  second  Time,  on  i.  Chron.  4.  10, 
and  finished  what  I  began  the  last  Lord's-Day. 

io<i.  3W.  I  preached  on  Psal.  119.  113.  The  base  Thoughts, 
these  are  hateful  to  a  godly  Man. 

14  d.  3  m.  Thursday.  I  preached  the  Lecture,  unto  a  vast  Audi- 
tory, on  the  Return  of  the  ancient  Lecture,  unto  the  former  Place, 
in  a  stately  Edifice  now  erected  and  finished,  in  the  room  of  that 
which  was  laid  in  Ashes.^  The  Vicinity,  being  rebuilt  with  it,  I 
preached  on  Isa.  65.  21.  The  favour  of  God  shining  on  His  People, 
when  they  build  Houses  and  inhabit  them;  and  yett  more,  when  they 
rebuild  Houses,  and  reinhabit  them. 

17J.  3W.  I  preached  on  Psal.  119.  113.  The  false  Thoughts, 
to  be  hated  and  shunned  by  a  godly  Man. 

24  d.  2,m.  I  preached  on,  Isa.  26.  2.  The  Gates  of  the  holy  City 
opened  unto  the  righteous  Keepers  of  Truth.  (And  I  administred 
the  Eucharist.) 

2,1  d.  2,  m.  I  preached  on  Psal.  119.  113.  The  vain  Thoughts  to 
be  hated  and  shunned  by  a  godly  Man. 

7  i.  4  OT.  [June]  I  preached,  on  Luk.  5.  6.  A  great  Multitude 
enclosed  in  the  Netts  of  the  Gospel ;  which  I  now  threw  out,  with 
great  Assistences  from  Heaven. 

II  <i.  4  OT.  Thursday.  I  preached  the  Lecture,  to  a  great  Assembly 
and  with  a  great  Assistence,  on  Psal.  15.  4.  A  good  Man  as  good  as 
his  Word;  bearing  my  Testimony  against  Unfaithfulness  in  Promises; 
a  vice  too  epidemical. 

14  <i.  4  w.  I  preached,  at  Charlestown,  on  i.  Chron.  29.  19.  The 
Concern  of  Parents  to  seek  a  perfect  Heart  for  their  Children,  and  of 
Children  to  ask  it  for  themselves. 

21  rf.  4  w.  I  preached  on  Psal.  34.  11.  Such  Lessons  relating  to 
the  Fear  of  God,  as  may  be  learn't,  even  by  Children,  and  People  of 
the  lowest  Capacity. 

24  d.  4  m.  Wednesday.  I  preached  the  Lecture  at  Maiden,  on 
Ps.  21.  9.     A  Good  State  after  Death. 

28  d.  4  m.  I  preached,  on  Psal.  146.  4.  The  Circumstances  of 
Mortality,  Man's  Breath  going  forth;  Man  returning  to  his  Earth; 
Men's  Thoughts  then  perishing.  (On  the  occasion  of  several  Instances 
of  early  Mortality,  in  my  Neighbourhood.) 

$d.  $  m.  [Jidy.]  I  preached,  on  Amos.  8.  2.  A  Basket  of  sum- 
mer-Fruit.    Instructions  of  Piety,  fetched  from  the  Summer-Season. 

•In  1711  the  meeting  house  of  the  First  Church  had  been  burned,  and  on 
the  same  site  a  brick  church  was  built  and  came  to  be  known  as  the  "Old  Brick." 


FEBRUARY,     1713-14 


287 


g  d.  s  m.  Thursday.  I  preached  the  Lecture,  on  Prov.  14.  10. 
Secret  Sorrowes,  embittering  the  Lives  of  People. 

12  d.  $  m.  I  preached  both  Parts  of  the  Day  at  Marblehead. 
A.  M.  on  Act.  10.  44.  The  Spirit  of  God  falling  on  His  People  in 
their  Hearing  of  His  Word.  P.  M.  on  Luk.  5.  6.  The  Netts  of  the 
Gospel  enclosing  a  Multitude. 

19  d.  s  m.  I  preached  on  Psal.  5.  7.  The  great  number  of  no 
small  Mercies,  to  be  considered  in  coming  into  the  House  of  God. 
And  how  He  is  to  be  worshipped  in  His  Seat,  and  with  what  Eye  to 
his  holy  Temple.     (And  I  administred  the  Eucharist.) 

26  J.  5  w.  I  preached  on  Matth.  6.  21.  An  earthly  Treasure,  and 
an  heavenly  Treasure;  and  the  Consequence  of  setting  the  Heart  on 
each. 

2  d.  6  m.  [August.]  I  preached,  on  Matth.  6.21,  and  finished 
what  I  began  the  last  Lord's-Day. 

6  d.  6  m.  Thursday.  I  preached  the  Lecture,  to  a  very  great 
Auditory,  and  the  Assembly  sitting,  on  Eccl.  2.  14.  A  Wise  man 
having  his  Eyes  in  his  Head;  concluding,  with  what  was  to  be  seen 
at  this  Time. 

g  d.  6  m.  I  preached  on,  Psal.  22.  11.  The  Interest  and  Wis- 
dome  of  having  a  good  God  near  unto  us,  when  Trouble  is  near. 

16  d.  6  m.  I  preached,  on,  Prov.  14.  25.  A  true  Witness  deliver- 
ing Souls.  And,  having  first  applied  it  unto  Testimonies  born  about 
Matters  of  Fact  in  the  Neighbourhood;  I  then  exhibited,  our  Great 
Saviour  as  the  true  Witness,  who  is  also  the  Deliverer  of  Souls.  And, 
finally,  urging  those  who  are  employ'd  by  Him,  as  his  Witnesses,  to 
deliver  Souls  by  their  Testimonies,  I  endeavored,  particularly  to  do  so. 

23  d.  6  m.  I  preached  on  Joh.  i.  39.  To  come  and  see,  the  Way 
to  be  satisfied,  whether  the  Gospel  of  the  blessed  Jesus  be  the  Truth 
of  God,  or  no ;  a  Trial  of  Religion,  both  in  a  way  of  Enquiry,  and  in  a 
way  of  Experience. 

30  d.  6  m.  I  preached,  on  Job.  10.  15.  What  a  woful  Thing  it  is 
to  be  a  wicked  Man. 

^  d.  y  m.  [September.]  Thursday.  I  preached  the  Lecture,  in  a  vast 
Auditory;  on  Gen.  20.  6.  The  Mercy  of  being  witheld  from  Sin. 
But  by  Sickness  and  faintness,  was  forced  to  break  off,  before  I  could 
finish  what  I  intended. 

6  d.  "J  m.  I  preached  on  Psal.  119.  28.  What  there  is  to  be 
found  in  the  Word  of  God,  for  the  Supporting  and  strengthening  of  a 
Soul  melted  with  heavy  Loads  upon  it. 

10  d.  7  m.  Thursday.    I  preached  the  Lecture  again,  in  a  vast 


255         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

Auditory ;  on  Gen.  20.  6.    And,  with  a  gracious  and  mighty  Assist- 
ance from  Heaven,  finished  what  I  began  a  week  ago. 

13  d.  y  tn.  I  preached,  on  Rev.  3.  16.  The  Character  of  a  luke- 
warm Christian ;  with  some  Endeavour  to  cure  his  Malady.  (And  I 
administred  the  Eucharist.) 

17  J.  7  w.  Thursday.  I  preached  the  Lecture,  on  Psal.  116.  4. 
The  Concern  lying  upon  them  that  are  to  dy,  for  a  good  State  after 
Death. 

23  d.  7  m.  Wednesday.  I  preached  the  Lecture  at  Dedham;  on 
I.  Chron.  29.  19. 

27  d.  7  w.  I  preached  on  Psal.  116.  i.  The  Love  of  God;  and 
how  the  Success  of  Prayer  should  animate  it.  Beginning  a  Course  of 
Sermons  on  the  CXVIth  Psalm. 

id.  ?>m.  [October.]  Thursday.  I  preached  the  Lecture,  on  Psal. 
25.  13.  A  Funeral  Sermon  for  a  religious  Matron,  who  died  yester- 
day [Mrs.  Rock]. 

4  <f.  8  w.  I  preached  on  Psal.  116.  2.  The  Use  to  be  made  of  the 
divine  Condescension  in  hearing  our  Prayers;  therefore  to  call  upon 
the  Lord  in  all  our  Dayes. 

II  d.  8  m.  I  preached  on  Psal.  116.  3.  The  Trouble  and  Sorrow 
of  a  dying  Hour ;  and  the  Pains  of  Hell  then  getting  hold  on  Men ; 
and  the  Way  of  repairing  to  our  Saviour,  (who  underwent  these,)  for 
our  Deliverance  from  them.     (And  I  administred  the  Eucharist.) 

18  d.  Sm.  I  preached  on  Psal.  116.  3,  and  finished  what  I  began 
a  Week  ago. 

2^d.  8  m.  I  preached  on  Job.  7.  3.  About  enduring  Nights  of 
Weariness  and  possessing  Months  of  Vanity,  to  prepare  the  Neigh- 
bourhood, for  the  Calamity  of  the  spreading  Measles. 

2gd.  8  m.  Thursday.  I  preached  the  Lecture,  on  Exod.  12.  7. 
How  we  should  consult  the  Safety  and  Welfare  of  our  Famihes,  by 
getting  the  Blood  of  the  great  Passover,  sprinkled  on  them.  (To 
praepare  the  Town  for  an  Encounter  with  the  Difl&culties  of  the 
Spreading  Malady.) 

I  d.  gm.  [November.]  I  preached  on,  Psal.  116.  4.  How  the 
Name  of  God  is  in  Prayer  to  be  called  upon  ;  the  Necessity  of  Prayer 
in  them  that  expect  Salvation ;  the  prayerful  Piety,  whereto  they 
are  obliged,  that  are  near  to  Death ;  and  what  Religion  in  Earnest, 
must  be  found  in  them  that  would  be  saved. 

8d.  gm.  I  preached  on,  Joh.  18.  11.  The  Cup  of  Sufferings 
given  to  our  Saviour;  His  glorious  Exemple  of  submissive  Patience 
under  it;    pressing  our  Imitation  of  it.     (Some  of  my  Neighbours 


FEBRUARY,     1713-14  289 

having  mett  with  sad  Things ;   and  my  own  Family  being  in  great 
Affliction.     And  I  administred  the  Eucharist.) 

12  d.  gm.  Thursday.  A  Day  of  general  Thanksgiving,  I  preached 
both  Parts  of  the  Day,  on  Psal.  138.  7.  The  People  of  God  walking 
in  the  Midst  of  Trouble,  but  meeting  with  Revivals  in  it ;  which  they 
should  be  thankful  for. 

15  d.  gm.  I  preached  on  Luk.  9.  23.  The  Christian  a  Cross- 
bearer.     (A  funeral  Sermon  for  my  dear  Consort.) 

22  d.  gm.  I  preached  on,  i.  Cor.  15.  31.  Dying  daily.  (Having 
in  less  than  two  Weeks  had  five  Deaths  in  my  Family.) 

26  d.  9  m.  Thursday.  I  preached  the  Lecture,  on  Prov.  24.  10. 
Not  Fainting  in  a  Day  of  Adversity;  and  gave  the  Reverse  of  it,  in 
the  Description  of  an  unfainting  Beleever  under  Affliction.  (The 
Occasions  obvious.) 

29  d.  gm.  I  preached  on  Heb.  5.  8.  Our  Saviours  learning 
Obedience  by  the  Things  which  He  suffered,  and  our  Imitation  of  Him. 

6  d.  low.  [December.]  I  preached  on,  i.  Pet.  i.  15.  Holiness  in 
all  Manner  of  Conversation;  what  it  is,  and  what  our  ObUgations 
to  it. 

13  d.  10  m.  I  preached  on,  Job.  21.  17.  A  Distribution  of  Sor- 
rows, made  by  God,  among  the  Children  of  Men,  and  unto  the  wicked, 
in  His  Anger. 

ly  d.  10  m.  Thursday.  A  Fast  kept  by  the  Churches  of  Boston, 
because  of  our  Calamity  in  the  Malady  of  the  Measles,  and  a  grow- 
ing Scarcity.  I  preached  on  Exod.  15.  26.  Our  Saviour  to  be  glori- 
fied, as  the  Healer  of  our  Disease. 

20 d.  low.  I  preached  on,  Psal.  116.  5.  The  Glorious  God  a 
most  righteous  God. 

24  d.  low.  Thursday.  I  preached  the  Lecture,  on  Mic.  6.  13. 
People  smitten  of  God  for  their  Sins  in  their  Sufferings ;  especially 
when  smitten  with  Sickness.  (To  suit  the  present  Case  of  the  Town 
with  a  seasonable  Word.) 

27  d.  low.  I  preached,  in  the  Forenoon,  on  i.  Chron.  29.  15. 
No  Continuance  in  this  World,  or  Expectation  from  it. 

In  the  Afternoon,  on  Psal.  116.  5,  and  finished  in  agreeable  Flames 
[Frames],  my  Discourse  on  the  punitive  Justice  of  God. 

3  £?.  II  w.  [January,  1713-14.]  I  preached  on,  i.  Chron.  29.3. 
An  Affection  placed  on  the  House  of  God.  (And  I  administred  the 
Eucharist.) 

10  d.  II  m.    I  preached  on  Psal.  116.  5.     The  Justice  of  God,  in 

Rewarding  of  our  Piety,  and  in  Fulfilling  of  His  Covenant. 
II  •  19 


290         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

14  d.  II  tn.  Thursday.  A  general  Fast.  I  preached  on  Ezek. 
15.  7.  People  delivered  from  one  Calamity,  but  for  their  Misbe- 
haviours quickly  thrown  into  another,  and  a  more  devouring  one. 

17  d.  II  tn.  I  preached  on  Ps.  116.  5.  The  Goodness  of  God  as 
operating,  first  in  His  Love  imto  His  Creatures. 

21  d.  II  tn.  Thursday.  I  preached  the  Lecture,  on,  Joh.  5.  14, 
calling  upon  the  Town,  whereof  there  was  now  a  vast  Auditory,  to 
make  a  due  Improvement,  of  the  late  Calamity  and  Deliverances. 
Reserving  the  rest  of  my  Discourse  for  the  next  Opportunity ;  which 
will  [not]  now  be,  till  six  Weeks  hence ;  A  sixth  Lecturer  coming  in  to 
settle  this  Period. 

24  d.  II  tn.  I  preached  on,  Psal.  116.  5.  The  Goodness  of  God, 
shining  in  His  Mercy. 

$1  d.  II  tn.  I  preached  on,  Psal.  116.  5.  The  Goodness  of  God, 
shining  in  His  Grace,  and  in  His  Patience. 

•J  d.  12  tn.  [February.]  I  preached,  on  Psal.  116.  6.  The  simple 
preserved,  and  the  People  of  God  helped  in  a  low  Condition. 

[On  the  last  sheet  is  recorded :  ] 

Abigail,  William,  [Katharine,]  Mary,  Joseph,  Abigail,  Mehetabel, 
Hannah,  Increase,  Samuel,  Elizabeth,  Samuel  Nathanael,  Jerusha, 
Eleazar,  Martha. 

Of  15,  Dead  9,  Living  6. 

Quos  nubi  Indignissimo  Deus  dedit  Filii  Filiaeque. 

To  Samuel  Penhallow.  m.h.s. 

Boston,  21  d.  8  tn.  [October.]  "17 13. 

Sir,  —  Tis  more  than  Time  for  me,  to  return  my  own  and  my 
Consort's,  thanks  to  you  and  yours,  for  the  Eyhlaean  Present  where- 
with you  lately  obliged  us.  This  I  now  do,  with  my  hearty  Prayers, 
that  you  may  be  satisfied  with  that  out  of  the  Rock ! 

I  wish  my  Pen  were  able  to  entertain  you  with  any  thing  like  what 
the  Poet  sales  dropt  from  the  Lip  of  Nestor ;  whose  Greek  Verse  I 
have  turned  into  this  EngUsh  Hexameter ; 

His  Lip  dropt  Language,  than  Sweet  Honey,  Sweeter  abundatice. 

But  such  as  it  is,  I  pray  your  Acceptance  of  my  last  Pubhcation. 

Our  Friend,*  for  whose  Arrival,  we  made  so  many  smokes  above  ?i, 
weeke  ago,  has  now  exhibited  his  Commissions,  and  Instructions ;  in 
which,  Nihil  invenio  bonis  moribus  contrarium,  or  that  has  any  hurt- 
ful Aspect  on  these  Colonies  or  Churches. 

*  Francis  Nicholson. 


FEBRUARY,     1713-14  29I 

The  next  Day  after  his  Arrival,  he  (with  an  Army  of  the  same 
Religion)  was  present  at  an  Ordination  in  Charleslown  where,  among 
other  Things,  a  Speech  was  made,  that  asserted  the  Validity  of  our 
Ordination,  and  the  legitimate  Vocation  and  Investiture  of  our  Min- 
istry, with  great  Freedome  and  Assurance;  and  afl&rmed,  that  all 
the  Churches  of  God  on  the  Continent  of  Europe  do  subsist  on  an 
Ordination  received  from  an  Order  not  superiour  to  that  of  our  Pas- 
tors.^ Nevertheless  he  declared  afterwards,  not  without  Appearance 
of  some  Impression,  that  he  had  never  seen  stick  a  Spectacle  before;  and 
it  was  a  solemn,  serious  affecting  Transaction. 

His  Commission  relating  to  these  Provinces,  is,  I  suppose  only  to 
examine  Accounts ;  which,  I  hope,  you  Gentlemen  Treasurers,  etc. 
are  not  afraid  of. 

I  was  going  on  with  my  Intelligence ;  but  at  this  moment  your 
lovely  Children  stop  at  my  Gate,  calling  for  my  Letter. 

So  that  I  am  under  a  necessity  to  break  off  here ;  Purposing  a  very 
speedy  Appendix.     I  am.  Sir,  Yours  alwayes  „    .^ 

The  Measles  is  gott  into  my  Family  and  is  like  to  prove  an  heavy 
Calamity  to  all  the  Town. 

To  Samxtel  Penhallow.  m.h.s. 

Boston,  24  d.  10  m.  [December.]  1713. 

Sir,  —  To  the  Letters  and  Packetts,  which  I  have  this  Week 
already  directed  for  you,  I  have  nothing  to  add ;  but  only  pray  your 
communicating  of  these  two  printed  Letters  of  Charity,  as  Providence 
may  afford  Occasion. 

Yes ;  —  there  is  one  Thing  more.  In  your  Conversation  with 
my  aged  Parent,  when  you  were  last  in  this  Town,  you  mentioned  a 
surprising  Curiosity,  of  two  very  sympathizing  Sisters  at  Hampton? 
We  both  of  us,  pray  the  Favour,  that  you  would  obtain  for  us,  a  par- 
ticular and  a  well-attested  Relation  of  that  Curiosity.  There  is  a 
Society  in  the  World,  who,  I  perceive,  expect  from  me,  what  may  be 
curious,  in  these  American  Regions. 

The  Letters  of  Charity,  I  now  send  you,  may  no  doubt  be  censured, 
as  every  Thing  of  mine  is,  by  some  of  your  Neighbours,  whose  Envy 
(and  Folly)  uses  to  be  at  least  a  equal  to  their  Learning.  But  the  Imi- 
tation of  our  dear,  dear  Saviour,  in  helping  the  sick  and  miserable 

1  Sewall,  Diary,  n.  401. 

'  Bridget  and  Jane  Moulton. 


292         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

yeelds  a  Consolation,  which  will  weigh  down  against  all  their  Imperti- 

nencies.    I  am,  Sir,  Your  hearty  Friend  and  Serv't.  ^      ,  , 

Co.  Mather.' 


To  Sir  William  Ashurst.  a.a.s. 

Boston,  N.  E.  12  d.  Sm.  [October.]  1714. 

Sir,  —  Your  grand  Revolution  on  the  first  of  August,  has  affected 
these  Plantations  in  a  very  uncommon  Manner;  and  we  comfort 
ourselves  with  Hopes,  that  our  King,  will  extend  his  benign  Rayes,  to 
his  American  Colonies,  where  he  has  diverse  hundreds  of  thousands 
of  Subjects ;  but  none  more  loyal  and  faithful  than  those  of  N.  E. 

Our  Governour,^  with  whom  I  have  of  late  Months  lived  in  Good 
Correspondence,  commands  me  to  give  you  his  Service. 

Many  (whereof  your  Servant  who  now  writes  was  one,)  were  of 
the  Opinion,  in  the  Reign  of  the  late  Ministry  that  we  should  be  much 
easier  and  happier  in  him,  notwithstanding  some  Dissatisfactions, 

*  "22  d.  I  m.  [March.]  1713-14.  The  Committee  who  served  the  Church  the 
last  Year  this  Day  received  the  Thanks  of  the  Church  for  their  faithful  Service, 
and  were  desired  and  empowered  by  the  Vote  of  the  Church,  to  act  another  Year 
in  the  same  Capacity. 

"This  Vote  was  also  passed:  There  having  been  passed  in  the  Year  1676a  Vote 
of  this  Church,  That  in  case  any  that  should  build  Pewes  in  the  Meetinghouse,  should 
see  cause  afterwards  to  leave  them,  the  Pewes  should  be  disposed  of,  not  by  them,  but 
as  the  Church  should  see  cause:  which  Vote  has  not  been  regarded  and  executed, 
as  it  ought  to  have  been;  by  reason  whereof  many  Inconveniences  have  arisen 
to  the  Church : 

"For  Prevention  thereof  for  the  time  to  come,  is  now  Voted  and  agreed,  that 
the  former  Vote  be  confirmed,  and  henceforth  putt  in  Execution ;  and  that  in 
Explanation  thereof,  when  any  Owner  or  Owners  of  Pewes  shall  remove  out  of 
this,  to  inhabit  in  another  Town,  or  shall  desire  and  obtain  a  Dismission  from  this 
to  another  Church ;  or  shall  absent  themselves  (except  on  a  Voyage  at  Sea,  with 
a  Prospect  of  their  Return)  from  their  Attendance  here,  and  neither  by  themselves 
nor  some  of  their  Family  generally  or  frequently  contribute  towards  the  Mainte- 
nance of  the  Ministry,  and  the  Charges  of  the  Church.  In  such  cases,  they  shall 
be  deemed  to  leave  their  Pewes,  and  the  Church,  or  their  Committee  for  the  time 
being,  may  at  their  Discretion  offer  and  return  to  them  ten  Pounds  in  Money, 
out  of  the  Church-stock  in  satisfaction  for  their  Pewes,  and  in  convenient  Time 
after  such  a  Tender  made  to  them,  shall  be  authorised  to  dispose  of  said  Pew  or 
Pews  to  some  other  suitable  Person ;  the  former  Owners  being  at  Liberty  to  accept 
of  their  Money,  either  before  or  after  such  Disposal." 

"2  rf.  3  w.  [May.]  1714.  Nath:  Henny  dismissed  to  join  with  the  fourteen 
Brethren,  that  are  forming  a  new  Church  in  the  Neighborhood. 

"  16  d.  3  m.     John-Lately  Gee,  dismissed  unto  the  new  Church  in  our  Neigh- 
borhood."    Cotton  Mather's  MS.  Records  of  the  Second  Church,  11. 
=*  William  Tailer. 


OCTOBER,     1714  293 

than  in  any  such  disbanded,  boisterous,  terrible  Flanderkin,  as  we 
fear'd  might  come  into  the  Succession ;  and  therefore  heartily  desired 
his  Continuance  in  the  Government ;  and  so  much  the  rather,  be- 
cause all  agree  him  to  be  a  Gentleman  of  fine  Accomphshments.  I 
perceive,  that  some  are  even  still  of  the  Opinion,  that  we  had  better 
still  have  him  for  our  Governour,  than  some  that  may  be  Strangers  to 
us;  or  not  of  our  Nation. 

And  I  myself  cannot  well  shake  ofif  a  certain  Principle  which 
obliges  me,  to  wish  him  all  the  good  that  may  be  obtained  for  him; 
and  particularly  as  much  quiet  as  may  be,  when  his,  Quietus  est,  shall 
be  granted  him. 

Nor  have  I  forgotten  what  Chrysostom  did  for  Entropions. 

While  I  was  in  the  midst  of  these  Contemplations,  I  was  enter- 
tained with  the  comfortable  Advice  of  the  safe  Arrival  of  our  former 
Friend  Sir  Ch.  H  [obby]  yea ;  and  a  fresh  Prospect  which  he  might 
now  have  of  a  Succession  to  our  Government. 

As  my  whole  Conduct  in  relation  to  the  Friend  of  ours,  has  for 
many  Years,  been  a  perpetual  Series  of  Civilities  to  him,  and  Wishes 
and  Essayes  for  his  Prosperity;  nor  can  any  one  living  tax  me  with 
one  Act  or  Word  inconsistent  with  the  Friendship  I  have  ever  treated 
him  withal :  (tho'  some  things  have  sometimes  happened  that  look'd 
a  little  discouraging,  —  especially  when  the  Publication  of  my  Letters 
to  him,  did  so  extremely  expose  me  to  the  Revenges  of  our  Governor).^ 
So,  I  am  still  full  of  all  due  Regards  unto  him.  And,  Syr,  you  will 
not  be  the  less  so,  for  my  informing  you,  that  I  never  knew  him  take 
more  Delight  in  speaking  of  any  Person,  than  of  Sr.  W.  A  [shurst] 
which  he  very  often  has  done  to  me,  and  alwayes  with  an  uncommon 
Veneration. 

If  the  Divine  Providence  bring  into  the  Hands  of  that  Gentleman, 
the  Royal  Commission  for  our  Government,  I  hope,  the  many  and 
severe  Afflictions  wherewith  God  has  exercised  him,  will  have  a  Ten- 
dency only  to  render  him  the  more  Serviceable  in  the  World,  and  the 
more  capable  and  the  more  disposed  to  be  a  generous  Benefactor  unto 
the  People  that  shall  be  comitted  unto  him.  I  hope,  likewise  that  all 
old  personal  Animosities  between  him,  and  our  present  Governor  will 
be  so  laid  aside,  that  nothing  shall  be  done  in  any  Point,  but  what 
public  Welfare  shall  call  for.  Behold  the  most  unlikely  and  improper 
Person  in  the  World,  interposing  as  a  most  unexpected  Mediator, 

I  have  broken  my  praescribed  Measures,  in  writing  you  a  Letter 
without  one  Indian  Curiosity.     But  the  Occasion  must  be  my  Apology. 

*  Joseph  Dudley. 


294         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

May  the  Glorious  God  our  Saviour,  grant  you  His  continuall 
Direction,  and  Protection;  and  multiply  His  Blessings  to  Your 
honourable  Family. 

Tis  the  imceasing  prayer  of,  Your  Honors,  Most  sincere  and 
humble  servant. 

To  Sir  Charles  Hobby.  a.a.s. 

i^d.  8  m.  [October.]  17 14. 

Sir,  —  Tis  Just  now,  that  I  have  had  the  Pleasure  of  hearing  that 
you  are  safely  arrived ;  the  Captain  of  the  Ship  sales,  at  New-Castle; 
but  private  Letters  say,  at  London. 

I  may  truly  say,  you  never  had  a  Friend  upon  Earth,  more  sin- 
cerely, and  assiduously  concerned  for  your  Prosperity;  and  more 
heartily  sympathizing  with  you  in  every  Article  of  Adversity;  or 
that  preserved  a  more  inviolable  Friendshipp  under  Circumstances 
that  perhaps  might  have  shock'd  it  in  some  other  Person.  When  I 
have  been  diverse  Times  told,  that  you  have  spoken  to  my  Disad- 
vantage, my  constant  Answer  has  been,  that  Gentleman  knowes  me 
so  well,  I  am  sure  he  never  spoke  an  ill  Word  of  me!  You  might 
therefore  justly  wonder  at  it,  if  I  should  lett  slip,  an  opportunity  of 
expressing  to  you  my  Satisfaction  in  the  good  Providence,  which  has 
thus  watched  over  you. 

Our  Govemour  desires  me  to  do  him  all  the  good  OflBces,  which 
my  poor  pen  may  serve  him  in.  And  you  may  be  sure,  that  the  fifth 
Chapter  of  Matthew  will  compel  one  of  my  Principles,  to  do  all  good 
Offices,  for  one  to  whom  I  am  so  obliged. 

I  know  nothing  that  I  am  capable  of  doing ;  but  only  to  entreat 
of  you,  that  when  a  certain  Point,  the  Revival  whereof,  you  have 
been  long  since  apprised  of  my  Apprehensions  and  Expectations  is 
accomplished,  you  do  him  what  good  may  ly  in  your  way. 

He  has  powerful  Enemies  (as  well  as  Friends,)  and  some  that  are 
gone  from  hence,  no  doubt,  carried  terrible  Representations  of  him; 
And,  I  wish  that  he  had  given  them  less  occasions. 

But  tho'  Governor  Euiropius  had  very  much  maligned  Chrysos- 
tom,  and  loaded  him  with  Indignities,  yett,  when  Euiropius,  Ukely 
to  be  overwhelmed  with  his  Enemies  fled  unto  C/irys:  to  defend  him, 
the  honest  old  Man  spoke,  as  far  as  his  Conscience  would  lett  him, 
if  no  farther,  on  his  Behalf. 

That  for  which  I  am  still  more  sollicitous,  is,  that  a  generous 
Disposition  to  do  all  the  good  that  is  possible  unto  my  poor  Countrey 
may  alwayes  inspire  you,  and  that  your  Opportimities  for  it  may  be 


DECEMBER,     1714  295 

multiplied,  and  that  all  Vanity  and  Vexation  you  have  seen  embitter- 
ing this  evil  World  may  raise  in  your  Mind  those  noble  and  holy 
Ideas  of  a  better  world,  which  may  assure  you  of  a  Portion  in  it. 

Think  on  these  Things ;  and  I  shall  be  content,  tho'  you  never 
employ  one  Tho't  on.  Your  Honours,  most  sincere  Friend  and  humble 
servant. 

To  Sir  Peter  King.*  a.a.s. 

Boston  N.  E.  22  d.  Xm.  [December.]  1714, 

Honourable  Sir,  —  So  well  acquainted  have  you  been  with  our 
uncontroleable  Maxim,  thai  no  man  can  at  once  acquire  a  great  Esteem 
and  enjoy  a  great  Repose;  as  to  render  it  no  Surprise  to  you,  if  the  great 
Esteem  which  you  have  in  these  American  Colonies,  procure  you  the 
Trouble  of  Addresses  from  them  on  many  Occasions. 

If  one  of  the  Things  addressed  unto  you  from  this  side  of  the 
Atlantic,  be  what  you  have  here  enclosed,  it  is  not  from  one  who 
cherishes  any  fond  or  vain  Expectations  from  the  Action,  but  it  is 
because  it  might  be  thought  some  Gratification  unto  the  Curiosity  of 
so  illustrious  a  Literator,  to  be  inform'd,  whether  any  good  Letters  are 
cultivated  on  the  ^wencaw  Strand ;  whether  any  light  ever  shines  in  the 
American  Regions;  and  what  Studies  are  prosecuted  in  the  Western 
Haemisphere,  which  Antiquity  condemned  unto  perpetuall  Darkness. 

Nor  had  this  Preesumption  been  committed,  if  it  had  not  served 
as  an  Introduction  to  another  Matter,  wherein  it  is  desired  that  I 
should  give  your  honour  the  Trouble  of  reading  a  Petition  on  the 
Behalf  of  these  Plantations. 

It  cannot  but  recommend  my  Country  unto  your  Favour,  when 
you  consider  the  Churches,  which  illuminate  it,  as  the  nearest  Counter- 
pane upon  Earth  unto  these  primitive  Churches,  unto  whose  Consti- 
tution, you  have  made  such  exquisite  and  impartial  Enquiries.  But 
it  will  be  a  sufficient  Recommendation,  that  it  is  a  Country  full  of 
honest  people,  whose  Distresses  may  bespeak  your  Concern  for  them ; 
to  be  distressed  is  ever  to  deserve  your  favour ! 

New-England  is  now  grown  a  populous  Country ;  and  by  Conse- 
quence the  Business  therein  carried  on  must  be  considerable.  But 
for  some  well  known  Causes  tis  come  to  pass  that  it  may  say,  Silver 
and  Gold  have  I  none?' 

*This  is  a  copy  of  a  letter,  but  not  in  Mather's  writing,  to  Peter  King  (1669- 
1734))  who  had  defended  William  Whiston. 

*An  undated  fragment  in  the  American  Antiquarian  Society,  written  by 
Mather  to  Sir  William  Ashurst  reads:    "Our  Countrey  is  now  growing  full  of 


296         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

The  Main  Subsistence  for  our  Business  these  many  Years  has 
been,  upon  BUls  of  Credit,  issued  out  from  the  pubUck  Treasury 
of  the  Province,  the  Fund  whereof  has  been  in  our  immense  Debts 
contracted  by  our  grievous  Wars;  for  the  Payment  of  which  the 
Faith  of  our  General  Assembly  has  been  engaged,  that  certain  heavy 
Taxes  should  be  annually  le\yed  on  the  People,  untill  the  whole  sum 
in  the  Bills  of  Credit  thus  emitted,  should  return  into  the  Treasury. 
The  Debts  of  the  Province  have  thus  been  the  Riches  of  it,  and  in  the 
Circulation  of  these  Bills,  a  Medium  of  Trade  and  a  Method  for  our 
Conveyence  of  Credit  unto  one  another  has  been  kept  in  Motion. 

But  our  extraordinary  Debts  are  hastening,  we  hope  to  a  period. 
Our  Bills  of  Credit  are  apace  going  into  the  Treasury ;  where  having 
done  what  they  have  to  do,  they  expire,  as  the  Theatre  on  which  they 
have  done  their  part,  at  length  is  to  do,  in  Flames.  What  Number 
and  Value  of  them  we  have  now  circulating,  is,  as  our  Gentlemen  of 
Business  express  it,  no  more  than  a  Spratt  in  a  Whale  Belly;  and  bear 
little  Proportion  to  the  Business  of  the  Country,  that  our  People  are 
plunged  into  inexpressible  Difficulties.  The  most  uneasy  of  the  four 
grand  Jewish  pains,  Vacuitas  Marsupis,  is  come  upon  us.  The  Blood 
in  our  Veins  is  much  of  it  exhausted;  and  what  little  is  left,  is  by 
some  wealthy  and  hoarding  People,  stagnated.  We  find  the  Name  of 
Truckland  (which  your  Honour  knows  is  that  Name  of  Germany)  will 
scarce  do  for  New  england;  but  throws  us  into  inextricable  Difficulty's. 
For  the  Releef  of  these  Difficulties,  not  a  few  of  our  more  ingenious 
Gentlemen,  form'd  a  Projection  of  a  Bank  in  Partnership  among 
themselves  the  Bills  whereof  might  somewhat  answer  the  Necessities 
of  the  Country.  The  Persons  concerned  in  it  are  many  of  them  such 
as  in  all  Ac'tts  are  in  superior  Circumstances.  From  all  Parts  of  the 
Land  they  pray  to  come  into  the  Partnership ;  their  Interest  is  very 
potent,  and  very  much  carries  the  new  Elections  for  our  General! 
Assembly. 

I  forbear  to  give  your  Honour  the  severale  Articles  of  the  Pro- 
People  and  by  consequence  full  of  Business.  But  a  Medium  of  Trade  almost 
wholly  failing  among  us,  we  find  ourselves  plunged  into  inexpressible  Difficulties. 
For  the  Releef  of  these  Difficulties  a  great  Number  of  our  best  Gentlemen,  began 
to  form  a  Projection  of  a  Bank,  which  your  Honour  finds  in  the  Packett  that  now 
•waits  upon  you.  The  Projection  meeting  with  Opposition  from  some  who  can  do 
what  they  will  in  our  Government,  the  Gentlemen  prostrate  themselves  before 
the  King,  for  His  Royal  Favour  to  it.  It  is  now  humbly  desired  by  the  Gentle- 
men concerned  in  this  Affair,  that  our  Honourable  and  most  Valuable  Friend,  Sir 
William  Ashursl,  will  please  to  bestow  a  few  Thoughts  on  their  projection;  and 
that,  if  a  Person  (         ]"    See  also  Sewall,  Diary,  in.  27. 


DECEMBER,     1714  297 

jection  because  it  will  be  laid  before  you  by  certain  Gentlemen  who 
will  wait  upon  you  with  it.  What  I  have  to  relate  is,  that  some 
gentlemen  (for  some  Reasons  which  in  the  Monarchia  Solipsorum  are 
very  passing  ones,)  have  appeared  violently  against  this  Projection ; 
and  partly  by  their  Share  in  the  Government,  and  partly  their  way 
of  gaining  their  Points  upon  it,  they  have  drawn  upon  it  a  Discoun- 
tenance from  the  Government.  At  the  same  time  the  Government 
has  been  drawn  into  an  Action  which  many  think  to  be  not  advisedly, 
and  hardly  justifiable.  Even  to  order  the  making  more  Bills  of 
Credit  like  our  former,  and  letting  fifty  thousand  pounds  of  them  out 
upon  Interest  unto  such  as  will  borrow  them ;  the  Principall  with  the 
Interest  to  be  paid  in  five  Years,  or  the  Mortgaged  Lands  are  seiz'd 
by  the  Government.  However  many  who  dash  hard  and  with  much 
noise  against  the  projected  Bank,  do  it  really  from  a  publick  Spirit, 
and  from  a  real  Perswasion  that  the  Public  will  be  best  served  in  the 
way  whereof  the  Government  is  now  making  an  Experiment.  In  this 
[torn]  [experience  the  Gentleman  Bank  humbly] 

prostrate  themselves  before  the  Throne  for  the  Favour ;  And  what  I 
have  to  request  of  your  Honour,  is,  that  if  in  your  deep  Penetration, 
you  see  their  Proposals  to  be  wise,  and  just,  and  allowable,  you  will 
please  to  cast  a  benign  Aspect  upon  them.  Your  excellent  Character 
assures  us,  that  if  you  see  what  is  proposed,  will  be  for  the  service 
of  the  Crown,  and  for  the  Encouragement,  and  Consolation  of  a  well- 
disposed  People,  willing  in  all  Things  to  live  honestly,  it  will  be  made 
Partaker  of  your  favourable  Influences. 

I  shall  not  make  the  Trouble  of  my  long  Letter  an  endless  one ; 
but  with  hearty  Prayers,  that  you  may  long  shine,  which  you  have 
hitherto  done,  as  One  of  the  bright  Glories  of  our  Nation ;  and  that 
when  you  retire,  your  precious  Memory  may  be  celebrated  in  more 
Languages,  [than]  the  Obsequies  of  the  renowned  Counsellour  Peires- 
kius;^  I  take  leave,  and  subscribe,  Your  Honour's  Most  sincere,  and 
Humble  Servant.^ 

1  Perhaps  the  French  scholar  and  antiquary,  Nicholas  Claude  Fabri  de 
Peiresc  (1583-1637),  is  intended. 

*  "December  23.  Dr.  C.  Mather  preaches  excellently  from  Ps.  37.  Trust  in 
the  Lord  etc.,  only  spake  of  the  Sun  being  in  the  centre  of  our  System.  I  think 
it  inconvenient  to  assert  such  Problems."     Sewall,  Diary,  m.  31. 

"26  d.  10  m.  1714.  Also  [admitted],  Isaac  Pearse,  one  of  the  fourteen  Breth- 
ren, dismissed  unto  the  new  Church,  returned  unto  it." 

"9  d.  II  m.  1714-15.  Dismissed  unto  the  New  Church  in  our  Neighborhood, 
Lydia  Alexander."    Cotton  Mather's  MS.  Records  of  the  Second  Church,  11. 


298         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

To  John  Frizzell.^  a.a.s. 

Januarj-  25,  1714-15- 

Honoured  Snr,  —  The  constant  Kindness  you  express  to  my 
Father's  Family,  makes  me  fly  to  you,  with  some  hopes  that  you  will 
also  be  my  Father. 

Tis  too  well  known,  that  my  Inclination  is  more  for  Business  than 
for  Learning. 

And  being  inclined  unto  the  Business  of  the  Sea,  my  Friends  have 
a  prospect  of  my  arri\-ing  sooner  to  some  figure  on  that  Element,  than 
on  the  Long  wharf  or  the  Dock. 

I  have  prett\'  well  perfected  m\-5elf  in  the  Theory  of  Xa\igation. 
And  it  is  now  Xecessar>'  that  I  take  a  few  Voyages  for  the  practick 
part.  I  must  go  aboard  some  ship,  as  a  school  for  my  Education; 
and  some  ver\-  good  Commanders  who  have  been  ad\"ised  withal, 
think  it  is  not  absolutely  necessary,  nor  perhaps  convenient,  that  I 
should  enter  at  the  Cook-room  door. 

I  confess  my  desire,  that  the  ship  whereof  your  son  is  the  Com- 
mander, may  be  my  School. 

Here,  I  would  most  heartily  submitt  imto  my  Father's  Expecta- 
tion, that  I  apply  my  Hand  unto  Ever>"  Action  aboard,  whereof  the 
Master  and  Mate  shall  judge  me  capable,  and  yeeld  an  exact  obedi- 
ence to  aU  their  orders. 

And  that  when  I  come  to  London,!  should  stay  aboard, stick  to  the 
ship,  and  attend  both  the  unlading  and  Loading  of  it,  and  only  ask  one 
Fortnights  Leave  to  visit  my  Uncle ;  I  hope,  I  am  every  way  so  dis- 
posed, that  there  will  be  no  Difficulty  in  my  obedience  to  the  Com- 
mands, of  those  aboard  whom  I  shall  acknowledge  as  my  Superiours. 

My  Father  is  willing  to  have  me  imder  all  the  Government  of  a 
sailor,  and  to  do  all  possible  Duty  and  service  aboard ;  and  yett  to 
pay  for  me,  as  a  passenger. 

Sir,  I  cast  mj'self  upon  you,  in  this  matter,  jmd  pray  to  be  con- 
sidered, as  your  younger  Son;  who,  by  consequence,  must  pay  obedi- 
ence to  the  Elder. 

But,  I  do  it  with  submission,  that,  if  you  think  any  better  Ad\-ice 
can  be  given  to  prepare  me  to  do  some  Good  in  the  world,  I  shall  be 
sensible  that  it  ought  to  be  complied  withal. 

So  I  take  Leave ;  Sir,  Your  most  obedient  Servt,* 

'  A  letter  written  by  Mather,  but  intended  for  the  signature  of  his  son  Increase 
Mather,  now  destined  for  a  commercial  life. 

*  "  16  d.  I  m.  [March],  1 714-15.    At  a  Church  Meeting.    The  Church  desired 


APRIL,     1715  299 

To  Sir  William  Ashurst.  a.a.s. 

[1715]^ 
Sir,  —  By  the  next  Opportunity,  I  hope  to  entertain  your  Hon- 
our with  something  that  may  be  more  pertinent  than  what   this 
Packett  can  pretend  to. 

Tis  but  just  now,  that  I  have  had  the  Satisfaction  of  receiving 
your  Letters,  which  were  dated  as  long  ago  as  the  tenth  of  August, 
the  Ship  on  board  whereof  they  were,  having  been  blown  off  the 
Coast,  in  the  beginning  of  the  Winter.  You  will  easily  beleeve,  that 
we  partake  and  rejoice  with  you,  in  the  Blessings,  which  the  first  of 
August  introduced.  In  my  Letters,  I  have  still  taken  care  to  treat 
you,  with  some  Indian  Curiosity.  But  [  ]  that  I  have  at  th[is  in- 
stant] for  you,  is  the  hand  [that]  brings  you  a  small  parcel  of  our 
squash-seed,  from  our  worthy  Friend  Mr.  Sewal.  It  comes  by  a 
tame  Indian ;  for  so  the  Europeans  are  pleased  sometimes  to  denomi- 
nate the  Children  that  are  born  in  these  Regions; 

More  plainly,  tis  my  own  Son ;  a  Youth  not  sixteen  years  of  Age ; 
but  one  who  having  pass'd  thro'  the  learned  and  polite  Education  of 
our  Schools,  chose  a  Life  of  Action ;  and  having  been  so  long  with 
an  acute  Merchant  as  to  acquaint  himself  with  Business,  the  Death 
of  his  Master,  opened  a  new  Scene  and  Hope  to  him,  of  arriving  more 
speedily  to  significant  Business  by  the  Sea,  than  in  any  other  way. 
Accordingly,  he  is  aboard,  in  the  Quality  of  a  Passenger,  but  with  a 
Design  to  accomplish  himself  in  the  practick  Part  of  shortly  comand- 
ing  a  good  Ship,  whereof  he  has  already  gott  much  of  the  Theory. 
I  have  been  perhaps  too  willing  to  indulge  and  follow  the  Genius  of  a 
Child,  in  the  Choice  of  a  Business  for  him;  as  knowing  that  if  that  be 
not  very  much  considered,  a  Child  will  never  prove  considerable. 

and  betrusted  John  Clark,  Esqr.  Thomas  Hutchinson,  Esqr.,  Mr.  Adam  Winthrop, 
Mr.  Edward  Hutchinson,  Mr.  John  Ruck,  Mr.  John  Frizzel,  and  Mr.  Samuel  Green- 
wood, to  act  as  a  Committee  on  the  behalf  of  the  Church,  for  the  Year  ensuing,  in 
such  Methods  and  Affaires  as  were  assigned  unto  such  a  Committee,  for  the  five 
former  Years. 

"A  Copy  of  a  Vote  then  passed  by  the  Brethren,  after  the  Withdraw  of  the 
Pastors.     (Drawn  up  by  Col.  Winthrop.) 

"At  a  Meeting  of  the  Brethren  of  the  North-Church  in  Boston,  duely  notified, 
Voted,  Nemine  contradicenle,  that  the  House  of  Mr.  Thomas  Hutchinson  in  Ship 
Street,  now  vacant,  be  hired,  for  the  Accommodation  of  the  Reverend  Dr.  Cotton 
Mather,  at  the  Charge  of  the  Church,  until  some  further  Provision  be  made  for 
him."     Cotton  Mather's  MS.  Records  of  the  Second  Church,  n. 

*  Young  Mather  was  in  London  in  May  or  June. 


300         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

Tis  an  Alleviation  to  my  Dissatisfaction  in  this  Choice,  that  it 
may  give  the  Lad  an  Opportunity  of  waiting  on  your  Honour ;  and 
bringing  to  your  Lady,  the  enclosed  little  Treatises ;  With  my  repeted 
Wishes  of  all  Prosperity  to  your  Person  and  Family.  Wherewith  I 
am,  Your  Honours,  Most  affectionate  Servt. 


To  Dr.  Williams  and  Others.  a.a.s. 

Boston.  N.  E.  14  d.  2  m.  [April.]  1715. 

Reverend  Sirs,  —  The  Ministers  of  the  Gospel,  in  two  Prov- 
inces of  N.  E.  had  the  happy  Tidings  of  the  Arrival  of  our  lawful  and 
rightful  King  George  to  the  British  Throne,  whereof  we  are  not  the 
least  joyful,  tho'  some  of  the  most  remote  Subjects,  no  sooner  brought 
unto  them,  than  the  Disposition  of  addressing  His  Majesty  with  our 
most  hearty  Congratulations  was  operating  in  them. 

The  long  and  strong  Bands  that  a  new  EngUsh  Winter,  laid  upon 
them,  are  no  sooner  taken  off,  than  they  have  mett  by  their  Dele- 
gates from  their  several  Associations  in  the  Countrey,  at  our  Capital 
Town ;  where  they  have  unanimously  agreed  upon  an  Address  unto 
His  Majesty,  on  the  behalf  of  themselves  and  of  their  Churches. 

What  they  first  of  all  desired  was,  that  there  should  go  two  Per- 
sons of  their  own  order  from  hence,  personally  to  wait  upon  the  King 
with  their  Address ;  and  there  were  two  accordingly  chosen  for  that 
purpose.  Not  without  hopes,  that  also  by  their  Means  a  better  Cor- 
respondence with  the  Churches  of  the  Dissenters  in  England,  and  with 
the  Church  of  Scotland,  might  be  obtained  for  the  Churches  of  New 
England,  which  are  in  reality  their  most  united  Brethren,  and  have 
the  Difference  between  Congregational  and  Presbyterian,  very  little 
known,  and  not  at  all  mentioned  or  considered  among  them. 

Unexpected  Encumbrances  have  stopped  the  Voyage  of  our 
intended  Messengers.  But  the  Ministers  at  their  Convention  made 
a  provision,  that  if  any  such  thing  should  happen,  we  should  on  their 
behalf  apply  our  selves  unto  you,  with  our  humble  Request,  that 
you,  (or  as  many  of  you  as  may  see  cause  to  attend  it)  would  accept 
the  Trouble,  of  presenting  our  Address  unto  His  Majesty,  and  say 
what  you  shall  think  proper  on  that  occasion. 

But  we  have  generally  thought  it  a  decent  Circumstance,  that  the 
polite  Gentleman,  and  our  very  good  Friend  who  is  the  Agent  for 
N.  E.  should  accompany  you  in  this  Action ;  for  which  Purpose,  he 
is  also  written  to. 

What  has  procured  you  this  Trouble,  is,  not  only,  that  we  are 


MARCH,     1714-15  301 

well-apprised  of  your  gracious  and  generous  Disposition  to  serve  all 
the  Churches  of  God  on  all  opportunities,  but  also  that  your  Names 
are  very  particularly  known  and  precious,  throughout  these  American 
Churches,  and  your  Books  are  justly  and  highly  valued,  yea,  some  of 
them  also  reprinted,  and  have  done  great  Service  to  the  Kingdome  of 
God  in  these  distant  Parts  of  the  World.  One  of  you  is  hkewise  a 
Son  of  New  England,  and  no  Stranger  to  the  Circumstances  of  his 
native  Countrey. 

To  our  Address,  we  have  annexed  a  Memorial;  which  is  to  be 
entirely  left  unto  your  Discretion ;  either  to  present  it  unto  His 
Majesty,  or  (taking  off  the  Inscription,)  to  publish  it  unto  the  World, 
or  to  suppress  it  altogether ;  what  you  shall  judge  most  for  the  Inter- 
est of  those  on  whose  Account  we  thought  the  Pen  of  a  Justin  Martyr 
or  a  TertuUian  thus  employ'd,  might  be  not  unserviceable. 

So  entire  is  the  Confidence  we  repose  in  your  Wisdome,  and  your 
Goodness  and  your  hearty  Affection  to  a  numerous  People  of  God, 
and  a  little  Nation  sprung  from  your  old  Puritans,  in  these  American 
Colonies. 

The  Trouble  we  have  already  imposed  on  you,  is  enough,  without 
adding  to  it  by  Extending  our  Letters  unto  too  large  Dimensions. 

We  therefore  conclude  them,  with  our  SuppUcations  to  our  glori- 
ous Lord,  that  He  would  continue  and  multiply  your  Opportunities 
to  glorify  Him,  according  to  all  your  holy  Desires ;  and  that  He  would 
particularly  give  you,  and  the  People  for  whom  you  are  now  to  be 
concerned,  a  favourable  Acceptance  with  the  Throne,  which  is  to 
be  addressed  on  their  behalf. 

And  subscribe.  Honoured  Sirs,  Most  affectionately  yours.  In  the 
Name  of  the  Ministers  of  our  Two  provinces. 

To  the  Reverend,  Dr.  Daniel  Williams, 
Dr.  Edmund  Calamy, 
Mr.  Thomas  Reinolds  of  London 
Mr.  Samuel  Mather  of  Witney. 


Address  to  Ministers.  a.a.s. 

[February  or  March,  17 14- 15.] 
Honoured  Syrs,  —  The  happy  Accession  of  a  King  '■  so  much 
wish'd  and  pray'd  for,  as  Him  whom  we  now  with  unspeakable  Satis- 
faction, see  sitting  on  the  Throne  of  the  British  Empire,  opens  to  us 

•  George  I,  who  became  king  August  i,  1714. 


302         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

a  fair  prospect  of  considerable  Services  to  be  done  for  the  Churches 
in  these  American  Colonies. 

Our  Brethren  in  the  Kirk  of  Scotland,  have  sent  five  of  their 
most  eminent  Ministers,  to  wait  upon  His  Majesty,  with  proper 
Congratulations,  and  the  Dissenting  ministers  about  London  have 
also  personally  addressed  the  Throne,  on  this  great  Occasion.  And  it 
is  thought  by  men  of  Sense  among  ourselves,  that  we  shall  be  exceed- 
ingly and  scarce  excusably  wanting  to  our  selves  and  imto  the  best 
Interests,  if  we  do  nothing  after  their  Exemple. 

Tis  to  be  feared,  there  wiU  be  those  who  will  take  all  Opportunities 
to  misrepresent  us ;  and  as  we  have  already  felt  some  ill  Effects  of  the 
Misrepresentations  which  have  hereto  fore  been  made  of  us  unto  our 
Superiours,  thus  we  cannot  but  rationally  look  for  more,  if  we  do 
nothing  to  rectify  them. 

If  His  Majesty  might  have  in  his  royal  View,  the  true  State  of 
our  Countrey  in  regard  of  the  ReUgion  and  the  Disposition  which 
prevails  among  His  loyal  Subjects  here,  and  His  great  Ministers  of 
State,  be  duely  apprised  of  our  Condition,  and  at  the  same  time  such 
a  good  Correspondence  established  between  us,  and  our  united  Breth- 
ren, in  the  Church  of  Scotland,  and  the  Dissenters  in  England  that 
they  may  look  on  what  is  done  unto  us,  as  done  unto  themselves ;  it 
would  no  doubt  be  followed  with  a  long  Train  of  desireable  Conse- 
quences ;  too  many  to  be  at  once  enumerated. 

For  this  Cause,  the  Ministers  of  this  Town,  have  had  serious 
Thoughts  of  desiring  that  an  Address  may  be  presented  unto  the 
King,  on  the  behalf  of  the  Ministry  and  of  Churches  in  the  countrey ; 
to  Congratulate  His  Accession  to  the  Throne ;  and  the  Succession  of 
the  Crown  in  the  illustrious  House  of  Hanover;  And  humbly  to  pray 
His  royal  Protection,  in  our  peaceable  and  imdisturbed  Possession 
of  our  sacred  Liberties ;  and  in  prosecution  of  the  main  End  of  these 
Plantations ;  to  have  Churches  Established  on  those  Terms  of  Com- 
munion which  our  great  Lord-Redeemer  has  instituted,  and  wherein 
all  good  Men  ought  to  be  united.  We  have  made  the  Proposal  unto 
the  Honourable  Council,  at  a  very  full  Board,  and  the  Return  we  have 
had  from  thence  is,  that  it  is  very  Acceptable  to  them  and  that  they 
desire,  it  may  be  proceeded  in. 

But  we  cannot  proceed  in  this  Matter,  till  we  have  obtained  the 
Judgment  of  our  Brethren  throughout  the  Countrey  upon  it,  and  their 
Consent  unto  it. 

We  do  therefore  humbly  entreat,  that  the  Brethren  in  your  Asso- 
ciation, or,  Vicinity,  would  as  soon  as  tis  possible,  procure  an  Inter- 


MARCH,      I7I4-IS  303 

view,  and  Communicate  from  thence  unto  us,  (either  by  Letters  or 
Messengers)  your  Apprehensions  about  the  important  Matter  that 
is  now  proposed ;  in  the  several  Points  of  the  Desing  and  the  best 
Method  of  prosecuting  it ;  particularly  whether  by  any  Hands  that 
may  be  sent  from  hence,  of  our  own  Order,  which  is  by  some  thought 
worthy  of  consideration.^  We  say,  as  soon  as  lis  possible,  because  tis 
an  Affair  which  requires  Expedition,  and  there  should  be  no  Time 
lost  about  it. 

It  is  more  particularly  desired,  that  on  the  second  Wednesday 
in  April  next,  we  may  enjoy  an  Interview  with  such  Delegates  from 
you  as  may  think  fitt  to  afford  their  presence  at  the  House  of  Dr. 
Mather  the  Elder  on  this  Occasion. 

We  commend  your  whole  Ministry,  and  more  particularly  this 
Grand  Affayr,  unto  the  Conduct  and  Blessing  of  the  glorious  Lord. 
And  subscribe,  Syrs,  Your  affectionate  Brethren  &  Servant.^ 

To  Mrs.  Lydia  George?'  a.a.s. 

Madam  :  A  person  of  your  good  Skill  at  making  Inferences,  having 
a  Httle  Considered  what  you  know,  of  Him  who  now  addresses  you,wUl 
easily  Infer  some  things,  that  will  be  very  much  to  his  Advantage, 

If  he  be  one  who  looks  upon  Love  to  his  Neighbor,  as  a  very  essen- 
tial Article  of  his  Religion ;  and  who  so  loves  every  man,  that  the 
Offer  of  an  Opportunity  for  the  doing  of  Good  unto  any  one,  is  the 
sweetest  pleasure  that  can  be  given  him,  and  his  Life  is  entirely  spent 
in  the  doing  of  Good  unto  all  sorts  of  people,  in  all  the  wayes  imagin- 
able; yea,  if  upon  any  peoples  Abusing  and  Injuring  of  them,  he 
presently  prayes  for  them,  and  sets  himself  to  do  good  offices  for 
them,  it  will  be  very  reasonably  inferred  from  hence,  that  the  Gentle- 
woman who  comes  one  day  into  the  nearest  Relation  unto  him,  will 
be  lov'd  by  him,  as  much  as  can  be  wished  by  her. 

Especially,  if  he  be  one  of  a  singular  Fondness  in  his  Temper; 
fond  to  a  Fault,  and  never  more  obliged,  than  when  the  objects  will 
give  him  Leave  to  lett  them  know  how  fond  he  is  of  them. 

*  Mather  wished  to  be  the  messenger. 

*  Written  on  back  of  this  sheet : 

"Letters  to,  Mr.  Sparhawk,  Mr.  Roland  Cotton,  Mr.  Little,  Mr.  Danforth, 
Mr.  Ba.xter,  Mr.  Whiting,  Mr.  Noyes,  Mr.  Rogers,  Mr.  Stoddard." 

'  The  following  four  papers  seem  to  relate  to  Mather's  wooing  of  his  third 
wife,  Lydia  Lee,  widow  of  John  George,  who  died  November,  17 14.  Mather 
married  her  July  5,  1715,  and  Sewall  visited  him  "and  his  new  wife  at  the  house 
that  was  Mr.  Kellond's"  on  July  14. 


304         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

Were  the  Gentlewoman  one  of  no  more  than  common  Circum- 
stances, yett  might  she  expect  here  to  be  honourably  and  comfortably 
treated ;  but  how  much  more,  when  he  shall  have  the  sense  of  all 
the  World  concurring  with  his  own,  that  she  is  a  Gentlewoman  of 
Endowments  and  Endearments,  exceeding  what  can  any  where  else 
be  mett  withal ! 

Madam,  The  person,  to  whom  you  have  done  the  Honour  of 
admitting  him  sometimes  to  your  Tea-table,  has  that  high  opinion  of 
your  wisdome,  that  he  hopes  never  to  be  guilty  of  taking  a  step,  which 
may  not  have  your  Approbation. 

He  will  entirely  wait  the  Allowances  of  your  wisdome,  for  the 
more  finishing  strokes  of  the  Conversation  which  has  been  begun,  and 
will  press  for  no  public  Appearance,  or  proceedure,  that  you  shall 
judge  unseasonable. 

Nevertheless,  He  begs  your  Leave,  that  it  may  not  be  thought 
too  soon  for  him  to  tell  you,  that  your  bright  Accomplishments,  your 
shining  Piety,  your  polite  Education,  your  superiour  Capacity,  and 
a  most  refined  Sense,  and  incomparable  sweetness  of  Temper,  to- 
gether with  a  constellation  of  all  the  perfections  that  he  can  desire 
see  related  unto  him,  have  made  a  vast  Impression  upon  him. 

If  ever  he  should  be  so  inexpressibly  happy,  as  to  enjoy  you,  he 
could  not  but  receive  you,  as  a  wondrous  Gift  of  God  unto  him;  a 
Token  that  the  unworthiest  of  Men,  had  yett  obtained  Favour  of 
the  Lord. 

Such  an  Idea,  he  has  conceived  of  you,  that  every  Thing  you 
shall  be  or  say  or  do,  will  forever  please  him ;  and  the  pleasing  of 
you,  will  be  his  continual  study  and  Rapture. 

His  Tenderness  for  you,  will  be  the  Effect  not  only  of  the  natural 
Sense  he  must  have  of  your  Merits,  or  of  a  Disposition  in  him  alwayes 
to  oblige ;  But  also,  of  a  strong  Apprehension  he  will  be  ever  under  the 
Power  of,  that  the  more  of  Love  and  of  Goodness  he  shall  express  in 
his  carriage  to  you,  the  more  his  conformity  to  his  Great  Saviour 
will  be  Exhibited. 

It  will  be  yett  augmented,  by  the  strange  and  kind  Providence  of 
God,  which  has  been  at  work,  to  bring  about  what  is  proposed. 
Especially  the  Answers  of  prayers,  which  alwayes  bring  Blessings 
with  them. 

Truly,  Madam,  as  it  happens,  that  the  Gentleman  is  one,  whom 
the  Eyes  of  all  the  Countrey,  and  many  more,  are  much  upon,  so  the 
General  Vote  and  Voice  of  the  Countrey  has  been  that  way,  which 
he  is  now  agoing.     His  purposes   (which  [  ]  have  eagerly 


MARCH,     I7I4-IS  305 

waited  for)  are  already  a  common  subject  of  Discourse;  but  with 
universal  satisfaction.  Especially  among  the  more  praying  people, 
whereof  there  have  been  many  concerned  for  him,  and  those  now 
begin  their  praises  for  the  prospect  which  they  have  of  a  precious 
Harvest. 

I  know  not  what  is  in  the  enclosed  Letter ;  but,  I  beleeve,  it  may 
be  something  of  such  a  Tendency ;  tis  from  a  Mother  and  Sister  of 
yours,  and  one  of  the  best  of  Women. ^ 

What  remains,  is,  to  entreat,  that  it  may  be  no  offence  unto  you 
Madam,  if  hereafter,  I  may  take  the  Liberty  to  speak  unto  you,  such 
Things  as  I  have  now  written,  and  that  such  Talk  in  our  Interviews 
may  not  be  grievous  to  you,  as  will  be  an  unspeakable  satisfaction  to, 
madam,  Your  most  affectionate  serv't. 

Memorandum. 

21  d.  I  m.  [March.]  1715.^ 

In  the  Evening.  —  After  some  words  of  decent  Respect  unto  Mrs. 
G[eorge]  she  said,  she  had  thought  fitt,  to  have  one  Interview  alone 
with  me,  that  I  might  fully  know  her  Mind,  about  the  matter  I  had 
propos'd  unto  her. 

She  remonstrated  the  Reproach  that  she  had  suffered  in  the  Talk 
of  people,  about  that  affair ;  And  therefore  she  thought  it  time,  to 
lett  me  know  her  Desire,  that  she  might  hear  no  more  of  it,  and  that 
I  would  speak  and  think  no  more  of  it. 

She  said,  there  were  other  persons  that  would  be  more  agreeable 
to  me ;  and  in  whom  the  prayers  of  many  good  people  for  me,  would 
be  more  likely  to  be  answered. 

She  gave  me  to  understand,  that  if  it  were  not  for  a  Regard  she 
had  unto  my  Character  as  a  Minister,  she  should  forbid  my  ever  mak- 
ing any  more  Visits  unto  her.  She  said,  my  Visits  would  have  been 
a  consolation  and  satisfaction  unto  her,  if  I  had  mentioned  nothing  of 
this  affair. 

But  she  peremptorily  forbad  my  writing  any  more  Letters  unto 
her. 

She  many  times  insisted  on  it,  that,  I  would  say  to  all  persons. 
As  for  the  matter  talk'd  of,  there  is  nothing  in  it. 

*  The  will  of  Rev.  Samuel  Lee  (Waters,  Genealogical  Gleanings  in  England, 
470)  mentions  wife  Martha,  and  four  daughters,  but  Mather  may  have  referred 
to  Mrs.  George. 

'  That  is,  1714-15,  as  he  was  married  in  July,  1715. 
n  •  20 


306         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

I  ofifered,  that  I  would  say  to  all  persons,  Tis  a  matter  which 
Madam  is  not  at  present  disposed  to  hear  of. 

She  then  said ;  But  people  will  say,  why  does  she  entertain  him  ? 
if  she  have  no  purpose  hereafter  to  allow  of  his  Intentions  ?  This  she 
express'd  herself  desirous,  that  there  should  be  left  no  occasion  for. 

I  represented  unto  her,  some  fatal  consequences  likely  to  follow 
on  this  Conduct.  But  she  would  not  admitt  any  Apprehension  of 
them. 

The  conversation  lasted  for  several  Hours.  On  my  Part,  it  was 
as  calm,  and  as  pertinent,  and  as  obliging,  as  my  dull  Witts  could 
render  it.  With  as  full  answers  as  could  be  made  imto  the  Things 
that  were  objected  unto  me ;  and  just  Reasons  for  every  step  of  my 
Conduct. 

At  last  I  said ;  Madam,  To  give  you  a  full  Testimony  of  my  Honour 
and  Esteem  for  you,  my  Satisfaction  shall  be  entirely  sacrificed  unto 
yours.    She  answered ;  Say,  and  Hold. 

To  Thomas  Craighead.  a.a.s. 

Wednesday,  23  d.  1  m.  [March.  1714-15.] 

Sir,  —  Tis  with  a  grateful  surprise  that  I  reflect  upon  it,  that  one 
so  much  a  stranger  and  so  lately  arrived  as  he  to  whom  I  am  now 
applying  myself  should  be  admitted  into  such  an  intimate  Acquaint- 
ance with  us  and  with  our  most  important  and  reserved  affaires. 
But  since  the  divine  providence  has  brought  you  into  Circumstances 
of  so  much  Friendship  and  Freedom  with  us,  I  take  the  Liberty  of 
entreating  you  do  your  good  office,  wherein  this  letter  terminates. 

The  best  of  Women  having  in  express  and  severe  Terms  repeted 
her  prohibition,  that  the  Hand  which  now  writes,  (and  which  has 
written  some  few  things  in  its  time  that  have  been  of  a  little  use  to 
others,)  should  at  all  write  unto  her,  I  am  under  a  Necessity  of  writ- 
ing to  you,  what  I  desire  she  may  be  acquainted  withal. 

A  worthy  Relative  of  hers,  just  now  gives  me  to  understand,  that 
nothing  will  satisfy  her,  but  such  a  conduct  in  me,  as  will  put  a  total 
stop,  unto  the  Discourse  of  the  people,  about  my  Intentions  to  pur- 
sue a  Reception  with  her.  And  he  seems  to  be  of  the  Opinion,  that 
the  Method  I  am  now  taking,  is  the  most  proper  that  can  be  taken. 

For  my  past  Conduct,  I  thought,  I  follow'd  such  Advice,  as  would 
praescribe  no  wrong  measures  to  me ;  But  I  perceive  I  have  hitherto 
done  just  nothing  that  is  Right.  And  it  is  a  killing  thing  to  me,  to 
think,  that  I  have  been  led  into  Steps,  that  have  been  so  very  offen- 


MARCH,     1714-IS  307 

sive,  and  have  occasion'd  so  much  Trouble,  to  a  person  for  whom  I 
must  alwayes  have  so  great  a  veneration. 

Some  of  my  Last  Words  to  her  were,  That  I  would  Sacrifice  all  my 
satisfaction  unto  hers.  And  I  know  not  how  tis  possible  for  me,  to  give 
a  fuller  Demonstration  of  my  vast  value  for  her,  than  by  saying  it 
over  again,  and  keeping  her  charge  unto  me  upon  it,  Say  and  hold! 

Wherefore,  tho'  the  Earth  could  not  afford  me  a  greater  pleasure, 
than  her  most  agreeable  Conversation;  and  I  envy  you,  the  Foehcity 
that  you  enjoy  in  it;  yett  I  will  totally  Deny  myself  of  it,  for  as 
many  Months,  as  her  Wisdome,  to  which  I  pay  all  the  Deference 
imaginable,  shall  order  me. 

You  were  proposing  to  me,  one  Interview  more,  with  our  In- 
comparable Friend.  But,  this  will  prove,  perhaps,  to  both  of  us  a 
Disadvantage. 

First,  to  her.  Because,  it  will  be  impossible  for  me  to  come  there 
unobserved ;  And  the  Least  observation  of  my  being  there,  will 
keep  aUve  the  Talk,  which  gives  her  so  much  uneasiness.  And  I 
cannot  be  guilty  of  any  thing  that  shall  have  any  Tendency  to  make 
her  uneasy ;  tho'  I  never  so  much  cross  my  own  IncUnations  in  for- 
bearing it. 

Secondly,  to  me.  Because  as  I  gather  from  what  I  just  now 
meet  withal  I  cannot  but  expect  from  her,  over  again  such  afflicting 
passages,  as  I  receiv'd  when  I  last  waited  on  her. 

And  I  must  from  Experience  confess  imto  you,  my  weakness  to  be 
such,  that  they  will  make  too  deep  an  Impression  upon  me;  My 
tender  Spirit  and  Health  will  suffer  so  much,  and  I  shall  be  so  un- 
hinged for  my  Employments,  which  are  what  they  are,  by  wounds 
from  an  Hand,  I  so  much  admire,  that  I  am  lothe  to  have  them 
renew'd  upon  me. 

If  the  people,  that  are  to  govern  us,  knew,  how  cold  a  Reception 
I  have  hitherto  had,  and  what  a  perpetual  care  Madam  has  used  in 
all  her  Expressions  to  discountenance  any  thing  that  I  might  here- 
after propose  relating  to  her,  and  how  she  did  at  last,  when  I  came  to 
speak  more  plainly,  as  plainly  signify  her  wish  that  I  would  come  no 
more ;  there  would  be  no  room  left  for  the  Censures  whereof  she  is 
afraid.  It  would  indeed  be  sufficiently  for  my  Dishonour,  if  this 
ever  come  unto  their  Knowledge,  (whereof,  I  hope,  I  shall  be  very 
patient.)  But,  it  is  enough,  that  I  omitt  the  Visits,  which  are, 
thought  so  obnoxious  to  misconstruction.  And  that  I  say  no  more 
than  this  to  my  Friends;  That  Gentlewoman  is  too  discreet,  to  allow  of 
any  unseasonable  overtures. 


3o8         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

What  I  have  to  request  of  you  is  to  assure,  that  excellent  Person, 
that  my  Resolutions  to  keep  out  of  sight,  (even  until  those  two  very 
precious  Friends  to  both  of  us,  Mr.  C.  and  Mr.  B.  whose  Good  will 
to  me  I  very  much  value  myself,  and  unto  whose  Prudence,  I  can 
entirely  refer  myself,  shall  direct  me  to  do  otherwise,)  oppress  my 
own  mind  with  \'iolence,  which  could  be  well  bom,  by  none  but  one 
of  my  Age  and  one  so  much  used  unto  Sacrifices ;  But  they  are  formed 
meerly  to  gratify  her ;  whom  I  can  imdergo  anything  to  obhge,  even 
while  I  have  never  yett  received  one  favourable  word  or  Look  from 
her ;  and  it  may  be  naturally  inferr'd,  how  much  more  I  should  do 
so,  if  ever  any  thing  Reciprocal  should  invite  unto  it. 

And  then,  give  her  Assurance  of  this  also ;  that  my  vast  Regards 
for  her  will  continue  inviolable.  She  may  depend  upon  it,  (tho  I 
know  not,  whether  a  total  Dehverance  from  me,  would  not  make  her 
yett  more  easy,)  that  I  can  by  no  means  lay  aside  those  vast  Respects 
but  must  renew  my  Endeavours  one  Day,  to  make  her  yett  more 
sensible  of  them. 

However,  to  be  free  with  you,  I  have  strong  Apprehensions, 
That  my  dying  Hour  will  Intervene,  which,  oh !  join  with  me,  in  my 
praises  to  our  dear  Saviour  for  it,  I  often  even  long  for,  and  hope  it 
will  be  the  best  Hour  that  ever  I  saw.  I  leave  all  with  Him,  and  am. 
Sir,  Your  affectionate  Brother  and  Servt. 

To  Mrs.  Lydia  George?  a.a.s. 

My  —  (Inexpressible !)  I  am  a  fraid  you  been't  well,  because  my 
Head  has  aked  pretty  much  this  Afternoon. 

The  pain  of  my  Heart,  will  be  much  greater  than  that  of  my 
Head,  if  it  be  really  so. 

But  I  imagine,  you  are  growing  well,  because  my  Headake  is 
going  off. 

Your  Little  Daughter  waits  upon  you,  to  bring  me  the  agreeable 
satisfaction.^ 

May  you  tomorrow,  (and  praeparatory  to  it,)  have  sweet  Inter- 
views, with  Him,  whom  your  soul  Loveth ! 

What  is  He,  more  than  any  other  Beloved!  0  infinitely  more! 
All  others,  pretenders  in  your  esteem  and  I  among  the  rest,  are  black 
and  base  and  vile  things,  yea,  and  the  brightest  Angels  in  Heaven, 

*  The  only  child  of  John  and  Lydia  George  was  named  Katherine,  who 
married,  .'August  ii,  1708,  Nathan  Howell,  and  had  two  children,  both  sons, 
when  this  letter  was  written.  "Your  little  daughter"  was,  therefore,  hardly 
applicable  to  her. 


MARCH,     1715  309 

are  mean  Things  in  Comparison  of  Him.  O  Sun  in  the  Firmament ; 
Thou  too  art  all  Blackness,  before  that  sun  of  Righteousness. 

Think  so,  my  dear,  grow  in  such  Thoughts ;  And  Lose  the  sight 
of  all  things  but  Him. 

I  mightily  wish,  That  you  may  Love  nothing  that  is  Mine.  My 
wishes  are,  That  I  may  be  so  Happy  as  to  exhibit  unto  you  some 
Reflections  of  His  Image.  If  you  can  discover  any  thing  of  [illegible] 
in  the  meannest  of  men,  tis  well.  Every  thing  else,  Dislike  it.  And 
the  more  will  you  be  Lik'd  and  Lov'd  by 

One  who  Loves  you  Inexpressibly  (and  placilla^  most  affection- 
ately and  compassionately. 

To  Thomas  Reynolds.''  a.a.s. 

Reverend   and   very   dear,   Sir,  —  The  generous  Friendship 
wherewith  you  have  treated  me,  is  like  to  bring  an  unknown  Trouble 
upon  you. 

There  is  an  Opus  Ecdesia  praepared,  which  is  waiting  to  be  at 
some  Time  or  other  published ;  whereof  the  enclosed,  New  offer  to  the 
Lovers  of  Religion  and  Learning  will  give- some  Advertisement. 

I  know  very  much  of  your  Love  to  do  good,  and  of  the  ready 
Mind  wherewith  you  embrace  Opportunities  to  serve  the  Ch :  of 
God  in  its  most  valuable  Interests. 

And  I  know  something  of  the  unmerited  Respect  which  you  bear 
to  the  Person  who  now  addresses  you. 

This  has  emboldened  me,  to  committ  unto  you,  and  unto  two 
more,  the  Direction,  and  the  Management,  of  this  important  Affair. 

But  who  those  other  two  shall  be,  I  have  left  unto  your  Deter- 
mination ;  because  I  might  ignorantly  have  putt  in  such,  as  you 
might  have  less  approved  of.  I  have  therefore  left  Blanks,  entreat- 
ing you  to  fill  them  up  with  such  Names,  as  you  think  most  suitable ; 
which  you  may  do,  with  what  Reservation  you  please ;  for  your  Sat- 
isfaction will  be  entirely  my  own. 

My  Request  is,  that  you  three,  will  condescend  unto  the  Care, 
which  is  now  betrusted  with  you ;  and  this,  not  only  as  from  the 
Author,  but  also  as  from  the  Churches  and  Pastors  in  all  these  Colonies, 
which  you  have  no  Uttle  Value  for :  and  among  whom,  Syr,  the 
Reprinting  of  your  excellent  Book  of  Mrs.  Terry  and  Mrs.  Chssold, 
by  my  means,  has  made  you  to  be  particularly  considered. 

*  The  MS.  is  clear,  but  the  word  has  not  been  identified. 

*  Written  in  the  spring  of  1715,  as  the  reply  of  Dr.  Reynolds  follows. 


3IO         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

I  should  be  glad,  that  your  Bookseller,  Mr.  John  Lawrence,  may 
be  one  of  mine. 

I  make  no  doubt,  that  many  of  our  Brethren,  with  you,  may 
have  a  very  mean  opinion  of  every  ones  capacity  here,  to  do  any  ser- 
vice that  may  be  worthy  of  your  Notice.  And  I  do  not  expect  that 
my  own  having,  near  two  hundred  and  forty  times,  entertained  my 
Friends  with  publishing  by  the  way  of  the  Press,  Treatises  and  Com- 
posures on  various  Arguments,  and  in  various  (Uving  as  well  as  dead) 
Languages,  will  obtain  for  me  with  some,  the  Favour  of  being  thought 
capable  of  any  valuable  Performance.  However,  I  am  willing  that 
you  who  have  perhaps  more  favourable  Sentiments  of  me,  than  some 
others  have,  should  make  some  Trial  on  my  Behalf,  whether  my  New 
offer  may  not  meet  with  some  Subscriptions  and  Encouragements. 

And,  I  will  now  keep  looking  up  to  the  glorious  Lord,  for  such  an 
Answer  from  you,  as  may  shew  me,  what  I  may  have  to  do,  about 
sending  the  Manuscripts  of  the  Biblia  Americana,  over  the  Atlantic. 
In  Him,  I  am.  Sir,  Your  Brother  and  Servt. 

[Enclosure]  a.a.s. 

To  THE  Reverend ,  and  the  Reverend ,  together 

WITH  MY  Reverend,  and  most  Honoured  Brother, 
Ministers  of  the  Gospel,  in  the  City  of  London. 

My  most  Honoured  Brethren,  —  It  is  a  Consolation  of  God, 
which  cannot  be  small  with  you,  that  you  have  American  Colonies, 
who  have  an  Ambition  to  be  acknowledged  as  your  United  Brethren; 
are  ambitious  to  be  bound  up  with  you  in  one  Bundle,  of  Life  and  of 
Love.  We  beleeve,  we  enjoy  the  Benefit  of  your  Prayers  for  us; 
and  are  sure,  our  Prayers  for  you,  our  sollicitous  Concern  for  your 
Prosperity,  and  our  sympathizing  Distress  in  all  your  Adversity,  are 
such  as  well  become  our  declared  Brotherhood.  And  if  any  Service 
for  the  Church  of  God,  worthy  of  any  Notice,  be  performed  by  His 
Grace  granted  unto  any  Person  here,  it  recommends  itself  imto  you, 
under  that  Consideration ;  Tis  done  by  Otte  of  you;  Tis  One  of  your 
own  Performances. 

Behold,  now  laid  before  you,  A  New  ojfer  to  tite  Lovers  of  Religion 
and  Learning,  made  by  one  of  yours,  at  a  Thousand  Leagues  distant 
from  you,  which  will,  no  doubt,  sufficiently  explain  itself  in  the 
Perusal. 

That  the  Things  promised  in  this  offer  are  indeed  prepared,  I 
suppose,  will  be  unquestionable,  unto  such  as  may  think  the  Author 


MARCH,     1715  311 

could  not  otherwise  be  so  senseless  as  to  make  a  Tender  of  them ; 
For,  I  can  assure  you,  there  will  be  found  rather  more  than  what  the 
Bill  of  Fare  has  mentioned. 

It  has  not  been  any  Disadvantage  unto  your  particular  Profes- 
sion of  Dissent  from  the  Irregularities  in  the  Worship  imposed  on 
the  Nation,  or  unto  the  Cause  of  pure  and  undefiled  Religion  in 
general,  which  is  your  Cause  more  than  any  Peoples,  that  so  many  of 
our  Way,  have  had  their  Pens  used  by  the  glorious  Head  of  the 
Church,  to  do  things  that  have  proved  advantageous  and  acceptable 
to  the  reasonable  Part  of  the  World.  And  more  particularly,  what 
has  been  done  by  such  Men,  as  our  Pool,'  and  some  others,  in  their 
Annotations  on  the  Sacred  Scriptures,  will  be  a  living  and  a  lasting 
Testimony  for  you,  in  the  Consciences  of  them  who  pay  any  Respect 
imto  the  heavenly  oracles;  It  will  testify,  that  you  are  not  such  a 
People,  as  deserve  to  be  hated  and  cast  out  from  among  those,  who 
would  say,  lett  the  Lord  be  glorified. 

Such  diligent  Servants,  as  you  have  at  this  Day  among  you; 
your  Williams's,  your  Calamies,  your  Henries,  and  others,  whose 
Works  ought  to  be  their  Praise  in  the  Gates,  (the  Place  where  a  true 
and  just  Judgment  of  Things  is  pretended  to ;)  These  doubtless  find 
their  Labours  encouraged,  as  well  as  their  Persons  had  in  due  Esti- 
mation, among  all  those  of  your  People,  who  understand  the  best 
Interest,  and  their  own.  He  that  now  waits  upon  you,  is  not  so  vain 
as  to  expect  a  place  in  that  superiour  Class ;  but  yett  he  hopes,  that 
your  favourable  Aspect  upon  his  poor  Essayes  to  do  some  good,  may 
do  no  hurt  unto  that  which  you  reckon  your  common  Interest. 

When  Diodati  had  prepared  his  useful  Works,  Annotations  on  the 
Bible,  the  Prejudices  which  many  of  the  Reformed  Churches  in  France 
had  unaccountably  conceived  against  that  Work,  obliged  him,  to  address 
the  National  Synod  of  Alanson,  that  he  might  be  more  equally  treated 
with  them.  And  the  plea  for  himself,  which  he  began  withal,  was ; 
'That  it  was  a  Labour  of  pure,  innocent,  confessed  Orthodoxy,  done 
by  a  Man  who  never  ministred  the  least  occasion  to  have  the  Sin- 
cerity of  his  Faith  quaestioned,  and  who  for  many  Years  hath  given 
to  the  PubUc,  an  Essay  of  his  small  Talent  in  this  kind  of  Work.' 

That  your  American  Servant  may  obtain  some  Share  in  the  candid 
Sentiments  of  the  Churches  pursuing  the  Reformation,  in  London,  and 
wherever  you  may  see  Cause  to  commend  the  Essay  which  he  now 
tenders  you,  he  might  plead,  that  as  far  as  the  publishing  a  Variety 
of  some  lesser  some  larger  Treatises  and  Composures,  on  various 
*  Matthew  Poole  or  Pole  (1624-1679). 


312         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

Arguments  and  in  various  Languages,  may  secure  him,  the  Reputa- 
tion (if  not  of  having  Talents  rendering  him  in  some  Degree  capable 
of  his  undertaking,  yett,)  of  his  pure,  innocent,  confessed  Orthodoxy, 
you  may  depend  upon  it,  that  no  Disservice  will  be  done  to  the  King- 
dome  of  God,  by  your  Encouraging  of  what  you  find  thus  imdertaken. 

Some  eminent  Persons  in  the  Church  to  the  Rites  whereof  we 
are  Non  conformists,  have  given  me  such  a  Prospect  of  Encourage- 
ment from  them,  for  our,  Biblia  Americana,  that  if  you  should  wholly 
cast  it  off,  it  may  happen  by  their  Means  to  make  its  way  into  the 
World.  But,  I  think  my  Duty  to  you,  obUges  me  to  chuse,  that  it 
should  rather  be  by  yours. 

If  you,  my  dear  Brethren,  (and  those  who  meet  you,  on  the  com- 
mon Affaires  to  whom  you  may  if  you  please,  communicate  these 
my  Letters,)  do  judge  it  worth  your  while,  to  concern  yourselves  for 
the  forwarding  of  this  Work,  I  shall  request,  that  you  Three  accept  the 
Trouble  of  advising,  directing,  ordering  what  shall  be  done  about  it. 

That  you  single  out  the  Booksellers,  whom  you  would  have  to  go 
thorough  with  it. 

That  you  give  effectual  Injunctions,  for  the  Press-work  to  be 
well  done ;  fairly,  neatly,  correctly,  and  according  to  the  Directions 
I  may  in  time  give  concerning  it. 

That  you  exert  as  full  Power  in  agreeing  upon  Terms,  for  every 
Thing  about  the  Work,  as  if  it  were  your  own. 

Only,  I  would  entreat  that  my  dear  and  only  Brother,  Mr.  Samuel 
Mather  of  Witney,  may  interpose  his  Sentiments  with  yours,  if  there 
may  be  occasion. 

I  delay  sending  over  the  Copy,  till  I  have  some  Returns  from 
you,  to  make  my  Way  more  plain  before  me.  When  you  say,  lett  it 
come,  we  will  do  our  best  that  it  may  be  no  longer  detained  here. 

In  this  Countrey,  my  Friends  begin  to  send  me  in  such  Indefinite 
Subscriptions  for  the  Work,  as  the  Proposals  have  spoken  of ;  suppos- 
ing, that  the  two  Volumns  will  not  cost  much  more  than  five  Pounds 
of  our  Money,  to  the  Subscribers.  And  your  Booksellers  may  have 
a  rational  Expectation,  of  having  Subscriptions  for  many  more  than 
one  hundred  setts  of  the  Work ;  to  be  paid  in  upon  their  Arrival 
here ;  if  they  will  run  the  Risque  thereof. 

I  add  no  more,  but  with  an  Eye  to  our  glorious  LORD,  for  His 

continual  Conduct  and  Blessing  to  be  vouchsafed  you,  I  take  Leave, 

to  subscribe  myself.  Much  Honoured  Sirs,  Your  Sincere  Brother,  and 

most  humble  Servt.  ^    ,, 

C.  M. 


MAY,     I  7  I  S  313 

To  Jeremiah  Dummer.  a.a.s. 

4d.  sm.  [May.]  1715. 

My  dear  and  most  valued  Friend,  —  As  you  are  sure  when  you 
are  opening  my  Letter,  which  by  the  hand  in  the  Superscription,  you 
know  to  be  mine,  that  you  shall  find  nothing  to  render  you  uneasy 
in  it,  so,  I  perceive  my  Task  sometimes  must  be,  to  find  you  uneasy, 
and  cure  it. 

First  and  foremost,  it  will  be  in  vain  for  any  evil  Instruments  or 
any  trivial  Occasions  to  break  that  generous  Friendship,  which  has 
hitherto  been  cultivated  between  us.  No  body  shall  perswade  me, 
that  my  Pamphilus  [Dummer],  is  not  a  person  of  bright  Accomplish- 
ments, and  one  of  a  singular  Goodness  in  his  Temper  and  ready  for- 
ever to  do  good  Offices,  and  a  Lover  of  his  Countrey  and  an  Honour 
to  it. 

No  body  can  perswade  him,  that  his  Usebius  has  not  an  high 
Esteem  for  him,  and  is  not  of  those  Principles,  which  will  cause  him 
to  do  him  good  and  not  hurt  all  the  Dayes  of  his  Life. 

Whoever  tells  you,  that  I  have  ever  spoken  any  Thing  to  do  you 
the  least  mischief  in  the  World,  is  a  Talebearer,  and  wrongs  me 
unaccountably. 

If  Adoni  Avi  [Increase  Mather],  should  happen  to  express  any 
Dissatisfaction  at  any  thing,  it  is  an  Injustice  to  make  me  responsible 
for  it. 

The  only  Thing,  that  I  have  ever  spoken,  that  can  have  the  least 
Aspect  of  what  you  may  dislike,  is,  that  I  have  expressed,  (and  this 
but  very  privately,)  a  concern,  lest  the  open  Appearance  of  Ireticeus 
Americus,  to  blanch  the  late  Ministry,  might  prove  some  Disadvantage 
to  him  with  the  present.  But,  I  know  not  that  ever  I  have  heard 
that  matter  spoken  of,  without  my  adding,  /  am  stire,  that  his  Countrey 
ought  to  love  him  for  it;  for  it  was  nothing  but  a  noble  zeal  to  secure  his 
Capacity  of  serving  them  that  caused  him  to  appear  so  far  on  that  side; 
But  I  am  not  much  afraid;  He  will  have  sense  enough  to  make  a  good 
Retreat.  And  how  often  have  I  added  ;  We  are  too  much  at  a  distance 
from  Europe,  to  be  competent  Judges  of  a  Friend's  Conduct  there. 

And  suppose,  I  should  once  take  the  Liberty,  to  express  myself 
not  mighty  well  satisfied  in  one  Book  of  yours;  Does  not  my  dear 
Pamphilus,  without  the  least  offence  to  me,  lett  me  know,  concerning 
some  Hundreds  of  mine,  he  likes  not  my  writing  of  them! 

I  am  not  so  Vain,  as  to  say,  that  no  man  aUve  has  contributed 
more,  than  the  least  of  men,  has  done  unto  the  good  Esteem  with 


314         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

which  your  Countrey  has  devolved  upon  you  the  Agency,  wherein 
you  are  now  serving  them.  The  Trouble  it  gives  you,  will  make  you 
owe  Uttle  Thanks  to  them  that  procured  it. 

But  I  will  say  this  upon  it ;  it  would  be  an  unreasonable  Incon- 
stancy in  me,  to  disserve,  or  desert,  one  whom  I  have  so  openly 
asserted  on  all  Occasions. 

Beleeve  me,  my  Friend :  one  cannot  live  on  the  Edges  and  in  the 
Suburbs  of  the  heavenly  World,  without  a  mighty  Conscience  of  those 
two  Rules,  Do  as  you  would  be  done  to ;  and,  Do  good  unto  all  men. 
But  is  it  possible  for  me  then,  to  do  anything  that  shall  wrong  or 
harm,  one  to  whom  I  am  under  so  many  distinguishing  Obligations? 

My  simple  Essay  on.  The  Balances  of  Equity,  was  designed  by  me 
for  the  Public,  with  the  more  of  Alacrity,  because  I  proposed  in  it ; 
a  very  public,  solid,  lasting  Testimony  of  my  Value  for  you.  I  cannot 
be  of  the  Opinion,  that  the  raising  of  Envy,  was  any  Objection  at  all 
against  my  doing  the  Part  of  a  Justin  Martyr,  for  my  Countrey,  who 
have  deserved  it,  indeed  as  Uttle  of  me,  as  of  any  that  serve  it.  I  am 
very  willing  to  encounter  that  Envy ;  and  shall  count  it  my  Glory. 
But  I  entirely  resign  my  own  Opinion  to  yours.  Do  as  you  please, 
about  it.  Only,  don't  think,  to  proselyte  me  unto  that  Perswasion, 
that  my  writing  so  many  Books,  procures  me  any  Damage,  which  is  to 
be  esteemed  so  much  as  the  light  Dust  of  the  Balance,  when  weigh 'd 
against  the  Service  done  by  them  to  the  Kingdome  of  God. 

Nor  is  it  easy  to  beat  me  out  of  that  Perswasion,  that  our  Biblia 
Americana,  must  be  an  Amassment  of  most  valuable  Treasures ;  and 
that  it  has  not  been  amiss  to  make  an  offer  of  it,  unto  the  Lovers  of 
Religion  and  Learning.  I  am  uncapable  of  determining  the  Price  of 
two  large  Folio's  with  you.  But,  I  have  lett  my  Countreymen  know, 
that  I  suppose,  subscribers  may  have  a  Sett  of  the  Work,  for  5  lb  of 
our  Money.  And  I  am  some  what  sure  of  having  above  an  hundred 
Setts  taken  off.  However,  I  have  laid  aside  aU  Expectations  of  the 
Work  Meeting  with  any  Countenance,  where  according  to  common 
Sense,  I  might  most  justly  have  expected  it.  I  have  addressed  my 
worthy  Friend  Mr.  Th.  R[eynolds]  once  and  again,  in  the  most  expres- 
sive and  engaging  Manner  I  could  imagine,  that  I  might  know  the 
Dispositions  of  my  Brethren,  the  Dissenters  concerning  an  Essay  thus 
made,  which,  I  supposed  might  not  be  disreputable  or  disadvanta- 
geous for  them  in  particular,  as  well  as  the  Cause  of  religion  and  Learn- 
ing in  general.  But  the  best  part  of  a  Year  is  passed,  without  his 
taking  the  least  Notice  of  me ;  which  if  you  see  that  valuable  Person, 
you  may  inform  him,  that  I  somewhat  wonder  at.    An  Eminent  N.  C. 


MAY,     I  7  I  S  315 

Minister  in  the  Countrey,  wrote  me  only  that  silly  Condemnation 
upon  the  work ;  If  it  were  for  Mr.  Baxter,  a  great  part  of  the  N.  C's 
would  sett  them  against  it;  if  it  were  against  him,  a  greater  part 
would  do  so.  As  if  the,  Biblia  Americana,  had  anything  to  do  with 
Mr.  B.  But,  my  Friend,  I  am  very  easy,  if  the  rest  of  the  World, 
be  as  indisposed  unto  a  Work  of  this  Nature,  as  my  Brethren  the  Dis- 
senters. I  can  easily  resign  the  Disposal  of  it,  unto  the  glorious 
Head  of  the  Ch :  who  knowes  how  and  when  His  Interests  are  to  be 
served ;  and  I  would  have  none  of  my  own.  I  only  add,  you  will  not 
in  the  least  Measure  disoblige  me,  if  you  never  take  one  Thought 
more  about  this  Work;  while  you  have  such  a  ponderous  Load  of 
other  Cares  upon  you. 

To  have  done.  If  you  will  bestow  some  Study  on  the  Characters 
of  true  Love,  in  the  13  chap,  of  the  i  Ep.  to  the  Cor's  you  will  find, 
the  Points,  wherein  I  endeavour  as  a  dying  Man  to  approve  myself 
unto  God,  in  my  Conduct  unto  my  Neighbour.  But  then  how  much 
may  you  depend  upon  a  true  Love  with  such  Characters,  upon  it, 
in  the  inviolable  Frames  of  my  Soul,  toward  my  dear  Dummer! 
Who  shall  never  find  me  any  other  than  [ 

To  Dr.  Daniel  Williams.  a.a.s. 

10  d.  3  m.  [May.]  1715. 

Reverend  Sir,  —  Since  I  had  the  Honour  of  your  obliging 
Letters  and  Packetts  the  last  Summer,  I  have  diverse  times  made 
some  small  American  Returns  which  I  hope,  have  reached  you. 

And  I  have  also  more  lately  joined  with  the  Ministers  of  these 
Provinces,  who  upon  my  Nomination,  have  made  choice  of  your 
venerable  Hand,  for  the  presenting  to  the  King  an  Address,  and  a 
Memorial,  on  the  behalf  of  near  two  hundred  Churches,  among  whom 
your  Name  is  precious. 

To  these  things,  all  that  it  may  be  proper  for  me  to  add,  at  this 
Time,  is,  to  pray  your  Acceptance  of  two  or  three  of  our  latest  Publi- 
cations. 

It  is  not  very  long  ago,  that  an  unknown  Author  published,  an 
Instrument  of  this  Title,  Ter  mille  querelce  de  corrupto  Christianismo. 
I  find  my  Excellent  and  Illustrious  Friend,  Dr.  Franckius,  lately 
making  on  that  Instrument  this  Reflection,  At  verb  Myriadem  ea 
facile  aliquis  dederit. 

Alas,  that  in  the  British  Nations,  yea,  and  among  our  dear  Breth- 
ren the  Dissenters,  there  is  found  so  great  a  Share  for  the  Occasions 


3l6         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

of  the  Complaints,  which  good  Men  are  making  over  the  corrupt 
State  of  the  Christian  World. 

God  has  made  you  a  faithful  and  famous  Witness  against  the 
epidemical  Corruptions,  may  He  still  preserve  you,  and  give  a  great 
success  to  your  Holy  Essayes  for  the  abating  and  removing  of  them, 
I  am.  Sir,  Your  most  affectionate  Friend  and  Servt. 


To  Dr.  Daniel  Williams.  a.a.s. 

1715?] 

Rev'd  Sir,  —  It  is  not  long  ago,  that  the  Ministers  of  our  two 
adjacent  Provinces,  at  my  Motion  imposed  upon  you,  the  Trouble 
of  presenting  their  Address  and  Memorial,  unto  the  King ;  which  it 
is  hoped,  have  long  since  reached  you. 

Since  then,  there  has  little  occurr'd  in  these  plantations  worthy 
of  your  Cognisance. 

The  deplorable  State  of  wick'd  and  ruin'd  Carolina,  has  doubtless 
reached  you. 

You  will  pardon  me,  if  I  repeat  my  humble  Wishes,  that  my 
Brethren,  the  Dissenters,  would  please  to  take  it  into  their  considera- 
tion, whether  it  may  conduce  unto  the  best  Interest,  and  their  own, 
for  our  Biblia  Americana,  to  meet  with  some  countenance  among 
them.  I  have  diverse  times  addressed  my  excellent  Friend  Mr 
Reinolds,  for  his  Advice  on  that  Head ;  and  I  have  waited  a  Year  and 
half,  without  the  least  Word  of  Return ;  which  has  held  me  in  a  little 
suspense,  as  to  some  other  Applications. 

Our  Friend,  Mr.  P. ^  who  is  the  Bearer  hereof,  has  behaved 

himself  so  as  to  preserve  a  Good  Reputation  with  our  Godly  People. 

I  pray  your  Acceptance  of  a  few  of  our  latest  Publications. 

May  the  Glorious  Lord,  multiply  the  Blessings  of  a  fruitful  and 
joyful  old  Age,  and  anon  an  open  and  abundant  Entrance  into  His 
Rest. 

To .  A.A.S. 

Boston  N.  E.  20  d.  4  m.  [June.]  1715. 
Reverend  Sir,  —  My  good  Friend  Mr.  James  Sherman,^  is  he, 
who  brings  you  my  Letters.    And  the  Design  of  the  Letters,  is,  to 
bespeak  your  kindness  to  him. 

'  Joseph  Parsons. 

*  See  I  Collections,  x.  87.  The  letter  may  be  addressed  to  some  one  in  Eliza- 
bethtown,  New  Jersey,  where  Sherman  settled. 


JUNE,    I  7  I  5  317 

His  Desire  is,  to  do  what  Good  he  can,  the  Little  Time  he  has  to 
continue  in  the  world. 

He  is  desirous  to  do  good,  both  to  Bodies  and  Souls,  as  he  may 
have  Opportunity. 

We  are  so  plentifully  suppUed  for  both  in  this  Countrey,  that  he 
thinks  more  Opportunity  may  be  expected  abroad  than  at  home. 

And  perhaps  he  may  meet  with  some  in  your  Vicinity. 

Tis  true.  Age  is  coming  upon  Him;  and  as  I  remember,  in  the 
Levitic  Law,  one  after  sixty  has  not  a  third  Part  of  the  Value  sett 
on  him,  that  one  had  before.  But  the  older  he  is,  I  hope,  he  will  be 
the  wiser,  and  the  more  serious;  and  more  solHcitous  to  redeem  all 
the  little  Time  that  remains,  for  the  best  of  Purposes. 

He  has  mett  with  some  Troubles  and  Rebukes  in  former  Years ; 
But  he  stands  right  in  the  Communion  of  our  Churches,  and  has  been 
for  diverse  Years  improved  in  occasional  Preaching  of  the  word. 

I  must  confess  myself  to  be  touched  with  a  sensible  Compassion 
for  him,  and  am  so  concerned  for  his  being  brought  into  some  com- 
fortable Circumstances,  that  1  must  assure  you,  whatever  Kindness 
you  show  to  him,  I  shall  gratefully  acknowledge,  as  done  unto  myself. 

I  know  you  will  at  all  times  favour  him  with  your  Directions 
and  Assistences. 

May  the  Glorious  Lord  graciously  continue  and  multiply  the 
Tokens  of  His  Good  will  unto  you ;  especially  in  His  employing  you 
still  to  do  excellent  Services  for  His  Kingdome.  I  am.  Sir,  Your 
True  Brother  and  Servt. 


From  Rev.  Thomas  Reynolds.  a.a.s. 

June  9th,  1715. 
Rev'd  D'r.,  —  A  few  days  since  I  rec'd  a  further  Testimony  of 
your  kind  remembrance  and  Affection  in  a  parcel  of  books  which  I 
esteem  as  a  vast  present.  They  are  upon  useful  Subjects.  Your 
thots  are  proper,  and  delivered  in  [words]  that  must  make  them  profit- 
able with  Gods  Blessing  to  such  as  read  them  with  [a]  serious  Spirit. 
You  have  mine  and  my  wives  thanks  for  them,  who  do's  particularly 
approve  of  them  and  hopes  to  receive  Benefit  by  them.  With  these 
I  have  also  been  favoured  with  a  Letter  from  you,  which  has  given  me 
some  trouble  becaus  of  the  dissappointmts  you  are  under  with  respect 
to  your  B[iblia]  Americana.  I  have  spoken  about  it,  but  am  sorry  I 
am  not  able  as  yet  to  give  you  the  Encouragemt  you  have  wished 
and  do  deserve.    The  design  you  propose  is  in  all  respects  great 


3l8         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

and  worthy  of  yourself  but  Circumstances  are  really  such  with  us  and 
have  been  so  for  these  twelve  Months  past  and  more,  as  very 
much  dishearten  persons  from  an  undertaking  that  will  be  attended 
with  so  much  Charge;  besides,  Mr.  Lawrence  the  only  Bookseller 
in  whom  I  had  Interest  sufficient  to  entrust  a  Matter  of  such  a  Nature 
died  several  months  ago,  and  we  under  whose  direction  you  have  left 
this  matter  [are]  not  yet  able  to  get  Subscriptions  that  might  answer 
yours  or  the  Booksellers  Expectations.  The  Dissenters  by  the 
Schism  BiU  of  which  I  gave  you  an  Advice  (tho'  I  don't  hear  you 
have  received  it)  and  by  other  intervening  Accidents  has  been  under 
great  discouragements,  and  at  present  the  publick  Affairs  are  in  such 
Distraction  that  we  scarce  know  where  we  are,  and  how  matters  are 
like  to  issue.  No  longer  than  Saturday  last  was  a  Week,  and  the 
day  [  ]  the  first  King  George's  birthday,  and  the  other  that 

of  the  Restoration  [  ]  by  some  Schollars  riffled  and  pulld 

down  three,  (which  were  all  [  ]  Oxford.    And  this  day 

which  is  appointed  by  the  House  of  [Commons  to  enquire]  into  the 
late  mismanagemts,  the  Govern  [ment  ]  and  Insurrections, 

so  that  the  City  and  [People]  are  obUgd  to  be  in  Arms.  Were  you 
here  yourself  you  would  not  blame  your  Friends  as  guilty  of  culpable 
Neglects  but  would  advise  them  to  await  some  more  fitt  Opportunity 
for  the  pubUshing  your  Bible.  This  is  the  State  of  the  Case.  I  shall 
add  no  more  than  that  if  hereafter  [we]  through  the  merciful  Proxi- 
dence  of  God  shall  be  in  a  better  posture  and  a  more  favorable  oppor- 
tunity present,  I  shall  be  ready  to  contribute  what  I  can  with  the 
Rest  of  my  Brethren  to  recommend  your  book  that  the  publick  may 
be  obliged  with  the  Benefit  of  it. 

I  must  now  acquaint  you  that  Mr  McNish  has  not  been  forgott 
by  me,  who  have  upon  all  Occasions,  endeavoured  to  soUicit  the 
[Board]  of  the  foreign  plantations,  and  have  stirred  up  my  Brethren 
to  [aid]  the  designs  of  the  Missionaries.  Endeavours  have  been  usd 
[and]  much  Time  spent  for  this  purpose,  I  am  sorry  to  say  it  [has  not] 
been  with  that  Success  as  has  been  wished.  I  formerly  gave  you 
[an]  Acct.  of  this  Affair.  And  I  must  now  with  sorrow  of  heart  tell 
[how]  the  Society  proceeds,  and  are  not  without  hopes  of  gaining 
Bishops  to  be  sent  into  his  Majesties  Plantations.  We  are  attempt- 
ing afresh  to  represent  the  Case  to  the  Society.  I  am  directed  to 
write  to  you  and  acquaint  [you]  that  we  think  it  would  be  of  service 
to  have  some  Person  or  persons  [sent]  over  on  purpose  with  power 
to  represent  to  the  Governm't,  the  State  of  yr  Affairs  with  respect  to 
the  Missionaries.    I  desire  you  will  please  acquaint  Mr  McNish,  and 


JUNE,     I  7  I  S  319 

that  you  will  take  this  matter  into  your  [consideration.]     If  Mr. 

McNish  or  any  others  can  send  any  thing  that  may  afford  matter  of 

further  Remonstrance  to  the  Society  we  pray  they  will  do  it  with  all 

expedition,  and  with  authentique  Testimonies.     I  was  in  hope  by 

your  Letter  to  have  had  an  Opportunity  before  this  of  pa)ang  my 

respects  to  your  Son,  but  inquiring  after  him  I  find  he  is  gon  to  pay 

his  first  Visits  to  his  Uncle  your  Brother  at  Witney  in  Oxfordshire. 

Upon  his  Return  he  will  favour  me  I  doubt  not  with  [  ]  let 

him  know  my  readiness  to  show  him  all  [  ]  to  his  worthy 

Character  and  to  a  Son  of  the  [  ]    May  God  preserve  you  long 

for  the  Interest  of  his  [  has  made  use  of]  you  for  further  eminent 

[services].      Go  on  to  honour  your  Posterity  [  ]  Gifts  and 

Graces  to  brighten  their  Father  and  [  ]  may  the  Name 

of  Mather  be  in  everlasting  Remembrance  in  the  Churches  of  [  ], 

I  am  with  much  affection,  Rev'd  Sir,  Your  respectful  Brother  and 

humble  Servt.  ~_      ^^ 

Tho:  Reynolds. 


To .  A.A.S. 

Boston,  20  d.  4  w.  [June.]  1715. 

HoNOtiRED  Brethren,  —  Before  ever  we  were  any  of  us  ad- 
dressed from  you,  on  the  late  Occasion,  we  were  many  of  us  fill'd 
with  distress  for  the  dear  Church  of  Newhaven,  under  your  very 
great  Bereavement ;  ^  we  were  concerned  that  you  might  be  supplied 
with  a  Pastor  who  might  in  some  Degree  be  a  suitable  Successor  to 
that  excellent  person  of  whom  you  have  been  bereaved ;  and  we  were 
employ'd  even  to  Agony,  in  Supplications  to  our  ascended  Lord  that 
He  would  graciously  provide  such  a  supply  for  you. 

You  may  then  well  wonder  at  it,  that  after  such  an  Address  as 
we  have  received  from  you,  there  should  roll  on  so  long  a  Time,  ere 
any  of  us  return  any  thing  of  an  Answer  to  it.  But  for  the  same  Rea- 
son that  all  Answer  hath  been  hitherto  delay'd,  what  now  comes,  is 
not  from  us  in  Conjunction,  nor  any  other  than  my  own  single  Report. 
What  I  have  to  report  unto  you  is,  that  I  cannot  find  we  are  any 
other,  than  very  much  at  a  Loss,  for  any  Candidate  of  the  Ministry 
among  ourselves,  who  may  be  of  a  Character  promising  enough  to 
prove  such  a  burning  and  shining  Light  as  the  conspicuous  Candle- 
stick at  New-haven  may  call  for.  Except  perhaps  those  who  may  be 
under  some  Engagements,  already  lying  on  them. 

•  The  death  of  Rev.  James  Pierpont,  which  occurred  in  November,  17 14. 


320         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

We  have  not  laid  aside  our  most  sollicitous  Look-out  on  your 
behalf ;  and  if  any  thing  occur  worthy  of  your  Notice,  before  you  are 
otherwise  determined,  you  shall  hear  of  it. 

Some  of  us,  have  been  very  much  of  the  opinion,  that  if  your 
Church  can  see  a  Person  of  Eminency,  already  station 'd  in  some 
lesser  Charge,  he  might  with  the  Advice  of  a  Council  from  the  Neigh- 
bouring Churches,  be  translated  from  his  present  Station,  and  the 
Church  whereof  he  is  now  the  Servant,  may  do  well  to  hearken 
unto  the  Direction  so  given  them,  that  a  general  Interest  may  be 
accommodated. 

If  this  method  be  not  thought  adviseable,  we  are  not  without 
Hopes,  that  you  may  find  sons  of  your  own  Education,  who  may 
prove  rich  Blessings  unto  you. 

A  young  person  really  a  Candidate,  who  evidently  is  filled  with 
the  Love  of  God,  and  the  Faith  of  the  Son  of  God,  and  a  Zeal  to  do 
Good,  and  an  hearty  Desire  to  advance  the  Kingdome  of  God,  and  is 
of  competent  Abilities,  tho'  short  of  what  you  have  lost:  such  an 
one,  embraced  in  the  Arms  of  your  tender  Affection,  and  carried  by 
you  continually  imto  the  glorious  Head  of  the  Church  who  gives 
Gifts  unto  Men ;  would,  no  doubt,  so  improve  in  all  that  belongs  to 
a  faithful  and  able  Minister  of  the  N.  T.  that  it  would  not  be  long 
before  you  should  be  sensible  of  cause  to  bless  God,  that  ever  you 
saw  one  another. 

In  the  mean  time,  it  is  impossible  for  us  to  express  the  Solhcitude 
upon  our  Mind  that  you  may  not  fall  into  Contentions,  which  will 
produce  Confusions,  and  every  Evil  work.  Satan  your  grand  Adver- 
sary, is  doubtless  watching  and  waiting  for  leave  to  break  in  upon 
you,  and  raise  those  Disturbances  among  you,  which  will  be  Bitter- 
ness in  the  latter  End ;  but  being  once  begun,  tis  unknown  when  they 
will  come  unto  an  End. 

It  is  hoped,  that  you  will  be  much  in  prayer  to  the  God  of  Peace, 
that  Satan  may  be  kept  bruised  under  your  Feet;  and  that  whole 
Dayes  of  prayer  for  that  purpose,  and  for  the  obtaining  of  the  mercy 
you  want  from  the  Lord  of  the  Harvest,  will  be  repeted  among  you. 

It  is  also  hoped,  that  every  man  will  be  afraid  of  being  drawn 
into  any  one  rash  Act  or  Word,  which  may  bring  him  under  the  Mark 
of  them  that  cause  Divisions :  but  that  you  \vill  all  unite  in  a  Reso- 
lution, that  you  will  take  no  Steps  of  Importance  in  your  Affair, 
witnout  first  Consulting  certain  men  of  worth  in  your  Vicinity,  whom 
you  shall  jointly  pitch  upon,  as  your  Counsellours ;  for  most  cer- 
tainly, with  the  well-advised  is  Wisdome. 


JULY,    I  7  I  5  321 

At  this  time,  I  add  no  more,  but  my  hearty  Wishes,  that  you  may 
be  of  one  mind,  and  live  in  Peace  and  have  the  God  of  Love  and  of 
Peace  to  be  with  you.  And  that  in  all  your  Proceedings,  the  twelfth 
to  the  Romans  and  the  Tenth,  may  be  alwayes  remembred  with  you. 
I  am,  Honoured  Sirs,  Your  Brother  and  Servt. 

To .  A.A.S. 

27  d.  4  m.  [June.]  17 15. 

Sir,  —  A  week  ago  I  did  myself  the  Honour  of  writing  to  you. 
At  which  time  I  was  not  apprised,  as  I  now  am,  that  you  have  a  Son 
of  your  own  Colony  and  Colledge,  of  whom  it  is  hoped  by  some  that 
he  may  prove  a  considerable  Blessing  unto  N.  Haven,  if  the  glorious 
Lord  incUne  you  to  him,  and  bestow  him  upon  you. 

The  person  intended  is,  one  whose  Name  is,  Mr.  Noyes;  ^  the 
Son  of  that  excellent  Man  of  God,  who  has  been  such  a  long  and  rich 
Blessing  to  Stonington. 

If  he  may  in  his  Day,  be  like  his  valuable  Father,  you  will  have 
a  precious  Gift  of  Heaven  in  him ;  and  tho'  I  am  a  stranger  to  him, 
I  have  heard  what  is  very  Encouraging  to  hope  that  he  may  be  so. 

I  now  write,  only  on  my  own  separate  Sentiments,  not  having 
Lately  discoursed  with  any  of  my  Brethren  on  the  Subject.  But  you 
will  give  me  Leave  to  shew  you  mine  Opinion ;  which  is,  that  if  you 
can  have  a  Son  of  your  own  Education,  it  will  be  very  much  to  your 
Advantage ;  and  a  zeal  to  overlook  such,  with  a  praeference  to  others 
perhaps  not  superiour  to  them,  at  a  greater  Distance  from  you,  is 
either  unintelligible,  or,  too  easy  to  be  understood. 

What  I  write,  I  show  to  the  Doctor,  whom  I  still  have  the  Hon- 
our and  pleasure  to  call  my  Father,  and  he  allowes  me  to  tell  you, 
that  he  has  the  same  Sentiments. 

Now  may  the  great  Shepherd  look  in  much  mercy  on  His  dear 
Flock  among  you,  and  give  you  a  Pastor  after  His  own  Heart,  by 
whom  you  may  be  led  in  the  Pathes  of  Righteousness,  I  am,  Sir, 
Your  sincere  Friend,  and  hearty  servt. 

To  Thomas  Craighead?  a.a.s. 

[July,  171S?] 
Sir,  —  I  am  now  There. 

But  remembring  my  vast  obligations  to  you,  for  the  many  good 
services  you  did  me  with  so  much  sincerity  and  Alacrity  in  my  grand 

'  Rev.  Joseph  Noyes,  son  of  Rev.  James  Noyes.    He  was  chosen  in  July, 
n  •  21 


322         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

affair,  and  believing  the  share  of  satisfaction,  which  your  hearty 
Friendship  will  dispose  you  to  take  in  my  FeUicity ;  I  thought  it  my 
Duty  to  inform  you,  that  the  fifth  of  July  is  the  brightest  Day  in 
my  Kalender.^ 

Then  it  was,  that  one  whom  you  love,  saw  himself  invested  with 
a  constellation  of  Blessings,  which  you  do  not  imagine  me  capable  of 
Language  Enough,  to  sett  off  in  their  proper  Lustre. 

Instead  of  making  a  vain  Essay  to  declare  my  just  Sentiments  of 
Gratitude  unto  Heaven,  upon  so  illustrious  an  occasion,  I  shall  only 
ask,  that  you  would  go  on  to  oblige  me  with  your  suppUcations  to  the 
glorious  One  whom  I  have  in  this  most  Joyful  Experience  found,  a 
prayer-hearing  Father,  that  I  may  by  a  Vast  Improvement  in  Sanc- 
tity and  Industry  and  usefulness,  walk  in  some  degree  worthy  of  the 
Great  Things  which  have  been  done  for  me,  when  I  have  so  obtained 
Favour  of  the  Lord. 

I  Long  to  take  a  Walk  with  you  in  an  upper-room  of  an  House, 
which  I  hope  to  see  illuminated  the  next  week,  with  the  presence  of 
one  that  shines  forever  with  a  thousand  Lovelinesses. 

In  the  mean  time,  I  am  przeparing  to  entertain  on  the  Lord's-day 
approaching  a  Church  which  I  am  robbing  of  an  Invaluable  Treasure 
and  Beauty,  with  a  Discourse  on,  i.  Sam.  1.27. 

And  I  am  at  all  times,  my  dear  Friend,  Yours  in  Bonds  never  to 
be  forgotten. 

From  Samuel  Mather.  a.a.s. 

Dear  Brother,  —  An  undesigned  courtesie  has  put  me  to  a 
great  Expence,  I  mean  my  name  being  mentioned  with  some  London 
Ministers,  has  occasioned  a  needless  journey  to  London. 

Your  son  is  with  me  I  must  keep  a  pretty  strict  eye  over  him  for 
if  left  to  himself  he  will  not  escape  sinne  in  a  place  of  Temptation. 
He  told  me  his  grandfather  was  coming  over  and  that  you  intended 
to  send  him  a  remittance  by  him  which  made  me  the  more  wilUngly 
invite  him  to  stay  with  me  till  the  next  spring.  His  Grandfather's 
not  coming  makes  his  affairs  to  be  in  a  puzled  state.  He  came  with 
but  ten  shillings  in  his  pocket  to  Witney.  I  sent  to  Capt.  Pamele  to 
remitt  what  he  had  also  to  answer  a  Bill  that  he  drew  upon  them 
which  I  doubt  not  but  that  you  would  have  paid  at  sight,  and  Coz. 
Increase  was  positive  would  be  paid  by  the  Capt'n.  But  'twas  re- 
jected. He  had  but  one  shirt  and  was  so  bare  in  every  respect  that 
I  was  perfectly  ashamed.     I  take  care  to  let  him  have  credit  with 

'  His  marriage  with  Mrs.  George. 


AUGUST,     I7IS  323 

our  Countrey  Shopkeepers  at  Witney  that  he  may  have  Linnen  and 

Woollen  suitable  and  handsome.     I  propose  that  you  make  a  genteel 

remittance  to  Him,  but  let  the  Money  come  into  Mr  Sodens  hands 

to  manage  it  for  him.     I  perceive  he  is  infected  with  the  disease  which 

is  the  blemish  of  the  Family  viz.  to  spend  inconsiderately  and  take 

no  thought  about  providing  against  future  unavoidable  occasions.     If 

I  can  I  will  cure  him.     I  design  to  keep  him  at  Witney  'till  just  the 

Instant  of  his  going  off  to  N.  England  again  lest  the  Snares  of  London 

should  occasion  his  returning  to  His  Father  with  a  worse  Character 

then  he  had  when  he  came.     I  enclose  a  three  and  six  penny  piece  of 

paper.    I  am  afraid  some  packets  which  have  come  from  N.  England 

to  some  of  your  Friends  have  cost  them  as  much. 

I  have  enquired  concerning  Vertues  price  for  an  head      He  has  five 

guineas  and  an  half  guinea  for  Engraving  such  an  octavo  picture  as 

White  Engraved  for  my  Father.^    I  am  ,„  ,,  , 

°  ■'  [Samuel  Mather] 

London,  July  23,  1715. 

To  Increase  Mather.  a.a.s. 

[August,  1 71 5.] 

Child,  —  Sollicitous  I  am,  that  you  may  return  unto  me,  as  fast 
as  you  can:  and  come  into  new  Methods  as  soon  as  may,  to  qualify 
you  for  usefulness  in  the  world : 

But  much  more  sollicitous,  that  you  may  Return  imto  God,  and 
be  witheld  from  Sinning  against  Him. 

A  Thing,  for  which  it  is  impossible  for  me,  to  express  the  pain  of 
mind,  wherein  you  have  long  held  me  distressed. 

You  know  not  the  Child  upon  Earth,  which  has  been  more  pray'd 
for,  and  more  talk'd  to,  that  he  might  be  converted  unto  God  and 
unto  all  the  former  means  for  your  Good ;  there  have  now  been  added 
the  Admonitions  of  a  pious  uncle. 

God  forbid,  that  you  should  be  so  infinitely  unhappy,  as  you 
must  be,  if  all  these  be  lost  upon  you. 

I  hope,  you  lett  not  a  Day  pass  you,  without  prayers  to  the 
glorious  God ;  And  that  all  the  Vices  of  Dishonesty,  Debauchery, 
and  False-speaking  are  abominable  to  you. 

*  Robert  White  (1645-1703),  who  made  some  four  hundred  prints,  compris- 
ing most  of  the  public  and  literary  characters  of  the  day.  His  plate  of  In- 
crease Mather  may  have  been  intended  for  one  of  his  printed  volumes.  A 
coarse  woodcut  was  made  from  it  by  Thomas  Emmes,  in  1701,  and  appeared  in 
Increase  Mather's  Ichabod,  issued  by  Nicholas  Boone,  in  1702. 


324         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

To  Samuel  Mather.  a.a.s. 

[August,  1 715.] 

My  dear  Brother,  —  The  first  Advice,  that  I  had  of  the  Cir- 
cumstances wherein  my  Son  has  been  detained  with  you,  was  the  last 
Week,  and  a  few  minutes  before  the  Departure  of  a  Ship,  just  ready 
to  sail. 

I  had  then  an  opportunity  only  to  render  you  my  Thanks  for  your 
[  ]  Civilities  to  the  Child;  which  I  now  repeat:   and  assure 

you  of  my  speedy  care  to  make  the  Remittances  you  direct  me  to. 

I  am  since  advised,  that  it  is  much  easier  to  obtain  Bills  of 
Exchange  from  England  hither,  than  from  hence  to  England. 

If  with  no  body  else,  yett  the  masters  of  ships  coming  over  hither, 
it  may  be  easy  to  find  those,  who  will  disburse  what  shall  be  neces- 
sary on  this  occasion,  and  accept  your  Bill  drawn  upon  me  for  it. 

I  am  also  at  a  loss,  what  sum  will  be  necessary  on  this  occasion, 
and  my  condition  won't  invite  me  to  superfluous  E.xpences. 

What  I  therefore  chuse  to  do,  is,  by  a  Vessel  which  is  to  touch 
at  Plymouth,  to  hasten  my  Direction  to  you  that  whatsoever  sum 
you  order  me  to  advance,  for  my  son  Increase,  that  so  his  Return  to 
me,  may  be  hastened,  you  would  please  to  draw  your  BUI  upon  me 
for  it,  and  it  shall  be  punctually  answered. 

I  confess,  I  flatter  myself,  that  you  will  use  all  prudent  Frugahty, 
in  assigning  what  shall  be  judged  necessary  on  this  occasion  and  that 
it  will  not  much  exceed  Twenty  pounds. 

I  again  and  again  renew  my  Thanks  to  you  and  my  sister  for  your 
Civilities  to  the  Child ;  especially  for  the  Admonitions  of  piety  wliich 
you  have  been  continually  distilling  upon  him ;  and,  which  oh !  that 
they  make  a  due  Impression! 

I  hope,  I  have  putt  you  out  of  pain,  as  to  the  Library,  about 
which  you  seem  to  have  such  an  uncommon  Tenderness. 

I  renew  my  Request,  that  you  would  not  lett  my  Christian  Vir- 
tuoso be  lost,  but,  if  you  know  no  better  way  to  make  it  public  Lett 
it  pass  thro'  Dr.  Woodward's '  hand,  into  the  Repository  of  the  Royal 
Society. 

May  the  Glorious  Lord  multiply  your  precious  Opportunities  to 
be  serviceable  and  your  generous  Dispositions  to  value  them  and 
improve  them. 

'  John  Woodward  (1665-1728),  geologist  and  physician,  is  probably  intended, 
who  had  some  difTicuIlies  with  the  Royal  Society  in  1710,  of  which  Mather 
could  hardly  have  known. 


AUGUST,     1715  325 

To  Mrs.  Samuel  Mather.  a.a.s. 

[1715-16.] 

My  dear  Sister,  —  My  value  for  you  has  been  very  great, 
ever  since  I  understood,  that  you  made  my  only  Brother,  one  of  the 
happiest  men  in  the  World. 

I  have  thought,  that  Madamoiselle  de  Gournay  the  Lady,  who  a 
while  since  wrote  an  Essay  to  demonstrate,  the  Equality  of  women  to 
men  might  victoriously  enough  defend  her  problem,  (tho'  that  learned 
and  famous  and  wondrous  Lady  A.  Maria  Schurman,  had  the  mod- 
esty to  disallow  it)  while  she  had  such  as  you,  as  friend,  who  help  so 
notably  to  render  your  Husbands  useful  and  considerable. 

It  was  the  Acclamation  made  by  Spectators  in  the  primitive 
Times  of  charity,  What  rare  women  are  to  be  found  among  the  Chris- 
tians! By  such  as  you  the  occasions  for  it  as  continued  in  our 
Dayes. 

Go  on  to  love  him,  and  serve  him,  and  felicitate  him ;  and  become 
accessary  to  all  the  Good  which  he  may  do  in  the  world ;  and  con- 
sider him  as  a  valuable  minister  of  God ;  and  one  of  whom  our  Lord 
will  say,  of  what  you  have  done  for  him,  you  have  done  it  unto 
me. 

As  you  have  obliged  me,  in  all  you  have  done  for  him,  so  you 
have  made  a  vast  Accession  to  those  obligations,  in  what  you  have 
done  for  my  Son,  in  the  many  months  of  his  residing  with  you. 

Your  maternal  Tenderness  for  him,  in  the  Time  of  his  long  Ill- 
ness and  the  many  CiviUties  he  at  all  times  received  from  you;  as 
well  as  the  excellent  AccompHshments  wherewith  he  saw  you  adorned ; 
he  never  mentions  without  a  sense  of  passion  of  Gratitude  and 
admiration. 

I  return  you  my  most  hearty  Thanks,  for  all  your  Kindness  to 
the  Lad;  and,  if  God  bless  him,  he  will  one  day  be  able  to  return 
you  his  own  Thanks  in  a  manner,  more  significant,  than  meer  verbal 
Acknowledgments. 

May  you  have  goodness  and  mercy  following  of  you  all  your 
Dayes  and  may  the  Great  Saviour  who  has  Espoused  you,  forever 
take  delight  in  you. 

The  best  of  women  in  the  American  World,  accompanies  me,  in 
the  most  affectionate  Remembrances  which  you  have  in  the  heart  of. 
Your  obliged  Brother. 


326         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

To  Rev.  William  Brattle.  a.a.s. 

19  d.  6  m.  [August.]  1715. 

Sir,  —  Among  the  many  who  heartily  condole  with  you,  in  the 
sorrows  of  your  late  Bereavement,  there  is  none  more  sincerely  affected, 
than  he  who  now  tells  you  so.^ 

But  you  that  have  been  for  so  many  years  an  excellent  and 
experienced  Comforter  of  the  Mourners,  need  not  so  all  Assistences, 
as  the  best  of  Mine,  to  comfort  you. 

You  are  a  Sacrificer.  The  Signs  and  Hopes  and  Joyes  of  your 
share  in  that  priesthood,  which  must  be  our  future  Blessedness,  ly 
in  your  skill  and  stroke  at  Sacrificing.  It  is  a  great  Sacrifice  to  which 
the  Holy  One  has  lately  called  you.  But  your  oblation  will  be  so 
managed,  as  to  have  in  it,  imcomparable  Tokens  for  Good. 

May  you  yett  see  Dayes  of  Service,  in  a  World,  which  I  make 
no  Doubt,  by  its  late  Embitterments  makes  you  more  wilUng  to  leave 
it,  than  ever  since  you  came  into  it.  Very  relishable  Comforts  here 
make  some  Servants  of  God  but  the  more  willing  to  dy.  For  they 
argue.  If  there  be  any  thing  here  below  so  very  desireable,  what  is 
there  Above  ?    Where 

Great  and  sore  Troubles,  will  have  the  same  Effect ;  and  make 
us  long  to  be,  where  the  weary  are  at  Rest.  God  that  hath  shown 
you  such  by  His  admirable  Discipline  praepares  you  for  it. 

A  small  Instrument  of  Piety,  which  I  hope,  will  a  little  answer 
some  Designs  that  your  Heart  is  more  than  a  little  sett  upon,  is  now 
humbly  tendered  unto  your  Acceptance. 

To  which  I  have  added.  The  Religion  of  the  Closelt,  which  I  pre- 
sent unto  your  hopeful  Son,'^  whom  I  pray  God,  to  spare,  and  bless, 
and  use;  and  give  you  much  consolation  in  him.  I  am,  Sir,  Your 
affectionate  Brother  and  Servt. 

To  Robert  Wodrow.'  a.a.s. 

17  d.  7  m.  [September.]  1715. 
Sm,  —  When  the  distance  of  the  huge  Atlantic,  separates  Breth- 
ren from  one  another,  one  Method  unto  which  we  must  resort  for 
Maintaining,  the  Communion  of  Saints,  is  the  Epistolary. 

>  Elizabeth,  his  wife,  and  daughter  of  Nathaniel  Hayman,  of  Charlestown, 
died  July  28,  1715- 

» William  Brattle. 

•Robert  Wodrow  (1679-1734),  ecclesiastioil  historian,  and  professor  of 
di\inity  in  the  University  of  Glasgow. 


SEPTEMBER,     1715  327 

You  have  so  often  obliged  me,  and  so  sweetly  by  your  communi- 
cations in  that  way,  that  I  cannot  be  guilty  of  so  much  Ingratitude, 
as  to  endeavour  no  Returns ;  tho  such  are  our  Circumstances  on  this 
side  the  water,  that  you  can  expect  but  very  small  ones. 

A  Little  of  what  we  are  and  of  what  we  do,  after  which  your 
brotherly  charity  towards  your  most  united  Brethren  here  disposes 
you  to  be  inquisitive,  you  will  perceive  a  few  composures  of  the  latest 
pubhcation  among  us,  in  the  Packett  which  I  now  humbly  tender  to 
your  Acceptance.  To  which  I  will  add ;  that  the  Churches  of  N.  E. 
at  this  time,  enjoy  much  TranquiHty,  and  are  continually,  but  very 
peaceably,  multiplying  into  new  Societies. 

No  remarkable  Disturbance  is  offered  unto  them ;  only  that  a 
furious  Man,  called  John  Wise,^  of  whom,  I  could  wish  he  had.  Cor 
bonum,  while  we  are  all  sensible,  he  wants,  Caput  bene  regulatum,  has 
lately  published  a  foolish  Libel,  against  some  of  us,  for  presbyterianiz- 
ing  too  much  in  our  Care  to  repair  some  Deficiencid's  in  our  Churches. 
And  some  of  our  People,  who  are  not  only  tenacious  of  their  Liberties, 
but  also  more  suspicious  than  they  have  cause  to  be  of  a  Design  in 
their  pastors  to  make  abridgments  of  them ;  are  too  much  led  into 
Temptation,  by  such  Invectives.  But  the  Impression  is  not  so  great 
as  our  grand  Adversary  doubtless  hoped  for.  And  his  Devices  are 
disappointed,  by  or  taking  the  Course,  which  I  find  a  celebrated 
University  in  Europe,  preferr'd  on  a  late  provocation.^ 

We  are  not  without  some  Inconvenience,  from  the  Missionaries 
of  the  Church  of  England  sometimes  arriving  among  us.  It  seems 
to  us  a  little  surprizing,  that  the  Society  for  propagation  in  foreign 
parts,  should  Leave  so  many  English  plantations  in  the  most  pagan- 
izing Circumstances,  and  at  the  same  time,  chuse  to  send  their  Mis- 
sionaries where  they  can  only  serve  as  Tools  of  Contention  for 
perhaps  about  a  dozen  wretched  and  sorry  people,  who  merely  for 
mischief  declare  themselves  for  the  Ch :  of  E.  in  Towns,  where  there 
are  faithful  and  painful  pastors,  and  flourishing  Churches,  wherein 
the  meanest  Christians  understand  Religion  and  practise  it,  better 
than  the  Ministers  whom  they  send  over  to  us.'     But  by  the  marvel- 

*John  Wise  (1652-1725),  of  Ipswich,  printed  at  New  York,  in  1713,  The 
Churches'  Quarrel  Espoused,  a  satirical"  production.  It  was  reprinted  in 
Boston  in  1715,  with  a  commendatory  letter  signed  by  Samuel  Moodey  and 
John  White. 

"  On  August  2,  Mather  preached,  '  censured  him  that  had  reproached  the 
Ministry,  calling  the  Proposals  Modalities  of  little  consequence,  and  made  in  the 
Keys;  called  it  a  Satanick  insult,  twice  over,  and  it  found  a  Kind  Reception." 
Sewall,  Diary,  ui.  51.  'A  glance  at  the  troubles  at  Newbury. 


328         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

lous  Providence  of  God  it  comes  to  pass,  that  the  Ministers  whom 
they  send  over,  have  been  such  ignorant,  vicious  debauched  Creatures 
that  their  Hearers  have  soon  grown  weary  of  them,  and  the  Ch :  of 
E.  has  been  in  a  Countrey  of  Religious  People,  rendred,  (and  how 
should  it  be  otherwise?)  to  the  Last  Degree  Contemptible.  No 
Remonstrances  have  hitherto  signified  any  thing  to  cure  this  Infatu- 
ation upon  the  Society ;  But  even  this  week  another  Blade  of  the 
Mission  keeping  up  the  Character  of  his  predecessors,  is  arrived,  for 
a  litigious  Vicinity  in  one  of  our  Towns,  where  the  parson  who  went 
before  him,  so  disaffected  his  own  crue  of  pretenders  for  the  Ch.  of 
E.  that  they  generally  deserted  him.  God  will  one  day  putt  an  End 
unto  these  things. 

The  Colony  of  Carolina,  to  the  Southward  of  us,  is  newly  destroy'd 
by  the  dreadful  Judgments  of  God,  for  which  an  imcommon  measure 
of  Iniquities  had  ripened  it.  The  unhappy  people,  in  carrying  on 
their  Trade  with  the  Indians,  had  greatly  Injured  them  and  provoked 
them :  And  the  scandalized  salvages  at  Last,  conspired,  and  broke 
in  upon  them,  and  with  a  massacre  of  the  people,  whom  their  first 
Fury  fell  upon,  among  which  were  fourscore  of  the  Traders,  they  laid 
the  Countrey  waste;  so  that  they  are  generally  driven  into  Charls- 
town,  their  Capital  Town ;  where  tis  thought,  they  cannot  be  long 
subsisted.'  In  the  prosecution  of  this  Descent  upon  the  miserable 
Carolinians,  the  Barbarities  perpetrated  by  the  Indians  are  too  hide- 
ous to  be  related.  There  were  a  sort  of  Inhumanity  in  the  Relation 
of  such  things,  But  yett  I  will  venture  to  mention  one  Instance,  that 
Crimine  ab  una,  you  may  apprehend  the  rest. 

One  major  Cockrain,^  a  very  honest  man,  had  been  a  Trader  with 
these  Indians :  yea,  their  Leader  in  Expeditions  against  the  Spaniards 
and  their  Feeder  very  often  at  his  Hospitable  table ;  and  they  had  a 
Reciprocal  Esteem  for  one  another :  Nevertheless,  he  was  one  of  the 
first,  siezed  by  the  Indians ;  who  bound  him,  and  then  strippt  his 
Lady,  and  abused  her  with  all  possible  and  infamous  prostitutions 
before  his  Eyes.  Then  they  stuck  her  Flesh  with  Splinters  of  that 
oily  wood  which  they  bum  for  Candles;  and  sett  them  on  fire.  In 
this  condition  she  was  two  or  three  Dayes  broiling  and  roasting  to 
Death ;  In  which  time  they  roasted  her  Sucking  Infant,  and  Com- 
pelled her  to  Eat  of  it.  And  when  these  diaboUcal  operations  were 
gone  thro',  they  finished  all  by  Barbikueing  of  the  Gentleman. 

It  is  very  much  feared,  that  the  Combination  of  the  Indians, 
is  more  general,  than  meerly  for  the  Destruction  of  Carolina ;   and 

•  See  Ramsay,  History  of  South  Carolina,  i  159.  '  John  Cochran. 


SEPTEMBER,     1715  329 

under  a  French  and  Spanish  Instigation.  And  that  some  other  Col- 
onies, which,  alas,  are  too  obnoxious,  may  shortly  suffer  grievous 
Depredations  from  them. 

In  this  Countrey,  we  are  not  free  from  our  Share  with  the  rest  if 
them  that  profess  the  reformed  ReUgion  abroad  in  the  world,  in  a 
lamentable  Decay  upon  the  power  of  Godliness.  Nevertheless,  the 
Countrey  has  in  it  a  Number  of  prayerful,  watchful.  Fruitful  Chris- 
tians, and  something  more  is  to  be  said,  than  meerly  this,  that  it  is 
generally  filled  with  a  sober  and  an  honest  people.  And  it  is  impos- 
sible for  me  to  express,  how  dear  the  Ch :  of  Scotland  is,  unto  their 
Brethren  here  tho'  it  be  a  little  Express'd  in  the  Civilities,  which  its 
Ministers  happening  to  come  hither,  do  commonly  meet  withal. 

I  join  with  you  in  expecting,  that  the  Kingdome  of  God  will 
quickly  be  seen,  in  some  Appearances  and  Advances  of  it,  beyond 
what  have  been  in  the  former  Ages.  But  very  much  of  my  Expecta- 
tion is,  that  God  will  raise  up  some  Instruments,  who  from  the  Mines 
of  the  Sacred  Scriptures,  will  dig  and  run  the  Maxims  of  the  ever- 
lasting Gospel ;  the  glorious  Maxims,  wherein  all  the  Children  of  God 
really  are  united,  and  whereinto  all  that  come  are  to  be  esteemed  and 
embraced  as  the  Children  of  God.  The  children  of  God  and  of  His 
Kingdome,  under  various  professions  will  arrive  to  a  declared  and 
explicit  union  on  these  Maxims ;  and  lesser  points  will  be  depressed 
into  their  due  subordination.  Disputations  on  these  Lesser  Points 
may  be  continued;  but  managed  with  that  mutual  Justice,  and 
Candor,  and  meekness,  which  becomes  the  Children  of  God.  The 
Brethren  thus  becoming  sensible  that  they  are  so,  will  associate  for 
the  Kingdome  of  God,  in  such  methods,  that  the  Things  to  be  con- 
sumed by  the  Stone  cutt  out  of  the  mountain  shall  be  all  broke  to 
peeces  before  them.  Glory  to  God  in  the  Highest,  with  peace  on 
Earth  from  Good-will  among  men,  will  be  the  grand  Characters  and 
Intentions  of  the  Kingdome ;  and  the  Tokens  and  EflFects  of  the  divine 
Presence  among  this  people  of  our  Immanuel,  will  be  wonderful,  won- 
derful!   Joels  prophecy  is  also  to  receive  its  full  Accomplishment! 

I  confess  myself  to  be  at  Work  upon  those  Maxims ;  not  without 
hopes,  that  some  Fruits  of  my  Studies  may  ere  long  reach  unto  you ; 
In  the  mean  time,  I  was  comforted  with  Letters  from  the  most  illus- 
trious University  in  the  world,  which  much  animated  my  studies, 
whereof  I  have  here  enclosed  you  a  short  memorial,  under  the  Title 
of,  Nimcia  bona} 

'Printed  by  B.  Green  for  Samuel  Gerrish,  1715.  Mather  adds  to  his  name 
on  the  titlepage  the  letters  "  F.  R.  S." 


330         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

I  entreat  you  to  remember  me  most  affectionately  to  the  best  of 
men,  my  Lord  of  Pollock,  imto  whom  I  wish  always  the  best  of  Bless- 
ings. You  will  treat  him  with  the  sight  of  all  that  this  packett 
containeth  in  it. 

My  long  letter  terminates  in  my  earnest  Supphcations  to  our 
glorious  Lord,  That  His  Church  with  you,  the  dearly  beloved  of  His 
soul,  may  be  preserved  from  the  High  flying  Birds  of  prey ;  on  whom 
Obadiahs  prophecies  will  be  spedily  executed ;  and  that  you  particu- 
larly may  be  many  years  an  useful  Instrument  of  much  service  to 
His  Kingdome  in  the  world.  With  such  Prayers,  and  all  possible 
Brotherly  affection,  I  am.  Sir,  Your  Brother  and  Serv't.^ 

To  Sir  William  Ashurst.  a.a.s. 

Boston,  i?,d.  8  m.  [October.]  1715. 

Sir,  —  In  the  last  Letters,  which  I  had  the  Honour  of  receiving 
from  you,  there  were  some  Intimations  of  your  Desire  to  receive 
some  Account  of  the  Biblia  Americana,  a  work  waiting  to  see  its 
publication  encouraged. 

In  obedience  to  your  command,  I  have  here  enclosed,  a,  New 
offer,  which  exhibits  a  brief  Account  of  the  Work.  And  therewithal 
assure  you  That  altho'  the  Author  has  all  this  while  even  ever  since 
his  being  seventeen  years  of  age,  had  lying  upon  him  the  ponder- 
ous Load  of  the  Evangehcal  servdce  which  the  greatest.  Church  in 
these  Colonies  has  expected  from  him ;  and  tho  he  has  in  this  while 
imdergone  the  fatigue  of  publishing  more  than  250  Books  of  sundry 
Dimensions,  on  various  Arguments,  in  diverse  Languages ;  yett, 
thro'  the  most  gracious  Assistence  of  God  our  Saviour,  there  is  per- 
formed in  the  Biblia  Americana,  more  than  all  that  is  promised  in 
the  Advertisement. 

I  have  sometimes  flattered  myself,  with  an  Imagination,  that  if 
the  Treasures  wherewith  our  B.  A.  are  enriched,  were  so  acceptable 
in  their  separate  States,  as  to  render  many  copious  and  costly  volumes 
Vendible,  certainly  there  would  be  at  some  time  or  other  so  much 
common  sense  operating  in  the  world,  as  to  beleeve,  that  a  close 
Amassment  of  these  Treasures,  refined  from  Superfluities,  with  an 
Addition  of  many  never  before  exposed,  would  be  not  unworthy  of 
some  Acceptance. 

' "  16  d.  8  tn.  Dismissed  unto  the  new  Church  at  Romny-marsh  three 
Stasseys,  two  men  and  a  woman."  Cotton  Mather's  MS.  Records  of  the  Second 
Church,  II. 


OCTOBER,     lyiS  331 

I  did  not  know,  but  that  a  Composure,  which  may  pretend 
without  Vanity  to  be  the  richest  collection  of  the  most  valuable 
Treasures,  in  so  little  a  Room,  that  ever  the  Ch :  of  God  was  enter- 
tained withal,  might  hope  for  a  favorable  Reception,  with  people  of 
Religion  and  Ingenuity. 

But  I  find,  and  I  do  not  wonder  at  it,  that  I  do  so,  the  work 
labouring  under  Discouragements. 

The  Booksellers  are  generally  such,  that  a  celebrated  Author, 
thinks  the  most  opprobrious  Term  he  can  give  unto  them,  is  to  say, 
in  one  word,  they  are  Booksellers. 

It  is  complained  unto  me,  I  know  not  how  truly,  that  our  Dis- 
senters do  not  seem  to  over-value  Literature ;  and  that  a  public 
Spirit  among  them  is  much  lost  by  their  unusual  Emulations;  nor 
do  they  seem  to  think,  that  it  is  much  for  their  Interest  or  Honour, 
to  have  any  of  their  Number,  do  things  of  much  consideration  in  the 
Common-wealth  of  Learning.  It  has  been  surprizing  unto  me  to 
read  the  little,  absurd,  ridiculous  exceptions,  which  have  been  made 
against  this  work  among  some  of  my  Brethren.  Indeed  the  good- 
spirited  Mr.  Henry,  several  times,  in  his  Letter  to  me  express'd  his 
Good-will  to  this  undertaking ;  but,  he  is  dead.^ 

The  Surviving  seem  to  be  of  the  opinion,  that  a  poor  American 
must  never  be  allow'd  capable  of  doing  any  thing  worth  any  ones 
regarding ;  or  to  have  ever  look'd  on  a  Book.  And  the  Truth  is,  we 
are  under  such  Disadvantages,  that  if  we  do  any  thing  to  purpose, 
it  must  carry  in  it  a  tacit  Rebuke  to  the  sloth  of  people  more  advan- 
tageously circumstanced. 

I  have  done  expecting  anything,  from  my  Brethren  in  the  City ; 
upon  the  Reasons  whereof,  I  know  not,  whether  or  no  I  am  right  in 
my  Conjectures. 

I  am  not  without  importunate  soUicitations,  from  other  parts 
of  England,  and  from  Scotland,  and  from  Ireland,  that  the  work 
may  be  proceeded  in ;  and  promises  of  Subscriptions,  which  I  beleeve 
would  be  Numerous. 

And  some  very  Eminent  persons  in  the  established  Church,  lett 
me  understand  by  kind  Letters  that  they  will  be  Benefactors  unto  it. 

I  no  sooner  pubUshed  the  Advertisement  here  but  I  had  about  an 
hundred  Subscribers  in  view :  whereof  three  are  Govemours  of  the 
Colonies ;  many  of  them  Gentlemen  of  uncommon  Erudition. 

I  have  been  this  year  and  half,  begging  my  Brethren,  the  Minis- 
ters of  the  City,  to  lett  me  know,  what  they  would  have  me  to  do,  in 
*  Matthew  Henry  died  of  apoplexy,  June  22,  17 14. 


332         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

pursuance  of  the  proposal,  at  the  End  of  the  Advertisements.  But 
they  have  never  to  this  Hour  thought  fitting  to  take  the  least  notice 
of  my  Request. 

I  am  sensible,  it  has  been  an  extraordinary  Time  with  them ;  and 
I  would  make  no  misconstructions. 

However,  I  am  wholly  at  a  Loss,  what  further  to  do,  in  the  affayr. 

It  is  no  unlawful  or  immodest  or  imprudent  Thing  for  me,  to 
make  unto  the  world,  a  Tender  of  my  poor  Studies  to  serve  it;  in 
wayes  wherein  wiser  and  greater  men  have  gone  before  me. 

But  if  the  Tender  be  rejected,  I  am  sure  I  ought  to  be  hiunble 
and  patient,  and  with  all  possible  Resignation,  leave  imto  the  glorious 
Lord,  the  Disposal  of  my  Essayes  to  do  Good  in  the  world. 

Had  not  the  work  been  in  the  EngUsh  Tongue,  my  Correspond- 
ents in  the  most  illustrious  Frederician  University^  who  have  putt 
great  Marks  of  their  Favour  upon  me,  would  soon  bring  it  into  the 
Light. 

One  considerable  Article  in  the  work,  namely  The  Christian 
Virtuoso,  one  would  think,  might  procure  some  subscribers  to  it, 
among  the  members  of  the  Royal  Society,  wliich  have  allowed  my 
Relation  to  them. 

It  may  be,  God  our  Saviour  will  in  His  Time,  dispose  the  Minds 
of  some  eminent  and  opulent  persons,  to  cast  a  benign  Aspect  upon  a 
work  which  may  hand  down  their  Names  with  lasting  Acknowledg- 
ments unto  posterity. 

Be  it  as  it  will,  I  do  with  the  greatest  Acquiescence  of  Mind  in  the 
holy  Dispositions  of  His  Providence  Leave  all  in  His  glorious  Hands. 

To  which  your  Honourable  person  and  Family  is  also  most 
affectionately  comended  by,  Sir,  Your  Honors,  Most  affectionate 
servant. 

To  Anthony  William  Boehm.  a.a.s. 

2  d.Xnt.  [December.]  1715. 
My  most  honoured  Friend,  —  Several  Months  are  passed,  since 
by  way  of  Return,  for  the  Favours,  which  accompanied  those  of  our 
dear  Franckiiis,  I  addressed  you  with  a  large  Number  of  Packetts, 
which  had  in  them  some  scores  of  American  Treadses,  besides  a  few 
small  presents  of  Gold,  unto  the  Orphanotropheum.  All  which  I 
hope,  have  long  since  reached  you. 

I  am  extremely  desirous  of  maintaining  a  correspondence,  with  a 
person  of  your  excellence,  spirit,  and  Intention ;  And  therefore  you 
*  Founded  in  1694,  by  the  elector  Frederick  III  of  Brandenburg. 


DECEMBER,     I7IS  333 

must  give  me  leave  to  lay  hold  as  frequently  as  I  can  on  opportunities 
to  entertain  you,  with  such  Books  of  Piety  as  are  published  in  our 
Countrey :  In  which,  perhaps  you  will  find,  something  of  the  spirit 
of  that  vital  Religion  which  you  have  so  wisely  chosen  to  cultivate 
and  inculcate. 

But  of  the  Things,  which  the  mean  hand  that  now  writes  has 
published,  since  the  last  that  I  have  tendered  you,  there  is  none  that 
has  more  of  my  Heart,  than  the  Enclosed,  Lapis  Excisus;  upon  which 
I  will  freely  declare  unto  you  my  Apprehensions. 

A  small  spark,  will  sett  fire  to  a  mighty  Train,  when  it  is  already 
praepared :  He  was  wondrously  exemplified,  in  the  Successes  of 
Luther's  Essayes,  which  if  they  had  been  made  some  years  afore, 
would  have  been  insignificant  enough,  and  have  succeeded  but  very 
poorly. 

I  apprehend  the  Time  is  now  coming  on  apace,  for  the  Empire 
of  Antichrist  and  Satan  (whereof,  there  are  too  sensible  Remains,  even 
in  the  most  Reformed  churches;)  to  come  unto  its  promised  period, 
and  the  Eangdome  of  our  Saviour  to  be  Exhibited  wth  glory  to  God 
in  the  Highest,  and  on  earth  Peace,  thro'  Good  Will  among  Men. 

But  if  it  be  so,  that  the  Time  to  Favour  the  sett  Time,  is  come, 
who  can  tell,  how  far  such  a  small  Thing,  as  our  Lapis  Excisus,  may 
operate,  for  the  Introducing  of  the  Things,  which  the  soul  of  my 
dear  Boem,  is  with  weary  anhelations,  looking  and  longing  for ! 

God  will  shake  all  Nations,  that  He  may  bring  them  to  the  Ms^ 
of  the  everlasting  Gospel,  which  are  the  Things  that  cannot  be  shaken. 
And,  I  am  altogether  of  the  same  opinion,  with  our  excellent  Ludolf, 
that  the  world  is  already  deeply  entred  into  the  Distresses,  that  are 
designed  for  such  a  purpose. 

My  Request  therefore  is,  that  you  would  please,  to  disperse  these 
little  Engines  of  Piety,  as  fast  and  as  far  as  you  can  ;  send  of  them,  to 
our  invaluable  Friends  at  Halle;  send  of  them,  to  the  Malabarian 
missionaries ;  And  if  you  can  do  it,  send  of  them  into  France;  yea, 
excuse  me,  if  I  say,  procure  them  to  be  translated  into  as  many 
Languages  as  you  can.     Magna  est  Veritas,  et  prevalebit. 

By  the  next,  I  may  furnish  you  with  more  of  them ;  and  then 
more  fully  acquaint  you  with  the  Reasons  that  have  emboldened  me  to 
impose  at  this  rate  upon  you. 

In  the  meantime,  and  alwayes  you  will  continue  your  Loves  and 
Prayers  for.  Sir,  Your  most  affectionate  Brother  and  Serv't. 

1  Mercies  or  Messages? 


I7I6 

THE  LIV  YEAR  OF  MY  LIFE. 

12  d.  xn  m.  [February.]  1715-16.  Lord's-Day.  *i2.* 
G.  D.  What !  And  is  the  fifty-tJiird  Year  of  my  Life  this  Day 
finished  ?  A  Life  so  forfeited ;  a  Life  so  threatened ;  such 
a  dying  Life;  yea,  and  such  a  barren  One!  My  God,  I 
praise  thee;  the  Display  of  thy  sovereign  Grace,  is  my 
Admiration,  my  Astonishment!  My  SAVIOUR,  I  bless 
thee,  I  love  thee,  I  resolve  to  serve  thee. 

I  wiU  this  Day  glorify  my  SAVIOUR,  with  Meditations 
and  Acknowledgments,  of  His  having  the  Keys  of  the  invis- 
ible World,  and  of  Death  in  His  glorious  Hands,  and  His 
having  the  Souls  of  Men,  and  very  particularly  their  Lives, 
Sit  His  Disposal.  Yea,  I  will  communicate  my  IMeditations 
unto  my  Flock  this  Day,  and  invite  them  to  join  with  me 
in  my  Acknowledgments. 

13.  G.  D.  I  am  reviving  my  Cares  to  visit  the  Flock, 
and  I  would  as  soon  as  I  can,  gett  furnished  with  my  Echo's 
of  Devotion,^  (which  is  not  yet  published,)  that  I  may  lodge 
the  Book  in  all  the  Families  where  I  come. 

14.  G.  D.  Unto  each  of  my  Children,  present  my 
Utilia,^  with  my  Charges  unto  them,  to  make  the  Book 
very  much  their  Companion  and  Counsellor. 

15.  G.  D.  There  are  some  Relatives  at  a  further  Dis- 
tance from  me,  to  whom  the  like  Present  of  my  Utilia, 
will  be  an  agreeable  Expression  of  my  Concern  for  them. 

1  He  now  alters  his  entries,  so  as  to  follow  the  days  of  the  month  instead  of 
the  days  of  the  week.     The  *  marks  the  first  day  of  the  week. 

2  Printed  by  T.  Fleet  and  T.  Crump,  1716. 
'  Printed  by  the  same,  17 16. 

I334I 


FEBRUARY,     1715-16  335 

16.  G.  D.  If  I  could  redeem  the  Time,  now  and  then 
to  dress  up  sublime  Thoughts  in  an  agreeable  Metre,  I 
might  in  Time,  have  a  Collection,  which  may  prove  a  profit- 
able and  an  acceptable  Entertainment,  unto  the  Church 
of  God. 

17.  G.  D.  A  Society  of  Christians  in  our  Neighbour- 
hood, being  disposed  for  the  publishing  of  some  Discourses, 
I  will  propose  as  advantageously  to  them,  as  I  can. 

18.  G.  D.  Releeve  a  poor  Man  clothed  with  Rags,  at 
the  South  End  of  the  Town :  At  the  same  time,  rebuke 
him,  and  exhort  him. 

*  8®°"  19.  G.  D.  Tho'  I  have  been  after  a  poor  Man- 
ner living  unto  God,  these  many  Years,  yett  methinks,  I  am 
not  frequent  and  vigorous  and  explicit  enough  on  those 
Thoughts,  with  which  the  Life  of  God  is  to  be  carried  on. 

I  would  therefore  now  endeavour  a  greater  Frequency,  in  form- 
ing those  Thoughts  upon  every  Turn,  which  being  appHed  unto  my 
Actions  and  my  Enjoyments,  will  bring  such  a  Respect  unto  GOD  upon 
them,  that  I  shall  indeed  live  unto  Him. 

Upon  my  ACTIONS.  In  this  Action  I  propose  an  Obedience  to 
the  glorious  GOD;  animated  with  an  Apprehension  that  He  knowes 
what  I  now  do,  under  the  Eye  of  His  Glory;  and  that  on  the  Account  of 
my  beloved  JESUS,  it  will  find  Acceptance  with  Him. 

Upon  my  ENJOYMENTS.  What  gives  a  Relish  to  this  Enjoy- 
ment, is,  that  the  glorious  GOD,  showes  to  me  something  of  His  Glory  in 
it;  and  that  by  this  good  Thing  I  am  assisted  and  comforted  in  serving 
of  Him. 

These  Considerations  will  often  require  to  be  made  with  a  par- 
ticular pause,  that  shall  examine,  wherein  these  Ends  are  more 
particularly  answered  in  my  Actions,  and  my  Enjoyments.  And  then, 
I  am  so  to  take  my  Measures  therefrom,  that  if  I  do  not  find  the 
Ends  answered,  I  am  to  desist  from  them. 

20.  G.  D.  A  Sermon  of  Tokens  for  Good,  may  be  of 
good  use  unto  the  Flock,  whereof  I  am  the  Servant. 

21.  G.  D.  It  may  not  only  be  a  Service  to  myself,  but 
also  greatly  serve  the  Interests  of  Piety  in  my  excellent 
Consort,  if  I  should  use,  every  Morning  before  I  rise,  to 


T,T,6  DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

read  a  Chapter  in  my  dear  Arndt;   and  communicate  unto 
her  the  principal  Thoughts  occurring  on  it. 

22.  G.  D.  Send  the  UtUia,  and  some  other  Things  to 
an  aged  Relative,  at  Medford. 

23.  G.  D.  There  being  some  Settlements  begun  at  the 
Eastward,  (particularly  Arowsick  and  Brunswick,)  and  some 
devout  Persons  applying  themselves,  while  they  yett  want 
a  minister  to  carry  on  Exercises  of  Religion  among  the 
people  there,  I  would  supply  those  Christians,  with  Instru- 
ments of  Piety,  suited  unto  their  Occasions. 

And  siQce  the  Instruction  of  the  Indians  has  been  begun 
by  some  good  Men  there,  I  would  particularly  furnish  them 
with  Instruments,  for  that  excellent  Purpose. 

24.  G.  D.  Procure  a  good  Justice,  if  it  may  be,  to  be 
commission'd,  for  a  destitute  place  in  the  countrey,  on  the 
behalf  whereof  I  am  applied  imto. 

25.  G.  D.  A  poor  Drone,  must  have  something  done 
for  him,  and  Employment  provided. 

And  a  crack-brained  Youth  in  my  neighbourhood,  (who 
also  belongs  to  our  Church)  must  be  look'd  after. 

2$  d.  XII  m.  Satureday.  This  Day  I  sett  apart  for 
Prayer  with  Fasting,  in  Secret  before  the  Lord. 

My  Errands  to  Heaven  were,  to  obtain  the  Pardon  of  my  Mis- 
carriages ;  greater  Measures  of  Piety  and  Sanctity ;  the  divine  Con- 
duct and  Blessing  to  my  Ministry  in  every  Part  of  it ;  a  Smile  on  the 
Offers  made  by  my  Pen  unto  the  Public ;  the  good  State  of  my  Family ; 
the  Welfare  of  my  Son  abroad ;  the  Rescue  of  my  Daughter-in-Law 
from  her  unhappy  Circumstances;  the  comfortable  Disposal  of  my 
Daughters  in  the  married  Life ;  the  Favour  of  Heaven  to  my  Flock, 
to  the  Land,  and  to  the  British  Nations,  and  my  dear  Brethren,  that 
are  at  work  for  God  in  the  Lower  Saxony;  —  and  other  Matters. 

I  enjoy'd  most  gracious  Visits  from  Heaven  to  me,  in  my  Devo- 
tions. 

I  pray'd  in  the  Name  of  my  Saviour,  and  even  with  a  Nature  and 
a  Temper  conformed  unto  His,  and  I  prevailed. 

When  I  perceived  by  the  Breathing  of  my  Soul,  that  I  began  to 
live  unto  God,  oh!  the  Triumphant  Joy,  that  I  was  filled  withal,  to 


MARCH,     1716  337 

think,  that  now  I  am  assured  of  everlasting  Life.    This  Life  of  God, 
is  what  never  can  be  killed ! 

March.  17 16.  i.  G.  D.  It  may  be  of  great  Use  to  our 
Ministers,  and  our  Colledges,  if  I  can  procure  the  Medicina 
Mentis,  of  the  Excellent  Langius,^  to  be  much  studied  among 
them.     I  would  use  all  due  Methods  to  bring  it  about. 

2.  G.  D.  I  would  exhibit  a  little  Summ  of  Money,  to 
be  bestow'd  upon  such  Lads  at  the  School,  as  gett  by  heart, 
the  Maxims  of  the  Everlasting  Gospel,  in  the.  Lapis  e  Monte. 

3.  G.  D.  A  miserable  Man  in  the  Prison,  cries  to  me 
for  my  Compassions.  I  must  clothe  him,  and  help  him, 
what  I  can. 

*  4.  G.  D.  That  Sort  of  prayer  or  that  Elevation  of 
the  Mind  in  Prayer,  which  is  in  the  Verus  Christianismus 
called.  Supernatural  Prayer,  is  what  I  would  exceedingly 
aspire  unto,  and  grow  more  experienced  in.  I  would  soar 
towards  it,  in  great  Essayes  at  the  sacrificing-Stroke,  which 
with  a  Self  annihilation  will  bring  me  on  towards  an  Union 
with  God,  and  an  Acquiescence  in  Him,  and  in  His  Will; 
and  when  I  feel  in  this  way  GOD  becoming  All  in  All  unto 
me,  I  would  be  entirely  swallowed  up  in  Him. 

5.  G.  D.  Lett  the  pubHc  Prayers,  in  the  Hearing  of 
the  Flock,  take  a  pathetic  Notice  of  the  Value  and  Longing 
which  our  People  gone  abroad,  express  in  their  Letters  to 
us,  for  the  New  England-Sabbaths.  Manifold  may  be  the 
good  Use  of  this  Intimation. 

6.  G.  D.  Very  much  inculcate  on  the  Children  the 
Lessons  of  Thankfulness  to  the  glorious  God,  for  His  having 
provided  so  marvellously  for  them,  when  He  had  made 
them  Orphans;  and  now  bestowing  an  excellent  Mother 
upon  them.2 

7.  G.  D.    Not  only  must  Relatives  abroad  be  prayed 

'  Johann  Lange  (1485-1565),  of  Silesia.     See  p.  405,  infra. 
'Mather  had  married  July  5,  1715,  Lydia,  daughter  of  Rev.  Samuel  Lee. 
See  pp.  302,  322. 

U  -22 


338         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

for,  but  also  their  Wives  at  Home,  in  their  Absence,  have 
the  Duty  of  Resignation  much  recommended  unto  them, 
and  so  a  Preparation  for  all  Events. 

J  d.  im.  [March.]  Wednesday.  This  Day  I  devoted,  (and 
what  sinner  on  Earth  has  more  Cause  to  do  so?)  unto  the 
Exercises  of  a  Secret  THANKSGIVING  unto  the  glorious 
GOD. 

I  began  the  Day  with  considering  and  acknowledging  my  answer- 
ing the  Character  of  a  meer  Shadow  before  GOD  ;  sensible  that  I  am 
nothing,  have  nothing,  do  nothing,  but  in  an  entire  Dependence  upon 
Him. 

I  confessed  before  the  Lord,  my  exceeding  Unworthiness  of  all 
His  Favours ;  and  how  unworthy  I  am  to  be  accepted  or  assisted  in 
His  Praises.  I  went  over  the  Articles  of  my  Vileness,  with  all  Self- 
Abasement. 

I  entertained  my  Family  with  Meditations  on  the  CXXXVIII 
Psalm.  And  with  them  I  celebrated  the  Favours  of  Heaven  to  my 
Family;  especially  in  the  excellent  Mother  that  He  has  bestow'd 
upon  it. 

Ah  I  quant  deceptus/^ 

I  distinctly  adored  the  divine  perfections;  and  breathed  after 
such  Dispositions  and  Behaviours  in  myself,  as  they  call  for. 

I  beheld  each  of  the  three  Persons  in  the  Godhead,  shining  with 
all  those  Perfections ;  and  very  particularly  the  God-man,  who  is  my 
Saviour ;  and  I  triumphed  in  the  Enjoyment  of  such  a  Saviour. 

I  made  Recognition  of  my  Obligations  to  Uve  unto  this  glorious 
GOD  ;  and  be  entirely  for  Him  ;  and  I  proposed  the  Methods,  wherein 
I  desired  forever  to  glorify  Him :  ascribing  at  the  same  Time  unto 
my  Saviour,  the  Glory  of  accompUshing  my  Desires. 

Having  expatiated  up)on  these  Things,  in  the  Afternoon,  I  went 
on  to  recapitulate  the  former  Vouchsafements  of  a  gracious  God  unto 
me,  in  the  Course  of  my  Life ;  and  then  the  Enjoyments  wherewith 
I  am  this  Time  favoured  of  the  Lord ;  more  particularly ;  the  strange 
Prolongation  of  my  Life,  with  my  Health  restored  and  Strength 
renewed ;  my  Employment  in  the  Ministry  of  the  Gospel,  and  in  so 
large  an  Auditory,  (yea,  notwithstanding  the  late  Swarm  therefrom  :) 
And  with  an  Utterance  bestow'd  in  such  a  wondrous  Manner  upon 
me ;  my  marvellous  Opportunities  to  be  serviceable  unto  the  King- 
'  These  words  were  written  in  the  margin. 


MARCH,     1716  339 

dome  of  God  by  the  Way  of  the  Press :  all  the  good  whereof  the 
sovereign  Grace  of  Heaven  has  made  me  the  Instrument ;  the  Acces- 
sions made  unto  my  Library,  and  of  late  some  very  precious  Ones; 
my  Correspondences  abroad,  especially  with  the  universities  of  Glas- 
gow, and  of  Glaucka:  and  giving  me,  tho'  I  am  a  sorry  and  an  obscure 
Creature,  a  Name  among  the  great  Men  of  the  Earth ;  the  credible 
and  plentiful  Circumstances  wherewith  I  am  accommodated  in  my 
Habitation  ;  The  good  Condition  of  my  Family ;  especially  in  regard 
of  the  Excellent  Consort  in  which  I  have  strangely  obtained  Favour 
of  the  Lord.  For  these  and  such  Things,  I  offered  my  Praises  unto 
the  glorious  God,  with  humble  Confessions  of  my  own  Unworthiness 
on  the  several  Articles,  and  the  Triumphs  of  sovereign  Grace  in  them : 
and  seeing  the  Purchase  and  Power  of  my  Saviour  operating,  in  my 
Arrival  to  these  Blessings  of  Goodness. 

But,  oh !  the  Joy  of  Soul,  wherewith  I  then  beheld,  what  the  Lord 
has  done  for  my  Soul!  His  Revealing  of  His  Christ  unto  me.  His 
uniting  of  me  unto  His  Christ ;  His  pardoning  my  Sins ;  and  making 
me  one  of  His  children ;  and  a  Temple  of  His  holy  Spirit ;  on  begin- 
ning that  Life  in  me,  that  shall  never,  never,  never  be  extinguished! 

After  this,  I  carried  my  lovely  Consort  with  me,  into  my  Library ; 
and  there  we  together  offered  up  our  Praises  unto  God,  for  His  Bless- 
ings ;  especially  spiritual  Blessings ;  and  for  His  bestowing  us  upon 
each  other,  with  surprising  Dispensations  of  His  Providence. 

I  concluded  with  Praises  to  the  Lord  for  His  good  Angels ;  and  all 
the  unknown  Good,  which  He  had  by  their  Ministry  convey'd  unto  me. 

My  finishing  Dispositions  and  Resolutions  were;  to  grow  more 
frequent  in  direct,  express,  explicit  Acts  of  living  unto  God ;  with 
Reflections  on  the  Reason  of  my  doing  what  I  do,  and  of  my  Relish 
in  my  Enjoyments. 

To  be  more  sollicitous  about  a  real  and  vital  Communion  with 
God,  in  the  Prayers  which  I  make  unto  Him. 

To  be  more  Industrious  in  my  Studies,  that  I  may  dispatch  apace, 
what  my  Hand  finds  to  do. 

And  visit  the  Flock  with  more  Assiduity,  and  Edification. 

8.  G.  D.  Is  there  no  Possibility,  for  me,  to  find  the 
Time,  that  I  may  contrive  a  System  of  the  Sciences  wherein 
they  shall  be  rescued  from  Vanity  and  Corruption,  and 
become  consecrated  unto  the  glorious  Intention  of  living 
unto  God,  and  the  real  and  only  Wisdome? 


340         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

If  I  see,  that  I  cannot  obtain  the  Liesure  for  it,  I  will 
address  my  Friends  in  the  Frederician  University. 

9.  G.  D.  In  conversing  with  a  Society  of  Gentlemen, 
I  would  move  it.  There  is  a  Youth  at  School  whose  Parents 
are  capable  of  bestowing  on  him  the  Education,  whereof  he 
is  desirous  and  capable.  The  Master  of  the  School  recom- 
mends him,  as  an  agreeable  Object  for  our  Charity. 

10.  G.  D.  A  miserable  Man  under  Distraction,  must 
have  Kindness  done  for  him,  and  his  Famil3^ 

Another  destitute  Family  also. 

*  II.  G.  D.  Those  interval  Spaces  of  Time,  about  the 
well-filling  whereof  I  have  been  sollicitous,  I  will  endeavour 
now  more  than  ever  to  fiU  with  Acts  of  Consecration  to 
GOD,  formed  upon  the  various  Actions  and  Enjoyments, 
wherein  I  may  be  at  the  Time  concerned.  How  gloriously 
will  this  fill  my  Life  with  Sacrifices!  In  what  a  marvellous 
Light  will  my  Walk  be  carried  on!  What  Influences  from 
Above  will  my  Mind  be  revived  continually ! 

12.  G.  D.  A  number  of  Persons  qualified  for  church 
Fellowship,  who  have  hitherto  delay'd  it,  must  be  call'd 
upon. 

But,  oh !  how  seriously  am  I  to  consider  the  great  Flock, 
as  consisting  of  a  People,  for  whom  I  am  to  do  my  best, 
that  they  may  live  unto  God,  and  be  directed,  and  quickened 
and  strengthened  in  the  Life  of  God!  With  what  Sollici- 
tude  am  I  to  beg  of  the  glorious  God  from  time  to  time, 
that  He  would  lead  me  to  insist  on  such  Subjects  among 
His  People  as  may  be  most  adapted  unto  the  Intentions  of 
Piety,  and  most  suitable  unto  their  Circumstances!  And 
when  I  have  my  Subjects  under  my  Cultivation,  how  indus- 
triously must  I  prosecute  them,  as  if  I  were  immediately 
to  give  an  Account  of  my  Conduct  therein  unto  God  the 
Judge  of  all! 

13.  G.  D.  Animate  the  Visits  of  my  dear  Consort 
unto  the  Poor  of  the  Neighbourhood. 


MARCH,     1716  341 

14.  G.  D.  Further  Engines  of  Piety,  to  be  convey'd 
unto  my  Kinsman  at  Windsor;^  for  him  to  do  Good  with 
them. 

15.  G.  D.  Is  there  no  Possibility  for  me,  to  gett  the 
Prosecutions  and  Operations  of  Piety  into  the  Schools ; 
that  the  Education  there,  may  not  only  have  Piety  inter- 
mixed with  it,  but  become  the  principall  Intention  of  it. 
This  would  I  make  a  Point  of  much  Consideration,  and 
be  restless  till  I  see  a  good  Progress  made  in  the  Design. 

16.  G.  D.  The  expired  Charity-School,  in  the  Middle 
of  the  Town,  I  would  gett  revived. 

17.  G.  D.  Several  poor  affected  Ones,  I  have  in  View, 
to  be  releeved. 

And  a  poor  Gentleman  in  the  Prison  for  Debt. 

*  18.  G.  D.  My  Reading  a  Chapter  in  the  Verus 
Christianismus,  every  morning,  to  my  Consort  as  well  as 
myself,  before  I  rise,  and  then  turning  it  into  Prayer  upon 
my  Retirement  into  my  Library,  —  of  how  much  Advan- 
tage may  it  be,  to  the  Interests  of  Piety,  in  my  Heart 
and  Life! 

19.  G.  D.  There  are  certain  Strains  and  Fhghts  of 
Devotion  which  being  brought  into  the  public  Prayers, 
may  have  Impressions  on  the  Flock,  full  of  admirable  Con- 
sequences.    I  have  elsewhere  some  Hints  of  them. 

(I)  Oh!  What  shall  I  render  to  the  Lord?  For  me  to 
glorify  my  admirable  SAVIOUR,  and  be  an  Instrument 
for  inviting  others  to  behold  and  confess  His  Glory;  This 
is  the  very  Top  of  my  chosen  Felicity.  How  strangely  am 
I  gratified  in  it!  And  yett,  I  hope,  what  now  befalls  me, 
is  but  the  Beginning  of  the  Gratifications  wherewith  I  shall 
be  favoured.  I  began  to  be  suspicious,  whether  this  Year, 
would  prove  to  me  such  a  bearing  Year,  as  was  the  last. 
But  I  know  not  what  may  happen.  I  am  already  entred 
upon  Fructifications  that  sweetly  Comfort  me.    A  Society 

'Samuel  Mather  (1650-1728). 


342         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

of  young  Men,  in  the  more  southern  Part  of  this  Town, 
sollicit  for  a  Sermon  from  me.  I  give  them  one.  And 
the  Publication  of  it,  is  proposed.  The  Title  of  it  is,  The 
Resort  of  Piety :  our  SAVIOUR  considered  atid Exhibited, 
as  a  Tree  of  Life,  which  all  may  and  must  resort  unto.  And 
an  Early  Flight  unto  it  particularly  called  for.  An  Essay 
offered  unto  a  Society  of  Young  Men,  united  in  the  Intentions 
of  Early  Piety. ^ 

20.  G.  D.  My  Servant  has  newly  buried  his  Son ; 
{Onesimus  his  Onesimulus).  Lett  me  make  this  an  Occa- 
sion of  inculcating  the  Admonitions  of  Piety  upon  him. 

21.  G.  D.  A  Kinsman,  to  be  now  putt  upon  joining 
to  the  Church. 

22.  G.  D.  What  can  I  do  more  for  the  Church  of  God, 
than  what  I  am  to  endeavour  this  Day  ? 

In  as  affectionate  a  Representation,  as  I  can  make,  of 
its  Condition,  in  solemn  Supplications  before  the  Lord. 

22  d.  I  m.  Thursday.  A  general  Fast,  in  the  Province. 
I  enjoy'd  a  gracious  Presence  of  God  with  me,  in  the  Ser- 
vices of  the  Day. 

This  prevented,  my  keeping  a  Day  in  secret  this  Week, 
as  else  I  should  have  done. 

23.  G.  D.  I  would  sett  forward  good  Motions  among 
the  Ministers;  but  there  is  one  humoursome,  furious, 
boisterous  Man  among  us,  who  confounds  all  my  Inten- 
tions that  way.  I  am  utterly  dispirited  for  doing  any 
Thing  among  the  Ministers  in  our  Vicinity,  or  indeed  for 
going  among  them.  Yett  I  desire  to  be  armed  with  Pa- 
tience; and  watch  Opportunities  for  Good.  And  what  I 
cannot  obtain  among  the  Ministers  nearer  at  hand,  I  would 
observe  and  enquire,  whether  it  may  not  be  obtained  at  a 
further  Distance. 

24.  G.  D.     Several  old  Men,  in  wants,  to  be  look'd  after. 

'  Printed  in  1716,  without  the  name  of  the  printer.    The  sermon  was  delivered^ 
March  18,  17 16. 


MARCH,     1716  343 

*  25.  G.  D.  O  what  a  marvellous  Consideration  is 
there,  whereof  I  am  to  feel  the  Sense  grow  more  and  more 
powerful  upon  me,  that  my  Endeavours  to  pray  without 
ceasing  may  be  animated ! 

All  my  Prayers  made  according  to  the  Will  of  God; 
are  the  Dictates  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  Tho'  I  forgett  the 
Prayers  which  I  have  made,  and  I  receive  not  immediate 
Answers,  that  infinite  One  perfectly  remembers  all  His  own 
Dictates.  When  I  arrive  to  the  heavenly  World,  where  I 
shall  reap  the  rich  Harvest  of  all  my  Devotions  here,  the 
holy  Spirit  having  all  my  Prayers  in  a  most  perfect  Remem- 
brance, will  then  heap  in  upon  me  the  Answers  of  them 
with  Blessings  of  Goodness,  far  beyond  all  that  I  can  ask 
or  think.  Oh!  Lett  the  strong  Faith  of  this,  produce  in 
me  a  very  praying  Life,  and  give  Life  to  my  Prayers,  and 
make  my  sowing  Time  to  be  very  diligent  and  plentiful. 

26.  G.  D.  Cannot  I  possibly  procure  a  Number  of 
good  Men,  in  our  Church,  to  combine,  as  a  little  Society, 
for  the  Consideration  of  that  Question,  What  Service  may 
be  done  for  the  Church?  I  would  propose  this,  first  among 
the  Deacons. 

27.  G.  D.  Oh !  that  my  House  may  be  more  an  House 
of  my  SAVIOUR'S  Glory! 

Shall  it  now  be  a  Care  more  punctually  prosecuted  with 
me,  that  I  will  never  sitt  down  at  my  Table,  without  point- 
ing my  Family,  to  some  Glory  of  my  SAVIOUR ! 

In  my  Thanksgiving  at  the  Table,  I  would  more  particu- 
larly than  ever,  ascribe  to  my  SAVIOUR,  the  Glory  of 
purchasing  and  bestowing  the  Comforts  of  the  Table. 

28.  G.  D.  Make  a  profitable  Visit,  among  my  Rela- 
tives at  Charlstown. 

Assist  my  Father,  in  writing  a  Book  for  old  Men. 

29.  G.  D.  Can  there  be  no  Projection  ;  that  the  Min- 
isters meeting  at  the  Election,  may  spend  their  Time 
together,  to  better  Purpose  than  heretofore? 


344         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

30.  G.  D.  Procure  the  dead  Charity-Schole  in  the 
Middle  of  this  Town,  to  be  revived. 

31,  G.  D.  An  aged  Handmaid  of  the  Lord,  in  Poverty, 
to  be  provided  for. 

April.  *  I.  G.  D.  Among  my  Essayes  to  glorify  my 
SAVIOUR,  this  may  be  one.  I  will  consider  the  Gods  of 
the  ancient  Pagans;  the  several  Glories,  which  the  poor 
Idolaters  did  ascribe  to  them,  and  the  several  Favours  they 
did  expect  from  them.  Then  my  Soul  shall  make  my 
Boast  in  my  SAVIOUR.  In  Him,  I  will  see  all  of  these; 
all  united  in  Him. 

2.  G.  D.  I  have  Proposals  to  make,  for  the  better 
Accommodation  of  our  Meeting-house. 

3.  G.  D.  My  Children  shall  do  more  than  they  have 
done,  to  comfort  their  aged  Grandfather;  and  therefore 
visit  him. 

4.  G.  D.  I  find  Relatives  at  Hadly,  which  I  did  not 
think  of.  I  would  convey  to  them,  some  Expressions  of 
my  Care  of  their  best  Welfare. 

5.  G.  D.  Barmudas  cries  to  me,  to  provide  a  good 
Minister  for  them.  A  Service  of  good  Consequence.  Help 
me,  my  God,  in  prosecuting  this  Care ! 

6.  G.  D.  Being  furnished  with  Proposals  of  Good,  for 
the  Comissioners  of  the  Indian-AEoixs  to  proceed  upon ; 
lett  me  animate  their  Proceedings  all  that  is  possible. 

7.  G.  D.  I  will  take  a  poor  fatherless  Child,  to  lodge 
and  feed  in  my  Family;  and  watch  Opportunities  to  do 
him  further  Kindnesses. 

A  strange  Thing  befalls  me.  A  Monster  of  a  Man,  and 
one  of  the  Wickedest  of  Men,  and  one  who  went  away  to 
London  many  Months  ago,  full  of  Mahce  against  me,  and 
against  the  Countrey,  and  one  from  whom  I  expected  the 
Publication  of  bitter  Libels  against  me,  and  one  whom  I 
have  often  carried  unto  the  Lord,  with  Desires  of  divine 
Restraints  upon  him;    addresses  me  with  Letters  full  of 


APRIL,     1716  345 

Respect ;  bewayling  his  former  Disaffection ;  protesting 
that  he  has  not  spoken  one  diminutive  Word  of  me  since 
his  going  away;  and  entreating  my  favourable  Opinion  of 
him ;  and  assuring  me,  that  I  shall  suffer  no  Incivility  from 
him.  At  the  same  Time,  he  sends  me  over,  an  Instrument 
that  he  has  published  for  the  Service  of  the  Countrey. 

Doubtless,  God  has  brought  him  to  feel  some  Occasion 
for  his  being  on  good  Terms  with  me.  There  is  in  this 
Thing,  the  Finger  of  God. 

*  8.  G.  D.  I  fear,  I  suffer  by  two  Distempers.  First, 
I  may  be  too  quick  and  hard,  in  my  Resentments  of  Things, 
that  look  like  Judgments  cast  upon  me.  Secondly,  I  may 
too  easily  give  way  to  Discouragements,  and  make  my 
Recess  from  Opportunities  to  do  good,  upon  Apprehensions 
of  People's  Aversion  for  me.  0  my  SAVIOUR,  Dehver 
me   from   these  Distempers. 

9.   G.  D.     I  have  several  Subjects,  in  View,  the  Cul- 
tivation and  Inculcation  whereof,  may  be  of  great  Use  to'" 
the  Flock. 

ID.  G.  D.  My  Son  Samuel,  is  taken  ill  of  a  Feavour. 
An  Occasion  for  me  to  endeavour  much  Good,  unto  him, 
unto  myself,  and  unto  all  the  Family. 

11.  G.  D.  A  Kinswoman  that  is  near  her  Travail, 
should  have  my  Counsels  and  Comforts. 

12.  G.  D.  As  soon  as  I  can,  I  would  prepare  certain 
Proposals,  about  the  Methods  of  a  rehgious  Education,  in 
Schools,  and  Universities ;  the  Methods  to  be  used,  that 
the  young  ones  may  be  taught  and  brought  to  live  unto 
God. 

The  Publication  and  Inculcation  of  these  Proposals,  I 
would  then  labour  in. 

Vast,  vast  may  be  the  Consequences. 

13.  G.  D.  I  would  move  it  among  the  Comissioners  of 
the  Indian-affairs,  who  have  a  strange  Dullness  upon  all 
their  Managements,  that  they  would  appoint  two  or  three 


346         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

of  their  Numbers,  persons  of  a  singular  Activity  and  Capac- 
ity, to  receive  Proposals,  for  the  good  proceeding  of  our 
Affairs,  and  to  prepare  and  offer  what  they  think  proper 
for  the  Board,  and  have  their  Times  of  consulting  with 
one  another  upon  that  Intention. 

14.  G.  D.  A  miserable  Woman,  that  wants  to  be 
releeved  on  many  Accounts,  and  also  to  have  Passage  to 
London  paid  for  I  must  be  at  Expenses  for  her. 

*  15.  G.  D.  That  I  may  yett  more  distinctly  walk  in 
the  Light,  I  would  make  a  Catalogue  of  my  chief  Enjoy- 
ments, and  I  would  upon  each  of  them,  see  how  they  are 
to  be  Enjoy 'd  in  GOD,  and  for  GOD,  and  with  an  holy 
Reference  to  GOD.  And  I  would  make  it  my  care,  to 
place  my  Delight  in  them  upon  those  considerations. 

16.  G.  D.  The  Children  of  the  Flock,  I  would  En- 
deavour more  exquisitely  than  ever,  in  my  Catechising  to 
teach  them  the  Skill  of  Living  to  God.  In  the  next  Cate- 
chising preach  to  them,  on  the  dead  Child  raised  by  the 
Prophet. 

17.  G.  D.  My  religious  and  excellent  Consort  meets 
with  some  Exercises,  which  oblige  me,  (and,  oh !  how  happy 
am  I,  in  the  Conversion  of  so  fine  a  Soul,  and  one  so  capable 
of  rising  and  soaring  to  the  higher  Fhghts  of  Piety!)  to 
treat  her  very  much  on  the  Point  of  having  a  Soul,  where- 
in GOD  alone  shall  be  enthroned,  and  all  the  Creatures 
that  have  usurped  His  Throne  ejected  and  banished,  and 
having  a  Will  utterly  annihilated  before  the  Will  of  God ! 

18.  G.  D.  A  Sister  in  Law,  in  hourly  Expectation  of 
her  Travail,  should  be  visited  and  addressed  with  suitable 
Admonitions. 

19.  G.  D.  Quaere,  Whether  the  marvellous  Footsteps  of 
the  divine  Providence,  in  what  has  been  done,  in  the  Lo-wcr 
Saxony,  have  not  such  a  Voice  to  the  World,  that  I  may  do 
well  to  think  of  some  further  Methods  to  render  it  more 
sensible  unto  these  American  Colonies. 


APRIL,     1716  347 

The  Voice  is  mainly  that ;  Matth.  vi.  33. 

20.  G.  D.  A  Society  of  pious  and  praying  Youths,  at 
the  CoUedge,  I  will  study  which  way  I  may  be  useful  to. 

21.  G.  D.  A  poor  distracted  Youth  in  my  Neighbour- 
hood must  be  look'd  after. 

21  d.  2  m.  Satureday.  I  sett  apart  this  Day,  for  the  Sac- 
rifices of  a  Fast  in  Secret  before  the  Lord.  And  the  holy 
One  helped  me  to  offer  up  a  Variety  of  Sacrifices.  Yea, 
with  His  Help,  I  singled  out  my  most  valuable  Enjoyments, 
and  the  Things  which  my  Heart  is  most  of  all  sett  upon, 
and  I  turned  them  into  Sacrifices:  I  consented,  unto  the 
Will  of  my  dear  SAVIOUR,  if  He  will  have  those  Things 
to  be  denied  unto  me. 

My  Errands  unto  Heaven  this  Day,  were  much  the 
same,  with  what  I  had  on  my  former  Dayes  of  later  Times. 

But  I  have  one  special  and  bitter  Concern,  to  carry  not 
only  on  this  Day,  but  every  Day  unto  the  Lord.  I  have 
advice,  that  my  poor  Son  Increase  lies  very  sick  of  a  RJieuma- 
tism,  at  his  Uncle's  in  Witney,  having  lost  the  Use  of  his 
Limbs.  Oh!  The  Anguish  with  which  I  am  to  cry  unto 
God,  that  He  would  yett  be  gracious  to  this  poor  Child, 
and  make  him  a  new  Creature  and  an  useful  Man,  and 
return  him  to  me!  Oh!  the  Resignation  to  which  I  am 
called  on  this  Occasion!  My  Father,  I  committ  this  poor 
Child  into  thy  Fatherly  Hands ! 

*  22.  G.  D.  I  would  now  more  than  ever,  employ  the 
Minutes  I  can  recover  for  such  an  Exercise,  in  forming  the 
Acts  of  a  Sacrificer,  upon  all  my  dearest  and  most  valuable 
Enjoyments ;  and  snatch  at  all  opportunities  for  Sacrificing, 
with  a  Soul  full  of  unspeakable  Satisfaction. 

God  will  wondrously  dwell  with  me,  and  in  me,  while 
this  is  my  way  of  Living. 

23.  G.  D.  In  conversing  with  the  People  of  the  Flock 
lett  me  find  out  what  Subjects  they  most  want  and  wish 
to  hear  publickly  insisted  on. 


348         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

24.  G.  D.  My  Prayers  for  my  poor  Son  Increase,  and 
my  Letters  to  him,  on  the  Occasion  of  the  sorrowful  Advice 
I  have  received  concerning  him ! 

25.  G.  D.  New  Applications  must  be  made  unto  my 
Kinsman,  T.  W[alter]  that  he  may  now  in  good  earnest 
come  ^into  the  Life  of  God. 

26.  G.  D.  I  forsee  an  Opportunity  for  me  to  do  some 
notable  Services,  in  my  Correspondences  with  the  Danish 
Missionaries  at  Malabar. 

27.  G.  D.  I  will  make  a  Present,  unto  our  poor  Col- 
ledge,  of  certain  Books,  that  are  of  great  Improvement 
and  Influence  in  the  famous  Frederician  University,  and 
of  a  Tendency  to  correct  the  present  wretched  Methods  of 
Education  there ;  As  the  works  of,  Arndt,  and  Franckius, 
and  Langius,  and  Boehm. 

28.  G.  D.  An  aged  Handmaid  of  the  Lord,  in  Want, 
must  have  Kindnesses  bestowed  on  her  and  procured  for  her. 

A  poor  Woman  of  Maiden  also  in  dark  Circumstances. 

*  29.  G.  D.  The  more  perfect  Work  of  Christianity 
will  very  much  appear  in  that  Strength  of  Piety,  which 
carries  us  well  thro'  our  Duties  towards  our  Neighbours, 
I  would  therefore  spend  some  Time,  in  considering,  what 
are  those  Points  of  Piety,  wherein  my  good  Carriage  towards 
my  Neighbours,  will  argue  a  great  and  high  Improvement 
in  the  Love  of  God,  and  Conformity  to  my  SAVIOUR! 
And  be  restless  until  I  come  unto  them. 

30.  G.  D.  The  Manner  of  managing  the  Collections  in 
the  Flock,  should  come  under  some  further  Considerations. 

May.  I.  G.  D.  For  my  Table-talk  in  my  Family,  I 
would  oblige  my  Kinsman  in  the  Morning  to  read  a  Portion 
in  the  Vcrus  Christianismus  of  my  Arndt,  and  at  the  Table, 
I  would  call  for,  some  Repetition  of  it,  and  make  it  one  of 
the  Subjects,  which  I  would  inculcate  on  my  Domesticks. 

2.  G.  D.  An  aged  Relative  at  Fairfield,  should  be  con- 
sidered by  me,  with  Presents  of  suitable  Books  unto  her. 


MAY,    I  7  I  6        .  349 

3.  G.  D.  I  have  had  many  Thoughts,  about  writing  a 
Book,  of,  The  Christian  Asceticks.  My  Experience  therein 
has  been  of  so  great  Variety,  that  I  may  do  well  to  consider 
what  Account  should  be  given  of  the  Talents. 

4.  G.  D.  I  would  among  the  Trustees  of  the  Hopkin- 
sian  Charity,  procure  a  Letter  of  Thanks  to  be  written  unto 
the  Lord-Chancellor  whose  Prudence  and  Justice  procured 
our  Enjoyment  of  it. 

5.  G.  D.  There  is  a  Lad,  who  is  an  Orphan ;  an  hope- 
ful Child;  I  would  become  soUicitous  for  his  Education. 
Yea,  I  will  take  him,  and  feed  him,  and  lodge  him  in  my 
own  Family. 

6.  G.  D.  A  wondrous  Thing  is  come  to  pass;  My 
Consorts  only  Daughter,  has  had  an  Husband,  who  has 
proved  one  of  the  worst  of  Men ;  a  sorry,  sordid,  froward 
and  exceedingly  wicked  Fellow.^  His  Life  would  have  kill'd 
the  Child;  and  have  utterly  confounded,  not  only  her 
temporal  Interest,  but  my  Wife's  also.  I  was  a  Witness  of 
their  Anguish.  And  almost  a  year  ago,  I  began  to  have 
some  Irradiations  on  my  Mind,  which  I  communicated 
unto  them,  that  before  a  Year  came  about,  they  should  see 
a  Deliverance.  However,  I  could  not  bring  about  my  Pur- 
poses, to  beseech  the  Lord  thrice,  until  towards  the  Begin- 
ning of  the  Winter.  But  then,  I  kept  three  dayes  of  Prayer, 
in  every  one  of  which,  a  principal  Errand  unto  Heaven  was, 
to  putt  over  this  wicked  Creature  into  the  Hands  of  the  holy 
God,  that  in  His  Way,  and  in  His  Time,  the  poor  Child  might 
be  delivered  from  his  insupportable  Tyrannies ;  but  above 
all,  that  it  might  be  by  his  becoming  a  new  Creature,  if 
that  might  be  obtained.  The  Supplications  were  made  on 
these,  and  on  other  Dayes,  with  a  proper  Spirit  of  Charity 
towards  the  miserable  Man,  and  with  all  possible  Resigna- 
tion to  the  Will  of  GOD.  And  my  excellent  Consort  often 
went  up  with  me  to  my  Library,  to  make  a  Consort  in  them. 

*  Nathan  Howell,  son  of  Matthew  Howell,  of  Southampton,  Long  Island. 


350         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

Well;  I  had  no  sooner  kept  my  third  Day  but  God 
smote  the  Wretch,  with  a  languishing  Sickness,  which  no 
body  ever  knew  what  to  make  of.  He  was  a  strong,  lively, 
hearty  young  Man ;  a  little  above  thirty ;  But  now,  he 
languished  for  six  Months;  nor  were  any  of  our  Physicians, 
tho'  he  successively  employ'd  no  less  than  five  of  them,  able 
to  help  him.  In  this  while,  our  Faith,  our  Love,  our  Pa- 
tience, and  our  Submission  to  the  Will  of  God,  underwent 
many  Trials  more  precious  than  Gold.  But  on  the  last 
Wednesday  the  glorious  GOD  putt  a  Period  unto  the  grievous 
Wayes  of  this  wicked  Man. 

Now,  what  remains,  is  for  me  to  make  a  very  holy 
Improvement  of  these  Dispensations.  In  what  an  holy, 
humble,  trembling  Manner,  am  I  now  to  walk  before  the 
Lord!  How  much  must  I  watch  over  my  own  Heart,  lest 
any  undue  Frame  should  come  upon  it!  How  much  must 
a  praying  Life  be  more  than  ever  encouraged  and  animated 
with  me! 

0  my  God,  I  will  call  upon  thee,  as  long  as  I  live! 

7.  G.  D.  Some  Things  of  Importance  for  good  Order 
in  the  Church,  must  be  settled ;  I  will  speedily  appoint  a 
Meeting  of  the  Church  for  that  purpose;  and  look  up  to 
God  for  His  Direction. 

8.  G.  D.  My  dear  Daughter  Katharine,  is  ill,  and  in 
much  hazard  of  going  into  a  Consumption.  I  must  have 
her  Condition  seasonably  look'd  after.  Much  Prayer  must 
be  employ'd  for  her.    Her  Mind  must  be  comforted. 

9.  G.  D.  I  find  a  Relative  at  Mcdford,  which  I  had 
forgotten.  I  must  give  some  Testimony  of  my  Care  to 
serve  the  Cause  of  Piety  in  her. 

10.  G.  D.  What  Service  may  I  do  the  Countrey,  by 
my  Letters  to  eminent  Persons  at  home? 

11.  G.  D.  I  will  gett  certain  Books,  which  I  think 
may  be  of  great  Use  for  the  Interests  of  Piety  and  Ortho- 
doxy in  the  Colledge,  into  the  Hands  of  the  Students  there. 


MAY,     I  7  I  6  351 

12.  G.  D.  A  young  Man,  who  is  in  the  Care  of  the 
School  at  Siidbury,  addresses  me,  as  an  object  of  Charity, 
in  singular  Circumstances. 

A  poor  Negro  in  the  Prison,  condemned  to  dy  for  Bur- 
glary. 

*  13.  G.  D.  My  Morning-Prayers,  are  not  so  managed 
as  to  carry  me  into  a  sufficient  Communion  with  GOD. 
I  must  think  of  some  Way  to  bring  more  Fire  from  Heaven 
into  the  Sacrifices  of  the  morning.  But  I  am  nothing ; 
and  must  entirely  resign  myself  up  to  the  Conduct  and 
Quick'ning  of   God. 

14.  G.  D.  I  have  an  Opportunity  this  Day,  at  a  Meet- 
ing of  our  Church,  to  propose  and  utter  many  Things,  which 
have  a  Tendency  to  serve  the  Intentions  of  Truth,  and 
Peace,  and  Holiness,   in   the  Flock.  ^ 

15.  G.  D.  I  have  my  Dayes  of  prayer.  Why  should 
I  not  allow  such  of  my  Children  successively,  a  singular 
Share  in  the  Supplications  of  the  Day?  But  then,  on  the 
Day,  take  that  Child  which  is  more  peculiarly  concerned 
in  the  Supplications  and  have  the  Presence  of  that  Child 
with  me  in  part  of  the  Day ;  to  be  a  Witness  of  my  Desires 
for  them,  and  to  hear  the  Counsils  and  Warnings  I  may 
on  this  Occasion  give  unto  them ! 

16.  G.  D.  A  remote  Kinsman,  who  is  a  Scholar  at 
the  CoUedge,  must  have  some  Cultivations  from  me,  upon 
the  Intentions  of  Piety  and  Usefulness. 

17.  G.  D.    I  propose  now  speedily  to  resume,  the  Cul- 

1  "  14  d.  3  m.  Monday.  The  Church  by  their  Vote  requested  the  Committee, 
which  were  chosen  the  last  Year,  to  continue  their  Care  of  the  Afifaires  committed 
unto  them,  for  another  Year. 

"Nathaniel  Gill,  having  brought  a  Scandal  on  our  communion,  by  being  dis- 
guised with  Drink,  which  had  been  by  some  ill  Men  imposed  upon  him,  and  by  an 
idle  sort  of  Life,  which  exposed  him  to  many  Temptations :  but  his  Impertinencies 
at  the  same  time  appearing  such  as  to  argue  a  Degree  of  Distraction  in  him,  the 
Church  voted,  that  he  should  be  suspended  from  the  Communion  until  he  should 
be  found  so  regular  in  Mind  and  in  Life,  as  to  be  again  thought  qualified  for  it." 
Cotton  Mather's  MS.  Records  of  the  Second  Church,  11. 


352         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

tivation  of  my,  Ratio  DisciplincB,  for  the  Service  of  our 
languishing  Churches. 

i8.  G.  D.  To  the  Grammar-Schole  in  my  Neighbour- 
hood, I  would  send  a  Version  of  the  Ten  Commandments, 
in  Latin  Verse,  to  be  recited  by  the  Scholars. 

19.  G.  D,  A  very  poor  Family  upon  Fort-hill,  must  be 
look'd  after. 

Salureday.  This  Day  I  sett  apart  for  prayer  with 
Fasting,  on  such  Occasions,  and  with  such  Exercises,  as 
my  former  Dayes. 

But  especially,  To  committ  the  Case  of  my  poor  Son 
Increase,  unto  the  fatherly  Care  of   God. 

And  obtain  a  Return  of  Health  to  my  Daughter 
Katharin. 

And  a  Direction  in  some  weighty  Affairs  before  me. 

*  20.  G.  D.  It  is  a  marvellous  Point  of  Piety,  for  me 
in  my  Dealing  with  my  Neighbour,  to  exhibit  a  Resem- 
blance of  the  Benignity  express'd  by  the  glorious  GOD, 
in  His  Dealing  with  me. 

I  would  pursue  the  Contemplation  of  this  Point,  until 
I  have  understood  it  and  obtained  it. 

21.  G.  D.  Visit,  visit,  visit,  —  more  frequently,  more 
fruitfully.  Redeem  Thursday's  Afternoons,  for  my  own 
Part  of  the  Town. 

22.  G.  D.  This  Day  my  Son  Increase  returns  to  me; 
much  polished,  much  improved,  better  than  ever  disposed ; 
with  Articles  of  less  Expense  to  me  than  I  expected ;  and, 
which  is  wonderful,  with  an  excellent  Business  prepared 
for  him  immediately  to  fall  into.  I  am  astonished  at  the 
Favours  of  the  prayer-hearing  Lord.  O  my  Father,  my 
Father,  how  good  a  thing  it  is  to  trust  in  thy  fatherly  Care ! 

But,  oh !  what  shall  I  now  do,  to  fix  the  returned  Child 
for  the  Service  of  God ! 

23.  G.  D.  A  sick  Brother-in-Law  should  be  visited 
with  my  seasonable  Admonitions  unto  him. 


MAY,    I  7  I  6  353 

24.  G.  D.  I  am  not  without  Hopes,  of  getting  a  Con- 
gregation of  Dissenters  revived  at  New  York.  Prosecute 
the  Design. 

25.  G.  D.  I  entertain  Thoughts,  of  beginning  a  Society, 
in  the  Methods,  and  on  the  Designs,  of  my,  Work  of  the  Day. 

26.  G.  D.  A  sober  young  Man,  out  of  Employ,  I 
would  bring  into  some  Employ,  about  an  Estate  I  am 
related  to. 

*  27.  G.  D.  In  the  last  Week,  thro'  the  Spite  of  one 
particular  Man,'  I  had  the  Indignity  putt  upon  me,  of 
being  putt  by  from  a  public  Service,  which  People  gener- 
ally expected  from  me.  On  this,  and  the  like  Occasions,  I 
would  glorify  my  SAVIOUR,  with  a  sweet  Acquiescence  in 
His  Wisdome  and  Justice,  and  His  having  all  my  Oppor- 
tunities of  Service,  at  His  Disposal.  And  with  Rejoicing 
in  every  Stroke  of  my  Conformity  to  Him,  who  was  despised 
and  rejected  of  Men ;  and  with  a  Pleasure,  as  well  as 
Patience,  in  seeing  my  Brethren  preferr'd  before  me. 

I  shall  find,  that  the  Lord  is  only  preparing  me  for 
His  Favours. 

28.  G.  D.  Those  of  our  Church,  that  are  gone  off  to 
the  New  for  Seats,  ought  not  to  continue  undismissed  unto 
it;  that  they  may  have  a  regular  Station  and  Attendence 
there. 

29.  G.  D.  A  Week  of  many  Play-dayes.  I  will  have 
Sammy  turn  into  Latin  some  Sentences  I  prepare  for  him, 
about  the  true  and  right  Intent  of  Play,  and  a  good  Use  of  it. 

30.  G.  D.  Something  more  must  be  done,  to  rescue 
my  Kinsman  T.  W[alter]  from  fatal  Entanglements. 

Present  a  Memorial  to  the  General  Assembly,  on  the 
behalf  of  my  aged  Parent.  ^ 

31.  G.  D.    A  Variety  of  Services  to  be  done. 

Tis  the  anniversary  Convention  of  the  Ministers.  They 
putt  upon  me,  the  Honour  of  being  their  Moderator.    In 

*  Governor  Dudley  ?  '  See  p.  407,  infra. 

n-23 


354         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

my  repeted  Prayers  with  them,  I  have  an  Opportunity  to 
utter  impressive  Things.  I  carry  thro'  the  Affair  of  an 
Address  to  the  King,  which  may  be  of  use  to  our  united 
Brethren,  as  well  as  ourselves.  I  propose  a  ISlotion  in  the 
Assembly,  that  no  Family  in  the  Countrey  be  without  a 
Bible  and  a  Catechism  ;  and  that  all  Children  of  a  fitt  Age, 
be  found  able  to  read ;  and  that  there  be  Inspectors  for 
this  Purpose. 

June.  I.  G.  D.  A  miserable  Negro,  is  to  be  executed 
this  day,  for  Burglary.  Instruct  him,  how  to  do  good,  as 
well  as  find  good,  in  his  Death. 

2.  G.  D.  A  poor  Man  in  Prison  for  Debt ;  I  must  be 
concerned  for  him. 

A  poor  woman  of  Lyn,  under  Confusions. 

*  3.  G.  D.  The  jejune  Performances  with  which  I  find 
the  People  of  God  sometimes  entertained  by  some  of  our 
Ministers,  afford  me  an  Opportunity  to  labour  for  some 
suitable  Dispositions. 

I  must  beware  of  despising  my  Brethren.  I  must  value 
the  least  Savour  of  Piety  in  them,  when  I  perceive  the 
Absence  of  other  Excellencies.  I  must  consider  myself  as 
more  worthy  to  be  despised  than  they,  on  Accounts  unknown 
unto  the  World.  I  must  apprehend  all  Men,  and  myself, 
to  be  no  other  than  what  the  sovereign  God  of  all  Grace 
does  please  to  make  us. 

All  Expressions  and  Sentiments  of  a  most  profound 
Humility  are  proper  on  these  Occasions. 

4.  G.  D.  Oh!  that  more  of  Religion  in  Earnest,  were 
to  be  found  in  the  Flock !  what  shall  I  do  to  produce  it  ? 

Publickly.     Privately. 

5.  G.  D.  Oh!  my  dear  Daughter  Katharine;  what 
shall  I  do  for  thee! 

Cresy  must  be  so  fixed  in  the  Business  of  the  Store-house, 
as  anon  to  be  taken  into  a  Partnership,  with  his  intended 
Brother-in-Law. 


JUNE,    I  7  I  6  355 

6.  G.  D.  An  hopeful  young  Gentleman,  a  Merchant, 
proposes  to  marry  my  Nibby.  His  Acquaintance  with  my 
Family  has  already  been  a  marvellous  Advantage  to  him, 
and  brought  him  into  a  Business,  which  is  likely  to  prove 
superiour  unto  what  any  young  Man  in  the  Countrey 
pretends  unto.  But  I  must  now  endeavour  that  it  may  be 
to  his  Advantage,  in  regard  of  his  better  Part.  This  must 
be,  by  the  continual  Admonitions  and  Inculcations  of  Piety. 
Thus  I  already  begin  to  reckon  him  among  the  Relatives 
that  are  the  Objects  of  my  Cares. 

7.  G.  D.  I  am  to  gett  ready  a  Memorial  for  the 
General  Assembly,  relating  to  Piety  in  Families. 

8.  G.  D.  Among  the  Commisioners  for  the  Indian- 
Affairs,  there  are  several  Things  to  be  prosecuted. 

Especially,  a  translated.  Monitor  for  Communicants. 

9.  G.  D.  A  miserable  poor  Family  in  my  Neighbour- 
hood, calls  for  some  Releefs. 

10.  G.  D.  It  will  be  a  proper  Vigilance  in  me,  to  make 
ready  for  some  Events  and  Changes,  which  may  suddenly 
come  upon  me ;  and  gett  an  Heart  established  and  fortified 
for  an  Encounter  with  them. 

11.  G.  D.  For  this  Purpose,  I  prepare  a  Discourse,  to 
be  also  tendred  unto  the  Flock,  whereof  I  am  the  Servant. 

12.  G.  D.  My  two  elder  Daughters,  are  sick;  the 
Fever  and  Ague  takes  the  second,  convey'd  perhaps  from 
the  first,  who  has  them  for  one  of  her  Symptomes.  God 
calls  me  to  consider,  what  may  be  His  Voice  to  my  Family, 
in  this  Dispensation,  and  bring  my  Family  to  a  Compliance 
with  it. 

13.  G.  D.  A  Sister-in-Law,  in  London,  is  poor,  low, 
miserable.  1  My  Letters  and  Bounties,  must  be  sent  unto 
her. 

14.  G.  D.  My  Letters  for  Europe,  give  me  fresh  Oppor- 
tunities, for  extensive  Services  to  the  Kingdome  of  God. 

'  Mrs.  Henry  Wyrlcy. 


356         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

15.  G.  D.  A  Memorial  of  great  Consequence  for  the 
Christianized  Indians,  must  be  laid  before  the  General 
Assembly. 

16.  G.  D.  Occasions  for  Charity  to  the  Poor,  mul- 
tiply upon  me. 

16  d.  4  m.  [June.]  Satureday.  I  sett  apart  this  Day,  for 
Prayer  with  Fasting,  as  I  use  to  do.  Alas,  that  I  may  say 
with  Grief  and  Shame  for  the  mean  Performance,  as  I  use 
to  do.  The  sick  State  of  my  two  elder  Daughters,  was  a 
special  Article  of  my  Supplications.  I  hope,  I  have  obtained 
Mercy  for  them. 

*  17.  G.  D.  Stepping  into  my  Library  every  Morning, 
for  a  Version  of  the  Psalms  into  blank  Verse,  I  would  make 
this  Exercise,  exceedingly  subservient  unto  my  Devotion. 
And  particularly  fetch  Lessons  and  Wishes  out  of  every 
Verse  as  I  go  along. 

This  may  not  only  have  a  Tendency  to  purify  my  Mind, 
but  also,  to  prepare  the  Work  for  Use  among  the  People  of 
God. 

18.  G.  D.  The  Death  of  some  young  Persons,  must  be 
pungently  improved,  on  the  survivors  in  the  Flock. 

19.  G.  D.  My  Son  Increase,  must  be  supplied  with 
proper  Books,  to  employ  him  in  the  Intervals  of  Business 
at  the  Store-house,  and  furnish  his  Mind  with  valuable 
Treasures. 

20.  G.  D.  My  Parent  just  finishing  seventy  seven,  I 
must  now  more  than  ever  treat  him,  as  one  taking  Wing 
immediately  for  the  heavenly  World. 

21.  G.  D.  The  General  Assembly  now  sitting,  I  would 
improve  the  Opportunity,  to  deliver  in  their  Hearing,  a 
Discourse  about  the  due  Improvement  of  Advantages  for 
good ;  And  especially  insist  on  two  Articles ;  the  Advan- 
tages which  our  People  in  general  have,  to  be  the  best 
People  in  the  World ;  and,  the  Advantages  that  men  in 
public  Stations  have  to  be  public  Blessings. 


JUNE,    I  7  I  6  357 

22.  G.  D.  Several  Things  to  be  prosecuted  among  the 
Commissioners  for  the  Indian  Afifairs. 

Especially,  care  for  Punkapoag. 

23.  G.  D.     Bestow  a  Bible  on  a  poor  Family. 

A  poor  tempted  Man  in  my  Neighbourhood  must  be 
look'd  after. 

*  24.  G.  D.  The  astonishing  Mercies  of  God  unto  me, 
in  a  Constellation  of  happy  Circumstances,  oblige  me,  not 
only  to  maintain  a  very  heavenly  Frame  of  Mind,  ready  and 
willing  to  take  Wing  for  the  heavenly  World  at  the  first 
Call  of  God,  and  prepared  also  for  afflictive  Changes  in 
my  Pilgrimage  thro'  this  World  ;  but  also  to  study  mightily ; 
how  I  may  improve  these  Days  of  my  prosperity,  in  a  very 
uncommon  Industry  and  Fruitfulness. 

I  have  not  so  many  Opportunities  to  do  good,  by  the 
way  of  the  Press  this  Year,  as  I  have  had  in  some  former 
Years.  I  must  look  up  to  the  glorious  Lord,  who  has  all 
my  Opportunities  at  His  Disposal,  that  He  would  not  per- 
mitt  any  abatement  of  them. 

25.  G.  D.  Draw  up  a  more  complete  Catalogue  of 
Enquiries  to  be  made,  and  of  Directions  to  be  given,  and 
of  Articles  to  be  insisted  on,  where  I  make  my  pastoral 
Visits  in  the  Flock. 

26.  G.  D.  I  must  think  of  some  exquisite  and  obliging 
Wayes,  to  abate  Sammy^s  inordinate  Love  of  Play.  His 
play,  wounds  his  Faculties.  I  must  engage  him  in  some 
nobler  Entertainments. 

27.  G.  D.  Another  Visit,  unto  an  aged  Father-in-Law. 
Treat  him,  as  if  never  to  see  him  any  more. 

28.  G.  D.  There  are  some  very  unwise  Things  done, 
about  which  I  must  watch  for  Opportunities,  to  bear  public 
Testimonies. 

One  is,  the  Employing  of  so  much  Time  upon  Ethicks, 
in  our  Colledges.     A  vile  Peece  of  Paganism. 

Another  is,  the  commending  of  Ch[urch]  of  E[ngland] 


358         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

Authors,  without  proper  Cautions  and  Antidotes  against 
the  corrupt  Things,  which  come  with  what  may  be  valuable 
in  them. 

29.  G.  D.  Make  more  significant  Visits  to  the  Charity- 
School. 

30.  G.  D.  A  poor  young  Man,  labouring  under  a  Fis- 
tula, with  Poverty;  something  must  be  done  for  his  Releef. 

July.  *  I.  G.  D.  That  so  my  care  of  holy  and  useful 
Meditation,  may  be  invigorated,  I  would  have  alwayes 
ready,  a  sett  of  Subjects ;  and,  in  the  Intervals  of  Business, 
especially  as  I  walk  the  Streets  I  would  have  Recourse  to 
one  or  other  of  the  Subjects,  and  so  prosecute  it  in  my 
Thoughts  that  I  may  be  able  on  the  first  Opportunity  to 
write  down  the  Heads  of  them. 

A  perpetual  Treasure  this  may  produce,  for  my  public 
Performances. 

2.  G.  D.  Several  special  Cases  of  Calamity  in  the 
Flock,  I  am  to  consider  with  suitable  Applications;  espe- 
cially in  the  pubHc  Supplications. 

3.  G.  D.  My  Son  Samuel,  I  entertain  yett  fresher 
and  riper  Thoughts,  for  an  exquisite  Improvement  in  his 
Education. 

4.  G.  D.  My  Consort,  has  two  Sisters  in  England  that 
are  in  great  Affliction,  and  one  of  them  in  very  singularly 
afflictive  Circumstances.  I  must  be  concerned  very  much 
to  comfort  both  of  them,  and  support  one  of  them.^ 

5.  G.  D.  I  take  Notice  of  several  very  considerable 
Devices  of  Satan,  operating  to  do  very  much  hurt  among 
the  people  of  the  Countrey.  Will  the  Lord  enable  me  to 
take  a  nice  and  a  wise  Observation  of  them,  and  then  bear 
my  Testimonies! 

6.  G.  D.  Move  diverse  Things  to  the  Indian  Commis- 
sioners. 

■  Anne  Wyrley  was  one,  and  the  name  of  the  second  was  Mrs.  Peacock  or 
Mrs.  Bishop.     Sewall,  Diary  i.  149. 


JULY,    I  7  I  6  359 

Especially;  the  Education  of  some  Indian  Youths,  for 
the  Ministry,  in  a  better  Way,  than  has  been  yett  practised. 

And  furnishing  the  Catechisers  with  Bread,  to  be  dis- 
tributed unto  their  Catechumens. 

7.  G.  D.  Some  Families  in  my  Neighbourhood,  that 
have  distracted  people  in  them,  call  for  my  singular  Com- 
passions. 

*  8.  G.  D.  Methinks,  Opportunities  and  Inventions  to 
turn  my  Enjoyments  into  Sacrifices,  grow  more  and  more 
acceptable  to  me.  Oh!  Lett  me  be  very  much  dissatis- 
fied with  myself,  until  I  find  an  incomparable  Pleasure  in 
the  Exercises  of  a  sacrificing  Soul. 

I  find  a  Progress,  (but  I  must  make  a  much  further 
yett,)  in  the  Experience  of  growing  dead  unto  the  World ; 
and  I  more  feel  the  Meaning  of  being  alive  unto  God.  I 
will  study  upon  the  Subject.^ 

9.  G.  D.  The  Humours  of  many  in  the  Flock,  who 
easily  withdraw  from  the  Assembly,  afford  unto  me,  such 
an  Exercise  for  a  patient  Sacrificer,  as  may  have  happy 
Consequences. 

10.  G.  D.  I  have  been  guilty  of  an  Oversight,  in  my 
not  making  the  Birth-dayes  of  my  several  Children,  at  the 
Arrival  thereof,  a  more  useful  Occasion,  of  inculcating  the 
most  lively  and  pungent  Admonitions  upon  them.  Tho'  I 
have  said  something  to  them,  on  these  Dayes;  yett  not 
enough. 

11.  G.  D.  I  don't  know  what  to  do,  about  my  Kins- 
man, T.  W[alter].  My  Expectations  from  him,  seem  to 
suffer  a  grievous  Disappointment.  I  will  once  more  admon- 
ish him;  and  if  no  Impressions  be  made,  I  will  then  cast 
him  off. 

12.  G.  D.     It  is  a  Time  of  wonderful  Disturbance  be- 

'  "8(i.  s  w.  Dismissed  Mr.  John  Barnard  to  the  Church  at  Marblehead,  in 
order  to  his  Ordinance  for  the  pastoral  Charge  of  that  Church."  Cotton  Mather's 
MS.  Records  of  the  Second  Church,  n. 


360         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

yond-Sea.     May  not  I  take  this  Time  to  do  very  extensive 
Sendees. 

I  am  thinking  to  write  as  exquisite  Letters  as  I  can,  to 
some  of  the  most  eminent  Members  of  Parliament;  and 
inclose  my,  Lapis  Excisus  in  them,  and,  —  ^ 

13.  G.  D.  Something  more  must  be  done,  for  another 
Charity-school,  in  the  Heart  of  this  Town. 

I  will  fix  upon  the  Town,  the  Name  of,  a  City.  And 
therewith,  animate  the  Inhabitants,  to  consider  more  for 
the  Good  of  it. 

14.  G.  D.  Some  in  Affliction,  to  be  visited  and  com- 
forted. 

14  d.  5  w.  [July.]  Satureday.  This  Day,  I  sett  apart  for 
Supplications,  as  I  use  to  do. 

My  Occasions,  and  Exercises,  were  much  the  same,  as 
a  Month  ago. 

Especially,  the  sick,  and  low  State  of  my  dear  Katy. 

A  Journey  to  Marble-head  the  next  Week,  where  and 
when  the  Services  of  an  Ordination  will  be  expected  from 
me :  I  particularly  entreated  for  the  Divine  Presence  with 
me  in  what  is  before  me. 

*  15.  G.  D.  Except  it  be  in  the  Sickness  of  my  two 
elder  Daughters,  I  enjoy  upon  all  Accounts,  a  most  wonder- 
ful Prosperity.  A  most  wonderful  Prosperity !  A  valuable 
Consort!  A  comfortable  Dwelling!  A  kind  Neighbour- 
hood !  My  Son  Increase,  vastly  to  my  Mind,  and  Blessings 
without  Number.  Together  with  my  o\\ti  Health  and 
Strength,  strangely  recruited. 

I  must  be  very  sollicitous  to  hear  what  the  Holy  One 
speaks  to  me  in  my  Prosperity ;  and  sett  apart  some  Time 
to  think  on  the  more  special  Improvement  I  should  make 
thereof ! 

16.  G.  D.  Some  foolish  and  froward  people  in  the 
Flock  fall  out,  about  their  Seats ;  I  must  use  the  Methods 

•  Unfinished  sentence. 


jULY,i7i6  361 

of  Prudence  and  Piety,  to  manage  such  Roots  of  Bitter- 
ness. 

17.  G.  D.  Some  Occasions  arise,  of  a  more  than  ordi- 
nary Concern,  relating  to  the  Education  of  my  Son  Samuel. 

And  in  releeving  of  him,  I  may  provide  for  the  Releef 
of  other  Children. 

But,  oh!  what  a  Work  am  I  putt  upon!  The  Sacri- 
ficing of  my  Daughter  Katharin. 

This  Day,  I  travelled,  with  manifold  Smiles  of  Heaven 
on  my  Journey,  unto  Salem. 

18.  G.  D.  A  great  Variety  of  Services  may  be  done  by 
me  this  Day,  for  the  Churches  in  the  Neighbourhood. 

This  Day,  I  went  over  to  Marhlehead;  and  with  extraor- 
dinary Assistences  of  Heaven  to  me,  in  the  Variety  of  Ser- 
vices, wherein  I  was  concerned,  I  ordained  Mr.  John  Barnard, 
a  Pastor  to  the  Church  there.  ^ 

In  the  Evening  I  returned  unto  Salem. 

19.  G.  D.  In  my  Return  home,  I  visit  and  comfort 
an  aged  Mother-in-Law  at  Medford. 

This  Day  I  returned  home ;  having  seen  wonderful 
Smiles  of  Heaven  on  my  Journey. 

20.  G.  D.  I  would  concert,  with  two  Gentlemen,  for  a 
better  Proceedure  of  all  Things  among  the  Indian  Com- 
missioners. 

21.  G.  D.  A  pious  Woman  in  my  Neighbourhood, 
under  great  Affliction,  must  be  comforted  all  the  Wayes 
I  can  think  of. 

(II.)  Having  lately  delivered  unto  some  young  Men 
associated  for  the  Purposes  of  Religion,  a  Discourse  upon 
the  Resolutions  of  Piety,  I  gave  them  the  Copy  of  it,  which 
they  are  publishing.  Tis  entituled  ;  Piety  demanded.  A 
very  plain  and  brief  Essay,  to  demand  Piety  from  all  People; 

'  He  had  entered  upon  his  duties  as  assistant  pastor  of  the  First  Church  in 
Marhlehead,  in  the  previous  November.  In  April,  the  Second  Church  was 
organized  with  Rev.  Edward  Holyoke  at  its  head.  This  division  resulted  from  a 
difference  between  the  two  men  as  the  successor  of  Dr.  Cheever. 


362         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

more  especially  from  young  People;  And  to  direct  the  Answers 
that  are  to  be  returned  unto  the  Demands.  Offered  unto  a 
Society  of  young  People  associated  for  the  Intentions  of  early 
Piety;  In  the  City  of  Boston.  8  d.  V  m.  iyi6. 

*  22.  G.  D.  My  Thoughts  about  a  Return  to  God. 
See  the  Sermon  I  preach  on  i.  Cor.  ix.  26. 

23.  G.  D.  I  have  some  very  agreeable  Subjects  in 
View,  for  the  Flock  to  be  entertain'd  withal. 

24.  G.  D.  I  will  have  my  Son  Samuel,  out  of  School- 
time,  to  turn  into  Latin,  the  Questions  and  Answers,  in 
my  Book  of,  Supplies  from  the  Tower  of  David.  Proposing 
a  manifold  Service  unto  the  Child;  Yea,  and  anon  unto 
many  others ;  in  this  Exercise. 

25.  G.  D.  My  Relatives  now  going  to  Sea,  What  shall 
I  do,  to  prepare  them  for  their  Voyage? 

25  d.  5  m.  Wednesday.  The  languishing  State  of  my 
Daughter  Katharin,  brings  me  into  the  Dust  before  the 
Lord. 

I  sett  apart  this  Day,  for  Prayer  with  Fasting,  to  carry 
the  Condition  of  the  Child  unto  God  her  Saviour.  I  took 
all  the  Methods  of  the  most  successful  Petitioner,  and 
managed  the  Cause  in  such  Wayes,  and  with  such  Frames, 
as  are  most  likely  to  be  followed  with  Answers  of  Peace. 

And,  now,  I  am  waiting  for  thy  Salvation,  O  Lord. 

I  took  the  Opportunity,  to  prosecute  other  Matters  of 
Supplication. 

26.  G.  D.  If  my  Supplies  from  the  Tower  of  David, 
should  be  turned  into  the  Latin  Tongue,  accompanied  with 
some  other  Things  that  may  be  joined  with  it,  who  can 
tell  what  an  Engine  it  may  prove,  of  Service  to  the  Churches 
of  God ! 

27.  G.  D.  I  am  employing  some  Hands,  to  make  agree- 
able Collections  of  such  Things  in  the  Countrey,  as  may 
give  some  Entertainment  unto  men  of  Ingenuity. 

28.  G.  D.    A  very  pious  Woman  in  my  Neighbourhood, 


\ 


AUGUST,     1716  363 

has  a  very  froward  and  wicked  Husband.     What  shall  be 
done  for  her? 

*  29.  G.  D.  I  am  afraid,  lest  the  Multiplicity  of  my 
Affaires,  and  my  easy  Circumstances,  procure  some  Abate- 
ment of  those  Ejaculations  towards  Heaven,  with  an  Eye 
continually  unto  the  Lord,  which  I  am  used  unto.  Oh! 
it  must  not  be  so!    It  must  not  be  so! 

30.  G.  D.  To  single  out  a  Number  of  special  Cases, 
wherein  the  Combates  of  Christianity,  are  most  usually 
called  for,  and  in  a  Sermon  briefly  and  plainly  show  the 
Flock,  how  to  manage  their  Combates  in  these  Cases. 

31.  G.  D.  My  Servant  Onesimus,  proves  wicked,  and 
grows  useless,  Froward,  Immorigerous.  My  Disposing  of 
him,  and  my  Supplying  of  my  Family  with  a  better  Servant 
in  his  Room,  requires  much  Caution,  much  Prayer,  much 
Humiliation  before  the  Lord.  Repenting  of  what  may 
have  offended  Him,  in,  the  Case  of  my  Servants,  I  would 
wait  on  Him,  for  his  Mercy.  ^ 

August.     I.     G.  D.     Miserable  T.  W[alter],   abandoned 

*  In  the  American  Antiquarian  Society  is  the  following  memorandum  in  the 
writing  of  Cotton  Mather: 

"My  servant  Onesimus,  having  advanced  a  Summ,  towards  the  purchase  of 
a  Negro-Lad,  who  may  serve  many  occasions  of  my  Family  in  his  Room,  I  do  by 
this  Instrument,  Release  him  so  far  from  my  Service  and  from  the  claims  that 
any  under  or  after  me  might  make  unto  him,  that  he  may  Enjoy  and  Employ  his 
whole  Time  for  his  own  purposes,  and  as  he  pleases.  But  upon  these  conditions. 
First,  that  he  do  every  Evening  visit  my  Family,  and  prepare  and  bring  in,  the 
Fuel  for  the  day  following,  so  Long  as  the  Incapacity  of  my  present  Servant, 
shall  oblige  us  to  Judge  it  necessary:  As  also,  in  great  snows,  appear  seasonably 
with  the  help  of  the  Shovel,  as  there  shall  be  occasion. 

"Secondly,  that  when  the  Family  shall  have  any  Domestic  Business  more 
than  the  Daily  affairs,  he  shall  be  ready,  upon  being  told  of  it  so  far  to  Lend  an 
helping  Hand,  as  will  give  no  Large  nor  Long  Interruption  to  the  Business,  of  his 
own,  to  which  I  have  dismissed  him;  As  particularly,  to  carry  corn  unto  the  mill, 
and  help  in  the  fetching  of  water  for  the  washing,  if  we  happen  to  be  destitute. 
And  in  the  piling  of  our  wood,  at  the  season  of  its  coming  in. 

"Whereas  also,  the  said  Onesimus  has  gott  the  money  which  he  has  advanced 
as  above  mention'd,  from  the  Liberties  he  took,  while  in  my  Service,  and  for  some 
other  Considerations,  I  do  expect,  that  he  do  within  six  months  pay  me  the  sum 
of  Five  Pounds,  wherein  he  acknowledged  himself  Endebted  unto  me." 


364         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

by    the  Wrath  of    God,    unto    unaccountable    Stupidity! 
What  shall  be  done  for  thee? 

2.  G.  D.  In  the  astonishing  Things  done  at  Hall  in 
the  Lower  Saxony;  under  the  Influences  of  my  incomparable 
Franckius,  our  SAVIOUR  has  preached  a  loud  and  a  living 
Sermon,  on  His  own  precious  Text,  the  Sixth  of  Matthew 
and  the  thirty  third,  which  doubtless  He  would  have  the 
whole  World  every  where  take  notice  of.  I  beleeve,  I  shall 
do  a  Thing  pleasing  to  Him,  and  a  sensible  Service  to  the 
Kingdome  of  God,  if  I  preach  a  Sermon  on  this  famous 
Text,  in  the  hearing  of  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Prov- 
ince, and  conclude  it  with  a  Relation  of  those  marvellous 
Occurrences. 

Oh!  that  my  glorious  Lord,  would  when  this  is  done, 
by  His  gracious  Providence,  bring  about  the  Publication 
of  my  Essay! 

3.  G.  D.  Excellent  and  extensive  Services,  may  I  putt 
my  incomparable  Friend  Boehm  upon,  in  my  next  Writing 
to  him. 

4.  G.  D.  An  aged  Widow  in  Poverty,  must  receive 
Kindnesses. 

*  5.  G.  D.  My  Morning-Exercise  of  Translating  the 
Psalms,  must  be  a  Devotionar>'  and  Sanctifying  Exercise. 
I  must  accompany  every  Verse,  with  Prayers  darted  up 
unto  the  Heavens.  Precious  Effects  will  there  be,  of  my 
thus  conversing  with  God  in  this  Exercise. 

6.  G.  D.  I  would  send  for  the  Negroes  of  the  Flock, 
which  form  a  religious  Society ;  and  entertain  them  at  my 
House,  with  suitable  Admonitions  of  Piety. 

7.  G.  D.  The  Methods  ol  seeking  first  the  Kingdome  of 
God,  in  the  Management  and  Government  of  my  Family, 
ought  more  distinctly  to  be  thought  upon ;  and  further 
Improvements  must  be  made  in  them. 

8.  G.  D.  Has  my  poor  Kinsman  languishing  for  many 
years  at  Windsor,  had  my  prayers  enough  concerned  for  him  ? 


I 


AUGUST,     1716  365 

9.  G.  D.  I  will  go  on  with  my  Proposals  for  the  religious 
Education  of  Schools,  and  Colledges;  and,  if  I  can,  bring 
in  the  other  Ministers  to  favour  them. 

10.  G.  D.  It  shall  be  considered,  whether  the  Religious 
Societies  of  young  Men,  may  not  have  their  Quarter-nights 
all  together;  and  whether  they  may  not  on  those  Nights 
hold  their  Meetings  in  one  or  other  of  our  public  Meeting- 
houses ;  and,  whether  a  Sermon  preached  on  that  Occasion 
by  one  of  our  Ministers,  may  not  be  a  great  Service  to 
Piety  among  the  Youth  of  the  Town. 

11.  G.  D.  A  gracious  Woman  in  my  Neighbourhood, 
almost  kill'd  with  a  froward  Husband,  and  other  abominable 
Relatives ;  her  Case  calls  for  much  Commiseration  with  me. 

II  d.  6  m.  [August.]  Satureday.  This  Day,  I  sett  apart 
for  secret  Supplications,  as  I  use  to  do,  preparing  for  the 
Eucharist. 

The  Occasions,  and  the  Exercises,  were  what  have  of  late  been 
usual. 

But  then,  I  went  unto  the  Lord,  with  my  humble  Memorial, 
concerning  the  State  of  His  Kingdome,  the  Approaches  whereof  are 
by  His  faithful  Servants  greatly  look'd  and  longed  for. 

I  represented,  that  there  were  Servants  of  His,  industriously  at 
work  for  His  Kingdome  in  the  World.  Among  these,  I  particularly 
mentioned  those  of  the  Frederician  University,  and  those  of  the  Mala- 
barian  Mission.  But  we  can  do  very  Little.  Our  Encumbrances  are 
insuperable ;  our  Difl5culties  are  infinite.  If  He  would  please,  to 
fulfil  the  ancient  Prophecy,  of  pouring  out  the  Spirit  on  all  Flesh,  and 
revive  the  extraordinary  and  supernatural  Operations  with  which  He 
planted  His  Religion  in  the  primitive  Times  of  Christianity,  and  order 
a  Descent  of  His  holy  Angels  to  enter  and  possess  His  Ministers,  and 
cause  them  to  speak  with  the  Tongues  of  Men  under  the  Energy  of 
Angels,  and  fly  thro'  the  World  with  the  everlasting  Gospel  to  preach 
unto  the  Nations,  wonderful  Things  would  be  done  immediately ; 
His  Kingdome  would  make  those  Advances  in  a  Day,  which  under 
our  present  and  fruitless  Labours,  are  scarce  made  in  an  Age.  I 
pleaded,  that  His  Word  had  given  us  Reason  to  hope  for  a  Return  of 
these  Powers,  and  for  the  making  bare  the  Arm  of  the  Lord  before 
the  Nations;   and  He  has  promised  His  holy  Spirit  unto  them  that 


366         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

ask  Him.  I  pleaded,  that  His  diligent  Servants,  having  preferred 
the  sanctifying  Influences  of  His  holy  Spirit,  above  any  miraculous 
Powers,  and  been  humbly  willing  to  undergo  any  Fatigues  for  the  Ser: 
vice  of  His  Kingdome,  seem'd  somewhat  prepared  for  these  Favours 
of  Heaven.  And  having  made  this  Representation,  that  Orders  may 
be  given  by  the  glorious  Lord,  for  a  Descent  of  His  mighty  Angels, 
to  give  wonderful  Shakes  unto  the  World,  and  so  sieze  upon  the  Min- 
isters of  His  Kingdome,  as  to  do  Things  which  will  give  an  irresistible 
Efficacy  unto  their  Ministry ;  I  concluded  with  a  strong  Impres- 
sion on  my  Mind;  They  are  coming!  They  are  coming  I  They  are 
coming/  They  will  quickly  be  upon  us;  and  the  World  shall  be  shaken 
wonderfully/ 

*  12.  G.  D.  Temptations  arise,  relating  to  some  little 
Points  of  Church-order  among  us.  I  must  keep  a  mighty 
Watch  upon  my  own  Spirit  under  these  Temptations.  I 
must  be  silent,  patient,  humble.  I  must  continually  wait 
upon  the  holy  One  for  His  Direction. 

13.  G.  D.  My  God,  Shew  me,  shew  me;  what  Sub- 
jects I  shall  next  endeavour  to  suit  and  serve  thy  Flock 
withal ! 

A  Revival  of  Care,  to  spend  the  Lord's-day  Evening, 
religiously  and  advantageously, 

14.  G.  D.  My  Thoughts  must  be  intensely  bent,  on 
the  Improvement  in  Piety,  which  ought  to  be  the  Effect  of 
the  divine  Dealings  with  my  two  Children,  who  have  lately 
been  sick,  and  now  are  in  a  Way  and  Hope  of  Recovery. 

This  Day,  a  singular  Thing  befel  me.  My  God,  Help 
me  to  understand  the  Meaning  of  it !  I  was  prevailed  withal, 
to  do  a  Thing,  which  I  very  rarely  do ;  (not  once  in  Years) 
I  rode  abroad  with  some  Gentlemen,  and  Gentlewomen,  to 
take  the  countrey  Air,  and  to  divert  ourselves,  at  a  famous 
Fish-pond.^  In  the  Canoe,  on  the  Pond,  my  Foot  slipt, 
and  I  fell  overboard  into  the  Pond.  Had  the  Vessel  been 
a  little  further  from  the  Shore,  I  must  have  been  drown'd. 
But  I  soon  recovered  the  Shore,  and  going  speedily  into  a 

*  Spy  Pond,  Cambridge. 


AUGUST,     1716  367 

warm  Bed,  I  received  no  sensible  Harm.  I  returned  well 
in  the  Evening ;  soUicitious  to  make  all  the  Reflections  of 
Piety,  on  my  Disaster,  and  on  my  Deliverance.  But  not 
yett  able  to  penetrate  into  the  whole  Meaning  of  the  Occur- 
rence. Am  I  quickly  to  go  under  the  Earth,  as  I  have 
been  under  the  Water! 

My  Consort  had  her  Mind,  all  the  former  part  of  the 
day  and  all  the  day  before,  full  of  uneasy  Impressions,  on 
her  Mind,  that  this  little  Journey  would  have  Mischief 
attending  of  it. 

15.  G.  D.  I  discover  a  new  Relative,  at  Rehohoth. 
What  may  I  do  for  her? 

16.  G.  D.  What  if  I  should  in  my  Letters  to  the  East- 
Indies,  propose  and  pursue  the  Thoughts  which  I  had  on 
the  eleventh  day  of  this  Month. 

17.  G.  D.  I  would  on  the  approaching  Lord's-day, 
speak  some  Things,  to  animate  the  religious  Societies  of 
the  Lords-day  Evening. 

18.  G.  D.  A  Family  in  much  Distress,  with  Sickness 
and  Poverty,  must  be  releeved  and  comforted. 

*  19.   G.  D.     A  Drowsiness,  upon  the  Activity  of  my 
living  to  God,  is  growing  upon  me. 
My  Soul,  Awake  immediately! 

20.  G.  D.  I  will  try,  whether  my  Discourse  on  the 
Methods  of  spending  the  Lord's-day  Evening  religiously  and 
advantageously,  may  not  be  spred  into  the  Families  of  my 
Neighbourhood. 

21.  G.  D.  I  will  take  more  effectual  Care,  that  the 
first  Work  of  my  Children,  in  the  Morning  of  every  Day 
next  their  Hearts,  be  to  converse  with  God,  and  His  Word. 

22.  G.  D.  I  am  in  View  of  having  shortly  a  Family 
of  new  Relatives ;  I  would  begin  betimes,  my  Essays  to 
do  good  unto  them. 

23.  G.  D.  Considering  the  two  great  Principles  asserted 
in  that  Protestation,  which  was  the  Original  to  the  Denom- 


368         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

ination  of  Protestant,  I  am  apprehensive,  that  the  Defend- 
ing, the  Restoring,  the  Reviving  of  the  Protestant  Religion, 
is  very  much  the  Work  of  this  Day.  And  the  Bringing  of 
those  Principles  into  their  Operation,  will  be  a  vast  Service 
to  the  Church  of  God  ;  have  a  mighty  Tendency,  to  destroy 
the  Kingdome  of  Antichrist,  and  advance  the  Kingdome  of 
our  Saviour, 

I.  That  the  Sacred  Scriptures  are  the  Rule,  and  a  suffi- 
cient Rule,  for  Faith,  and  Worship,  and  Manners,  to  the 
People  of  God. 

II.  That  there  are  plain  Scriptures  enough  to  explain 
the  obscure  ones,  and  every  Christian  has  the  Right  of 
Explaining  for  himself. 

I  will  think,  how  to  propagate  these  Principles. 
23  d.  VI  m.  Thursday.    A  Day  of  general  Thanksgiving, 
for  the  Victories  over  the  Rebels. 

I  enjoy'd  precious  Assistences  from  above. 

24.  G.  D.  I  may  putt  Judge  Sewal,  upon  several 
Services. 

25.  G.  D.  A  poor  Creature  under  dreadful  Tempta- 
tions, calls  for  my  Compassions  and  Assistences. 

*  26.  G.  D.  In  my  Methods  of  Living  to  God,  I  must 
endeavour  still  more  explicitly,  and  with  more  clear,  direct, 
proper  Declarations  for  GOD,  exactly  to  state  the  Aspect 
of  my  several  Actions,  and  Enjoyments,  upon  Him.  I  will 
therefore  distinctly  consider  the  Actions  and  Enjoyments ; 
and  putt  into  Shape  the  Thoughts  which  I  would  shape 
upon  them  for  the  Life  of  God. 

27.  G.  D.  It  has  been  my  Custome,  to  do  several 
Things,  as  my  first  Exercises  in  the  Morning ;  —  all  of  a 
Tendency  to  Piety,  and  Usefulness.  But  I  am  resolved 
now  upon  altering  my  Method.  And  my  first  Work  every 
Morning,  upon  the  Prayers  that  I  make,  in  my  Retirement, 
(whereto  a  passage  of  the  Scripture,  or  some  holy  Subject, 
on  which  I  will  think,  while  I  am  rising,  shall  be  a  Nourish- 


AUGUST,     1716  369 

ment).  It  shall  be  to  prepare  something  for  my  Sermons! 
At  which  I  will  continue,  until  I  am  called  unto  my  little 
Breakfast ;  and  our  Family-Sacrifices.  And  the  other  usual 
Things  I  will  try  to  do,  in  some  following  Hours  of  the 
Day.  I  am  apprehensive,  that  the  chief  Work  I  have  to 
do  is  to  preach  the  Gospel  of  my  Saviour.  And  it  calls 
for  my  first  Thoughts  ;  the  clearest,  and  brightest  Exercises 
of  my  intellectual  Powers.  And  by  thus  ordering  my 
Studies,  I  may  not  only  have  my  Sermons  very  seasonably 
prepared  and  finished,  but  I  may  also  gett  ready  before- 
hand a  Collection  of  Treasures  for  all  Occasions.  My  Flock 
may  find  the  Benefit  of  my  coming  into  such  a  Method  for 
my  Studies. 

28.  G.  D.  A  new  Servant  in  my  Family,  must  be  putt 
upon  the  Exercises  of  Piety. 

29.  G.  D.  An  holy  and  an  aged  Servant  of  God,  the 
Minister  of  Bridgwater,  who  has  not  been  in  this  City,  since 
above  seven  and  twenty  years  ago,  is  come  to  sojourn  with 
me,  till  the  latter  End  of  the  next  Week.^  And  his  principal 
Intention  is  to  enjoy  the  Consolations  of  my  Family.  I 
must  now  allow  much  of  my  Time  to  this  excellent  Friend 
while  he  stales  with  us.  But  I  would  redeem  the  Time,  to 
render  him  as  useful  as  may  be  in  the  City  before  he  goes. 
And  study  to  be  as  useful  to  him  as  ever  I  can. 

30.  G.  D.  I  begin  to  discern  Opportunities  of  preach- 
ing on  some  Subjects,  the  Sermons,  which  being  transmitted 
imto  London,  and  published  there,  may  greatly  [be]  accom- 
modated unto  the  Work  of  the  Day,  and  have  uncommon 
Influences. 

31.  G.  D.  I  shall  take  particular  Care,  to  have  some 
of  the  religious  Societies,  well  supplied  with  proper  Enter- 
tainments. 

My  Friend  shall  also  on  the  next  Lord's-day  Evening, 
preach  at  one  of  them. 

1  Rev.  James  Keith  (    -1719).    Mather  deals  with  him  in  the  Magnolia. 
n  •  24 


37©         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

(III.)  That  I  might  serve  the  Cause  of  piety,  and  accom- 
modate well-disposed  People,  with  an  Instrument  for  the 
pursuing  of  pious  Intentions,  on  the  Lord's-day  Evenings, 
I  gave  to  the  Pubhc,  a  little  Treatise,  entituled,  A  Good 
Evening  accommodated  with  a  Good  Employment.  Or, 
some  Directions,  How  the  Lords-day  Evening  may  be  spent 
Religiously  and  Advantageously.  With  perswasives  to  spend 
it  so. 

September,  i.  G.  D.  I  am  now  again  furnished  with 
a  Number  of  Bibles,  to  be  dispensed  in  a  way  of  Charity 
among  poor  Families  that  want  them.  This  opens  for  me 
a  new  Sett  of  Opportunities  to  do  good  among  the  Poor. 

*  2.  G.  D.  A  very  distinct  Operation  of  Piety,  for  the 
Return  of  the  glorious  GOD  unto  His  Throne  in  my  Soul, 
which  has  been  usurped  by  Idols ;  would  be  of  excellent 
Consequence  to  me,  in  the  Life  of  Christianity. 

3.  G.  D.  And  the  Cultivating  of  that  Subject,  the 
Exhibiting  of  Piety  under  that  Notion,  may  be  a  precious 
Food  for  the  Flock  to  feed  upon. 

4.  G.  D.  Ah!  My  dying  Daughter!  My  dear  dying 
Daughter!  What  shall  I  do  for  thee,  that  thou  mayst  in 
thy  Death  glorify  God! 

5.  G.  D.  My  Sister  at  Roxbury,  in  several  Regards, 
may  need  my  Comforts  and  Counsils. 

6.  G.  D.  The  Condition  of  Religion  on  the  Island  of 
Nantuckett  calls  for  some  speedy  Essays,  to  retrieve  it. 

7.  G.  D.  It  is  Time  for  me  again  to  visit  the  Charity- 
school,  and  bestow  Rewards  on  such  as  have  learnt  some 
good  Things  that  I  have  assigned  them. 

8.  G.  D.  Two  Daughters  of  a  worthy  Minister,  some- 
times of  Middleburgh  in  Holland,  are  now  arrived  here,  in 
the  Quality  of  Servants.  They  are  Objects  of  much  Com- 
passion, and  Charity.     And  I  shall  treat  them  accordingly. 

S  d.  J  m.  Satureday.  This  Day,  I  sett  apart  for  secret 
Supplications,  on  the  usual  Occasions. 


SEPTEMBER,     1716  37I 

But  One  very  singular  and  very  distressing  Matter  of 
Supplications,  was  in  the  Condition  of  my  dear  Katy,  who 
is  in  dying  Circumstances.  Oh!  what  a  Sacrifice  am  I 
now  call'd  unto! 

At  the  same  Time,  I  have  cause  to  rejoice  exceedingly 
in  this  Favour  of  God,  that  the  Child  enjoyes  an  admira- 
ble Serenity,  and  gloriously  triumphs  over  the  Fear  of 
Death ! 

In  the  Close  of  the  Day,  I  went  up  to  my  Library,  and 
prostrate  in  the  Dust,  after  deep  Humiliations,  I  saw  God 
restored  unto  His  Throne  in  my  Soul. 

I  felt  some  Newes  coming  to  me  from  the  other  Side  of 
the  Water,  that  will  encourage  me  in  the  Service  of  God. 

I  learnt  that  in  the  State  of  dear  Katharin,  God  will 
deal  wonderfully. 

I  discerned,  the  Angels  of  the  God,  of  whose  Armies 
there  is  no  Number,  making  a  speedy  Descent,  for  the 
producing  of  mighty  Changes  in  the  World. 

*  9.  G.  D.  Go  to  the  Table  of  the  Lord,  with  earnest 
Petitions  to  thy  SAVIOUR,  for  the  Influences,  that  may 
render  thee  a  Man  very  diligent  in  the  Business,  wherein 
thou  standest  before  the  eternal  King. 

10.  G.  D.  Entertain  the  Flock,  with  a  Discourse  on 
the  Speech  of  Solomon,  that  pleased  the  Lord.  Win  them 
into  the  making  of  it. 

11.  G.  D.  Nibhy  is  near  her  Marriage.  There  are 
several  Steps  of  Prudence  and  of  Piety,  of  which  I  am  to 
be  sollicitious  on  this  Occasion. 

12.  G.  D.  What  shall  I  do,  to  render  my  Kinsman  at 
Newtown,  considerably  useful? 

Employ  my  Kinsman  at  Roxhury  to  make  a  Collection 
of  Plants,  peculiarly  American. 

13.  G.  D.  There  is  extreme  Hazard  of  a  mighty  Flame 
arising  in  the  Town,  from  the  Proceedings  of  the  new  Church 
in  the  south  Part  of  it,  unto  the  Choice  of  a  Minister, 


372         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

unacceptable  unto  the  Rest,     I  would  seasonably  interpose, 
as  far  as  may  be,  to  prevent  the  Devices  of  Satan. 

14.  G.  D.  Several  Affairs  among  the  Christian  Indians, 
call  for  Consideration. 

Particularly  at  Yarmouth. 

15.  G.  D.  Revive  the  Care  of  getting  more  Medicines 
into  the  Family,  to  be  dispensed  unto  the  Poor,  for  various 
Maladies. 

*  16.  G.  D.  It  must  be  more  than  ever  my  Endeavour, 
when  I  ask  for  any  Blessing  from  God,  which  it  may  be 
my  Duty  to  be  content,  in  His  Denying  to  me,  then  in  the 
first  and  cheef  Place,  to  ask  a  submissive  Heart,  that  shall 
be  Patient  in  case  it  be  deny'd  unto  me,  and  therewithal  to 
Express  my  Submission  unto  God,  and  my  Satisfaction  in 
His  Wisdome,  and  Justice,  and  Sovereignty,  and  fatherly 
Love. 

I  would  therefore  look  back  upon  those  Favours  of  God, 
which  I  request  in  my  daily  Supplications,  and  employ 
particular  Pains,  to  bring  my  Mind  unto  Resignations  of 
them;  and  to  take  up  with  the  glorious  GOD,  as  a  suffi- 
cient Portion  for  me,  tho'  all  of  these  Things  were  witheld 
from  me. 

17.  G.  D.  Having  lately  exhibited  real  and  vital  Piety, 
under  the  Notion  of  GOD  in  the  Throne  of  the  Soul,  or, 
GOD  reigning  in  the  Heart,  I  hope,  it  would  much  edify  the 
Flock,  to  have  another  Exhibition  of  it,  under  the  Notion 
of  an  healed  Soul. 

18.  G.  D.     Of  my  two  elder  Daughters, 

The  one,  I  am  giving  up  to  GOD,  and  preparing  for  the 
Finishing  Stroke  of  the  Sacrifice,  which  the  Death  of  the 
dear  Creature  putts  me  upon.  My  God,  carry  both  me 
and  her,  thro  what  is  before  us. 

The  other,  I  am  giving  away  to  an  hopeful  young  Gentle- 
man, who  is  tomorrow  to  become  her  Husband.  But  I 
am  in  several  Wayes  to  give  her  up  also  unto  God ;   and 


SEPTEMBER,     1716  373 

do  the  best  I  can  to  render  her  a  Blessing  to  her  Husband, 
and  in  the  City. 

19.  G.  D.    Ah!    Poor  T.  W[alterl. 

ig  d.  VII  m.  Wednesday.  My  Nibby  was  married  (by 
my  Father)  to  Daniel  Willard.     GOD  be  gracious  to  them ! 

20.  G.  D.  Can  I  think  of  no  Subjects  to  preach  and 
write  upon,  which  may  be  sent  over  to  Europe^  and  con- 
tribute unto  the  Work  of  the  Day? 

Methinks,  a  Discourse  on  the  true  Notion  of  a  Protestant, 
might  be  highly  seasonable  and  serviceable. 

21.  G.  D.  Promise  the  Gift  of  a  Bible,  to  such  of  the 
Children  at  the  Charity-Schole  as  become  able  readily  to 
read  a  Chapter  in  it. 

22.  G.  D.  A  poor  Woman  in  my  Neighbourhood,  a 
strange  Instance  of  Prayer,  and  Faith,  and  Communion 
with  GOD,  and  Heaven,  must  be  a  singular  Object  of  my 
Cares  that  she  may  be  well  provided  for. 

*  23.  G.  D.  The  Angel  of  Death,  stands  with  a  drawn 
Sword  over  my  Family,  in  the  dying  State  of  my  dear, 
good,  wise,  and  lovely  Katy.  I  am  called  unto  uncommon 
Exercises  of  Piety  and  Submission  on  this  Occasion.  Lett 
me  sett  apart  some  Time  extraordinary,  that  I  may  obtain 
the  Dispositions  which  are  now  called  for. 

24.  G.  D.  The  Psalmody  in  our  Assembly  must  be 
better  provided  for. 

25.  G.  D.  My  lovely  Daughter  Kaiharin,  drawes  now 
near  unto  her  End.  I  must  use  all  possible  Methods,  to 
render  the  Period  of  her  Life,  not  only  comfortable  to  her, 
but  also  profitable  to  the  People  of  God. 

26.  G.  D.  Another  Kinsman  at  Roxbury,  must  be 
warned  against  certain  Miscarriages. 

26  d.  VII  m.  Wednesday.  My  dear  Katy  is  utterly 
given  over.  Physicians  can  do  no  more  for  her;  a  Con- 
sumption does  waste  her,  wherein  the  Assaults  of  a  Fevor 
in  the  Shape  of  a  quotidian  Ague  exasperates  the  Malady, 


374         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

Her  Life  drawes  nigh  to  the  Grave.  But  her  Soul  is  not 
full  of  Troubles. 

I  cannot  but  wondrously  rejoice,  in  the  Favours  granted 
unto  the  Soul  of  the  Child,  which  is  from  above  so  irradi- 
ated that  she  triumphs  over  the  Fear  of  Death ;  Death  is 
become  easy,  yea,  pleasant  unto  her ; 

She  rather  chuses  it,  and  has  a  Contempt  for  this  World, 
and  a  most  satisfying  Vision  of  the  heavenly  World.  It  is 
very  strange  to  me ;  the  Child  feels  herself  a  dying ;  but 
has  a  strong  and  bright  Perswasion  of  her  own  Recovery. 
I  have  none.  I  expect  the  speedy  Approaches  of  Death 
upon  her. 

I  sett  apart  this  Day,  for  Prayer  with  Fasting,  in  secret,  on  the 
Behalf  of  the  Dying  Child. 

And  it  was  a  Day  of  inexpressible  Enjoyments  unto  me. 

I  obtained  Pardon  for  all  the  Sins,  that  may  have  had  a  share  in 
procuring  my  present  Sorrows. 

I  resigned  the  Child  unto  the  Lord ;  my  Will  was  extinguished. 
I  could  say, 

My  Father,  Kill  my  Child,  if  it  be  thy  Pleasure  to  do  sol 

But  yett  I  interceded,  that  if  it  might  be  so,  the  Cup  of  Death 
might  pass  from  me. 

27.  G.  D.  I  would  look  out  for  some  Assistence,  to 
encourage  the  Publication  of  a  Work,  which  I  am  now  send- 
ing to  London,  on  The  Work  of  the  Day.  Whereof  I  have 
great  Expectation. 

28.  G.  D.  Several  affairs  of  Consequence,  to  be  moved 
among  the  Indian-Commissioners. 

29.  G.  D.  A  young  Man,  a  Schole-master  at  Spring- 
field, needs  my  various  Assistences  unto  him,  to  render  him 
further  serviceable ;   which  I  purpose  to  give  him. 

*  30.  G.  D.  I  am  to  study  yett  more  perfectly  the 
Notion  and  Practice,  of  being  dead  unto  all  Things  here 
below ;  The  Meaning  of  a  Death  to  all  the  Things  of  this 
Life.  T'wil  be  of  mighty  Consequence  unto  me,  to  be 
well-acquainted  with  it. 


OCTOBER,     1716  375 

October,  i.  G.  D.  A  Discourse  on  the  purged  Floor, ^ 
may  be  of  as  great  use  unto  the  Flock,  as  any  Thing  I  can 
think  upon. 

2.  G.  D.  Alas,2  God  sanctify  to  him,  the  Rebukes  which 
I  bestow  upon  him.  I  must  humble  myself  before  God,  in 
that  He  has  not  accepted  and  favoured  my  Intentions. 

I  know  not  whether  this  unhappy  Youth,  may  not  at 
length  go  off  to  High-Church,  and  then  make  me  the  Object 
of  his  malicious  Calumnies ;  For  I  have  seldome  obliged 
any  one  with  uncommon  Kindnesses,  but  they  have  after- 
wards proved  Monsters  of  Ingratitude,  and  I  have  received 
singular  Injuries  from  them.  I  do  therefore  here  arm  them 
that  survive  me  with  this  true  and  brief  Account.^ 

3.  G.  D.  My  new  Relatives,  will  afford  an  ample  Field 
for  my  projections  to  do  good  unto  many. 

4.  G.  D.  Some  young  Students  at  the  Colledge  have 
lately  died ;  Especially  one,  who  was  a  notable  Exemple 
of  early  Piety.  I  would  consider,  whether  I  may  not  make 
the  Death  of  these  young  men,  and  the  Life,  of  at  least  one 
of  them,  serviceable  to  the  Interests  of  Piety;  especially 
among  the  younger  Students. 

5.  G.  D.  Our  new  Governour  ^  arrives  this  Day.  As 
I  would  improve  my  Acquaintance,  which  I  am  like  to  have 
with  him,  for  all  the  good  Purposes  imaginable  :  So,  because 
there  arrives  with  him,  a  new  Commission  for  our  Indian- 
Affaires,  which  constitutes  him  one  of  the  Comissioners,^ 
I  would  prosecute  some  further  good  Purposes  in  that 
Relation. 

6.  G.  D.  A  Gentlewoman  in  very  disconsolate  Cir- 
cumstances, for  the  Death  of  an  hopeful  Son,  may  be  a 
fitt  Object,  for  my  doing  the  part  of  a  Comforter  to  the 
Mourners. 

'  Matt.  3.  12. 

'  Five  lines  obliterated  at  this  point. 

'  Thirty-two  lines  struck  out. 

•  Samuel  Shute.     Sewall,  Diary,  in.  105.  '  See  Sewall,  Diary,  m.  io6. 


376         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

6  d.  8  m.  Satureday.  This  day  I  sett  apart  for  Prayer 
with  Fasting,  in  Secret  before  the  Lord, 

The  Occasions  and  Exercises  were  the  same,  with  those  of  the 
former  Dayes,  which  in  the  later  months  I  have  so  devoted. 

I  glorified  the  Lord  this  day,  with  the  sweetest  Acquiescence  and 
Resignation,  in  the  Case  of  the  Biblia  Americana,  whereof  I  receive 
Advice  this  day,  that  the  publication  thereof,  is  to  be  despaired  of. 

I  still  kept  sacrificing  my  languishing  Child ;  not  without  Hopes, 
that  the  Lord  may  deal  yet  wonderfully  with  her. 

I  have  some  special  services  the  next  Week  before  me,  for  which 
I  implored  the  divine  Assistences. 

I  poured  out  my  vehement  Supplications,  that  Joels  Prophecy 
might  be  accomplished ;  and  the  Spirit  of  God  be  poured  out  upon 
all  Flesh ;  and  the  holy  and  mighty  Angels,  make  their  Descent,  and 
possess  and  inspire  Instruments  to  serve  the  Kingdome  of  God,  and 
spread  the  Maxims  of  the  everlasting  Gospel  in  the  World. 

*  7.  G.  D.  I  would  every  morning,  before  I  rise,  read 
certain  Paragraphs,  in  the  Enchiridion  precum,  of  my 
Boehm;  and  have  my  Consort  hear  the  same  in  English : 
until  I  have  gone   thro'  the  Book. 

8.  G.  D.  Some  in  the  Covenant  of  God  among  us,  I 
hear  by  the  Edges,  have  miscarried,  and  live  not  according 
to  their  Obligations.  I  must  find  them  out,  and  in  suitable 
Manner  deal  with  them. 

9.  G.  D.  In  and  to  my  Family,  I  would  cause  to  be 
readd  over,  on  some  Lord's-day  Evening,  the  last  Accounts 
of  God  providing  for  the  Orphan-house,  at  Hall.  And 
make  remarks  upon  the  Story,  that  shall  be  incentive  to 
Piety. 

This  Day  was  kept  as  a  Day  of  Prayer,  by  the  First 
Church  in  Boston,  preparatory  to  their  Choice  of  a  Minis- 
ter. I  enjoy'd  gracious  Assistences  from  above,  in  preaching 
to  the  Congregation  on  this  Occasion. 

10.  G.  D.  Yett  one  Essay  more  to  recover  T.  W[alter] 
whose  Return  into  my  Family,  I  have  permitted. 

11.  G.  D.    Being  to  preach  this  Day  in  the  Audience 


OCTOBER,     1716  377 

of  our  new  Governour,  and  with  much  Expectation  from 
the  Auditory,  I  contriv'd,  a  Recapitulation  of  Tokens  for 
Good,  as  the  whole  Protestant  Interest,  and  our  own  Coun- 
trey  has  to  Comfort  us.  And  with  as  much  Insinuation  as 
may  be,  I  gave  our  Governour  to  understand  what  sort  of 
Conduct  in  him,  we  hoped  for. 

GOD  was  graciously  with  me,  in  the  Action,  and  it 
found  much  Acceptance,  both  with  the  Governor  and  the 
People. 

12.  G.  D.  Is  there  nothing  to  be  done  for  the  miserable 
Colledge?  Yes;  I  will  commend  some  Things  unto  the 
Perusal  of  the  more  serious  Youths  associated  for  Piety 
there. 

13.  G.  D.  An  honest,  godly,  needy  Man,  lying  alone, 
Bed-rid  with  the  Gout ;  I  must  look  after  him. 

*  14.  G.  D.  I  have  been  endeavouring  to  glorify  GOD, 
with  elaborate  Preparations  of  my  Pen,  to  serve  the  Cause 
of  Piety  in  the  World.  The  Composures,  which  with  the 
Help  of  GOD,  I  have  prepared  for  that  Purpose,  I  have 
offered  up  for  Sacrifices  unto  Him.  It  pleases  Him,  to 
reject  them  from  the  Service  for  which  I  have  intended 
them.  Strange  Frowns  of  Heaven  have  defeated  the  Pub- 
lication of  those  things,  which  it  has  cost  me  a  World  of  hard 
Study,  to  gett  ready  for  the  Church  of  GOD.  Now,  what 
shall  I  do  on  these  Occasions?  I  would  be  entirely  satis- 
fied in  the  Wisdome,  the  Justice,  the  Faithfulness,  and  the 
Sovereignty  of  my  great  SAVIOUR,  who  knowes  what  the 
Interests  of  His  Kingdome  call  for,  and  when  to  bring  them 
forth.  And  I  would  satisfy  myself  in  my  Oblations  to  the 
Kingdome  of  my  SAVIOUR,  and  consider  my  sweet  Acqui- 
escence in  His  holy  Pleasure  to  reject  them,  as  a  sweet 
Addition  to  my  Oblations,  and  His  Delight  in  them ;  and 
give  a  Demonstration,  that  the  acquiring  of  a  Name  to 
myself  (a  Vile  Idolatry !)  is  no  End  of  my  Oblations,  in  my 
patient  and  easy  Bearing  of  it,  that  they  should  be  lost  as 


378         DIARY  OP  COTTON  MATHER 

to  this  World,  and  known  unto  Him  alone.  And  I  would 
go  on  with  all  possible  Industry  to  present  as  many  Obla- 
tions to  the  Work  of  God,  as  I  can ;  cheerfully  leaving  to 
Him  the  Disposal  of  them. 

(IV.)  That  I  may  invite  serious  Minds,  to  glorify  GOD, 
in  the  Tokens  for  Good,  which  He  gives  to  His  people,  I 
gave  to  the  Bookseller,  my  late  Sermon,  at  the  Lecture. 
It  is  entituled,  Menachem.  A  brief  Essay,  on  Tokens  for 
Good;  wherein,  together  with  the  Good  Signs  which  all  Good 
Men  have  to  Comfort  them,  there  are  Exhibited  also  some 
Good  Things  of  a  Late  Occurrence,  and  of  a  great  Importance, 
which  have  a  comfortable  Aspect,  on  the  protestant  Religion 
in  general,  and  on  a  particular  countrey  of  distinguished 
Protestants.^ 

15.  G.  D.  A  late  and  a  strange  Impression  of  Grace, 
on  the  Jewish  Children,  in  the  City  of  Berlin;  may  I  not 
improve  it,  for  an  Excitation  of  Piety  in  my  Flock,  and 
among  the  young  People  of  it. 

16.  G.  D.  To  have  the  Footsteps  of  God,  in  what  is 
done  for  the  Orphan-house  at  Hall,  read  over  in  my  Family, 
with  agreeable  Remarks  thereupon,  may  be  of  great  Use 
to  my  Domesticks. 

17.  G.  D.  My  Relatives  at  Sea,  ought  more  than  ever, 
to  make  a  distinct  Article  in  my  daily  Supphcations. 

17  J.  8  w.  Wednesday.  One  Day  more,  must  I  sett 
apart  for  Prayer  with  Fasting  on  the  Behalf  of  my  dear 
Katy;  who  continues  in  her  Languish ments,  and  yett  unto 
our  Astonishment,  grows  not  feebler  under  them. 

My  Endeavours,  and  my  Enjoyments,  on  this  Occasion, 
were  much  the  same,  with  what  I  had  three  Weeks  ago, 
on  the  same  Occasion. 

Having  thus  besought  the  Lord  thrice,  besides  what  I 
have  done,  on  my  monthly  Dayes,  and  every  day,  I  now 
wait  to  hear  what  God  the  Lord  will  say. 

*  Printed  for  Benjamin  Gray,  17 16. 


OCTOBER,     1716  379 

The  Child  shall  be  wondrously  dealt  withal! 
The  Lord  will  shew  Wonders  to  the  Dead! 

18.  G.  D.  May  it  not  be  a  service  unto  the  Kingdome 
of  God,  if  I  address  our  numerous  Tribe  of  Whale-Catchers, 
with  some  suitable  Meditations,  that  may  have  a  Tendency 
to  make  them  sensible  of  their  Obligations  to  live  unto  God? 

(V.)  That  I  might  serve  this  Intention  of  Piety,  I  send 
unto  the  press,  a  Treatise  entituled ;  The  Thankful 
Christian,  An  Essay  upon  those  Thankful  Returns  of  obedi- 
ence to  the  Glorious  GOD,  in  which  there  Lies  the  most  accept- 
able and  ingenuous  Thanksgiving  for  His  Benefits.  Address' d 
unto  all  that  have  received  the  Favours  of  Heaven;  But  more 
especially  unto  them,  who  after  the  Good  Successes  of  a  Whale- 
catching  Season,  would  Express  their  Gratitude  unto  God  their 
Saviour.^ 

19.  G.  D.  I  would  yett  again  see  whether  I  cannot 
produce  and  support  a  Charity-Schole,  for  Negro's  in  Even- 
ings, to  learn  to  read,  and  be  instructed  in  the  Catechism. 

20.  G.  D.  A  young  man  a  Bookseller,  poor  and  low, 
needs  Encouragement. 

*  21.  G.  D.  That  great  point,  of,  Doing  as  I  would 
he  done  unto.  It  must  be  more  exactly  conform'd  unto. 
I  will  not  only  study  it ;  but  make  it  a  most  frequent 
Subject  of  Self-Reflection. 

22.  G.  D.  Who  can  tell,  what  Effects  it  may  have 
upon  the  Flock,  if  two  Sermons  were  preached  on  the  Prom- 
ise of  the  Holy  SPIRIT!  (Luk.  xi.  13.)  In  preaching  of 
them,  I  would  use  all  possible  methods  of  Devotion,  to 
obtain  the  Influences  of  the  holy  SPIRIT,  suitable  unto 
the  Occasion. 

23.  G.  D.  It  may  have  a  good  Effect  upon  my  Son 
Samuel,  if  I  hear  him  sometimes  read  unto  me,  into  English, 
the  Adspirationes,  in  my  Boehm's,  Enchiridion  precum. 

24.  G.  D.     Is   there   nothing   further,   possible   to   be 

*  Printed  by  B.  Green,  for  Samuel  Gerrish,  1717. 


380         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

done,   for   the   Recovery   of  a  wretched  Brother-in-Law, 
become  so  far  a  Castaway,  as  he  at  Charl[e]stown! 

25.  G.  D.  Our  new  Governour  appears  to  have  a 
singular  Goodness  of  Temper,  with  a  Disposition  to  do 
good,  reigning  in  him ;  He  also  favours  me  with  singular 
Testimonies  of  Regard.  Oh!  Lett  me  improve  these 
unexpected  Opportunities  to  do  good,  in  such  a  Manner 
that  God  may  have  much  Glory  and  His  People  much 
Service  from  it. 

26.  G.  D.  Speak  to  the  new  Lieut.  Governour  of  New 
Hampshire,  to  do  all  he  can,  for  the  restoring  of  Peace 
among  the  People  there. 

27.  G.  D.  A  Gentleman  that  has  a  considerable  Quan- 
tity of  Grain,  to  dispense  among  the  Poor,  employes  me  to 
find  the  Objects,  and  send  them  with  Notes  of  Recommen- 
dation to  him. 

*  28.  G.  D.  The  secret  and  vitious  Workings  of  Self- 
Love,  I  must  labour  exceedingly  to  grow  more  aware  of 
them,  and  become  thoroughly  acquainted  with  that  Mys- 
tery of  Iniquity,  and  victorious  over  it. 

29.  G.  D.  And  can  I  do  a  better  Service  for  the  Flock, 
than  by  finding  out  for  them  this  their  Enemy,  and  warning 
them  of  it ! 

30.  G.  D.  Liza's  Education,  —  several  Points  to  be 
prosecuted  in  it. 

31.  G.  D.  Relatives  at  Glocester,  must  have  some  Ex- 
pressions of  my  Care  for  them. 

With  very  much  Study  and  Prayer,  I  have  been  by  the 
Grace  of  GOD,  carried  thro'  a  very  large  Preparation  for 
the  Public.  I  have  considered  the  Condition  of  the  World ; 
and  I  have  prepared  a  Book,  wherein  the  greatest  Affaires, 
that  are  like  to  be  agitated  among  the  Nations,  are  more 
than  a  little  accommodated.  I  have  considered  what  the 
service  the  Kingdome  of  GOD  calls  for,  and  I  have  pre- 
pared a  Book,  as  much  adapted  unto  the  Intentions  that 


NOVEMBER,     1716  381 

most  call  to  be  prosecuted,  as  I  can  contrive  it.  I  have 
considered,  the  Signs  of  the  Times. 

My  Book  is  a  large  Treatise  of  many  Sheets ;  Entituled ; 

(VI)  Boanerges.  The  Work  of  the  Day.  A  Tender 
made  {which  has  never  till  Now  been  so  clearly  and  fully  done) 
of  those  Evangelical  and  Everlasting  MAXIMS,  wherein  All 
Good  and  Wise  men  are  united,  and  All  men  become  Good  and 
wise,  when  they  come  into  that  Union  with  them.  An  IN- 
STRUMENT of  PIETY  tendered,  wherein  the  vast  purposes 
of  Truth  and  Peace  in  the  Church  of  GOD,  are  to  the  Satis- 
faction of  Reasonable  and  Religious  Minds  accommodated. 
With  Demands  made  thereupon,  which  the  Distresses  of  the 
Nations,  will  compell  thetn  anon  to  hearken  to.  And  Millions 
of  People  in  the  world,  who  are  groaning,  and  will  daily  be 
more  so,  after  Another  and  a  better  State  of  things, 
are  furnished  with  PROPOSALS,  to  obtain  the  Accomplish- 
ment of  their  Desires.  With  Just  REMARKS  upon  the 
present  and  Future  State  of  the  Distressed  Nations. 

If  this  Work  may  come  abroad,  it  will  make  some  Little 
Reparation  for  my  unfruitfulness,  in  the  Number  of  Lesser 
Composures,  which  I  have  published  in  the  Year  that  is 
now  passing  over  me.^ 

I  committ  the  Work  unto  the  glorious  Head  of  the 
Church;  and  entirely  resign  it  unto  Him,  for  Him  to  do 
according  unto  His  own  good  Pleasure  with  it. 

I  was  not  wilHng  to  lett  the  year  1716  pass,  without 
sending  it  over  the  Atlantic. 

November,  i.  G.  D.  I  may  do  the  Countrey  consider- 
able service  by  some  seasonable  Hints  unto  the  Governour. 
And  by  preventing  what  I  can,  the  countermining  Inten- 
tions of  some  Gentlemen  among  us. 

2.  G.  D.  Now  bring  forward,  the  Affair  of  Guardians, 
for  the  Christian  Indians.     Now  is  the  Time. 

1  It  does  not  appear  to  have  been  printed.  Mather  again  used  the  leading 
word,  Boanerges,  in  1727,  in  the  title  of  an  essay  on  the  earthquakes  of  that  j'ear. 


382         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

3.  G.  D.  A  poor,  feeble,  gouty  Man,  in  a  solitary 
Widowhood,  must  be  look'd  after;  that  he  do  not  suffer, 
in  being  alone. 

3  d.  IX  m.  Satureday.  I  sett  apart  this  Day  for  Prayer 
and  Fasting,  on  the  usual  Occasions,  and  with  the  usual 
Exercises. 

The  dying  State  of  my  dear  Katy,  was  a  special  Article 
of  my  Supplications. 

I  presented  the  State  of  several  sick  Ministers  in  the 
Countrey,  before  the  Lord. 

I  cried  unto  Heaven  for  Direction  about  my  Boanerges, 
and  resigned  the  Work  unto  the  Glorious  Head  of  the 
Church,  for  Him  to  do  as  He  should  please  with  it. 

I  offered  up  Sacrifices  to  God. 

*  4.  G.  D.  Of  my  Errands  to  the  Table  of  the  Lord 
this  Day,  a  principal  one  must  be,  for  the  Destruction  of 
that  Self-Love,  which  has  carried  away  my  Soul  from  God. 

5.  G.  D.  Call  upon  the  Flock,  to  express  their  zeal 
for  the  House  of  GOD,  in  more  effectual  Considerations, 
upon  that  Point,  What  Good  they  may  do  for  the  Church. 

6.  G.  D.  My  Daughter-in-Law,  and  her  children,  shall 
be  entertained  in  my  House,  until  she  marries ;  and  I  will 
endeavour,  to  serve  her  in  all  her  Interests,  and  also  to 
befriend  the  pious  Education  of  the  Children. 

7.  G.  D.  My  Brother  Walter,  being  indisposed,  I  will 
preach  for  him,  and  otherwise  also  study  for  his  Comfort ; 
especially  in  a  Point,  which  I  suppose  grievously  exercises 
him. 

8.  G.  D.  There  is  hazard  of  much  Disorder  and  Con- 
fusion and  Iniquity  in  our  General  Assembly ;  by  reason  of 
three  unhappy  Men,  who  are  the  Representatives  of  this 
Town.'     I  would  procure  a  considerable  Number  of  the 

*  The  representatives  from  Boston,  elected  in  this  year,  were  Oliver  Noyes, 
William  Payne,  Elisha  Cooke,  and  Anthony  Stoddard.  Stoddard  was  a  new 
member  of  the  House  of  Representatives.  Payne  alone  seems  to  have  been  of 
the  Second  Church.      See  p.  417,  in/ra. 


NOVEMBER,     1716  383 

Representatives  to  visit  me  at  my  House ;  where  I  would 
endeavour  their  Illumination  in  the  Things  of  our  Peace. 
I  would  also  endeavour  to  reduce  our  own  Frowards  from 
the  Error  of  their  Way. 

9.  G.  D.  Visit  a  Meeting  in  the  Neighbourhood,  where- 
of several  have  lately  buried  Relatives,  and  encountred 
Afflictions ;   and  preach  an  agreeable  Sermon  unto  them. 

10.  G.  D.  Our  late  Lieutenant  Governour,i  going  to 
London,  desires  me  to  do  him  some  Kindnesses. 

*  II.  G.  D.  More  distinct  and  affectuous  Contempla- 
tions on,  CHRIST  my  ALL,  are  to  be  endeavoured. 

12.  G.  D.  A  Sermon  to  the  Flock,  on  the  Man  cured 
of  his  withered  Hand,  perswading  People  to  try,  what  they 
may  find  God  helping  them  to  do,  may  be  very  useful  to 
them. 

13.  G.  D.  That  my  Family  may  be  blessed  with  an- 
other and  a  better  Negro-Servant,  I  must  look  up  to  God, 
in  the  wayes  of  Repentance,  and  Supplication. 

My  dear  Katy  being  brought  now  so  low,  that  she  cannot 
attend  the  family-Sacrifices  with  us,  I  must  pray  daily 
with  her,  in  her  Chamber. 

14.  G.  D.  Several  Ministers  in  the  Countrey  are  lan- 
guishing in  Sickness.  I  would  look  on  them,  as  being  so 
much  my  Brethren,  that  when  I  consider  my  Relatives 
I  will  here  enter  my  Purposes,  to  pray  particularly  and 
continually  for  them. 

15.  G.  D.  There  has  lately  been  in  the  Town,  an 
Apparition  of  a  dead  Person.  It  is  a  Thing  so  well  attested 
that  there  can  be  no  Room  to  doubt  of  it.  It  may  be  a 
service  to  Piety,  and  serve  many  good  Purposes,  for  me  to 
obtain  a  full  Relation  of  the  Matter ;  and  have  the  Persons 
concerned  therein,  to  make  Oath  unto  it,  before  a  Magistrate. 

16.  G.  D.  Call  upon  those  that  are  most  capable  to 
look  out  for  a  Minister  to  be  sent  unto  Barmtidaz,  from 

>  William  Tailer. 


384         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

whence  I  have  repeted  Cries,  for  one  to  come  over  and 
help  them. 

17.  G.  D.  A  poor  Man  that  wants  a  good  Employ- 
ment; what  shall  I  find  for  him? 

*  18.  G.  D,  The  Life  of  my  Spirit  lies  in  a  Death  to 
Fear  the  Things  which  are  seen  and  are  temporal.  In  what 
Regards,  am  I  to  become  Dead  unto  the  World  ? 

I  must  look  on  all  things  here  below  with  the  eye  of  a 
Dying  man;  and  when  I  look  on  all  my  enjoyments,  con- 
sider them  as  a  Dying  man,  and  as  one  immediately  going 
from  them. 

I  must  be  ready  to  sacrifice  all  those  things,  and  if  God 
call  for  them  I  must  be  willing  to  be  striped  of  them  all, 
and  be  left  as  Naked  as  a  man  that  is  dead  who  cannot 
take  them  away  with  him. 

If  any  of  these  Things,  particularly  invite  me  to  [do] 
any  thing  that  may  be  a  sin  against  the  Glorious  GOD, 
their  Invitation  must  make  no  more  Impression  on  me, 
than  a  Speech  unto  the  Dead. 

(Note)     I  could  never  learn,  how  or  why  these  Blotts 
were  made.^ 

Finally,  To  the  Saints  that  are  dead,  God  is  become  All 
in  All.  A  Respect  unto  GOD,  must  be  the  Thing  that 
shall  Influence  me  in  my  addressing  to,  and  my  [  ]. 

them  all  of  my  [  ]. 

I  can't  be  ready  to  dy  and  leave  the  World,  until  I 
become  thus  dead  unto  the  World. 

19.  G.  D.  Several  Proposals  for  the  Advantage  of  the 
Flock,  must  be  made  unto  the  Committee. 

20.  G.  D.  A  new  Negro  Servant,  (a  little  Boy)  is  come 
into  my  Family.  What,  what  shall  I  do  ?  what  Cares  must 
be  used,  that  GOD  may  have  Service  from  him? 

21.  G.  D.  Do  some  very  good  Offices  for  one  that  is 
going  to  marry  my  Daughter-in-Law. 

^  This  page  of  the  MS.  is  badly  blotted. 


NOVEMBER,     1716  385 

22.  G.  D.  Poor  Barnstable;  what  shall  be  done  for 
thee?  Give  the  best  Advice  that  may  be,  to  the  afflicted 
and  oppressed  young  Minister  there.  ^ 

23.  G.  D.  I  hear  of  a  Minister,  grievously  negligent 
in  the  Discharge  of  his  Ministry.  Write  lovingly,  and 
faithfully  to  him. 

24.  G.  D.  An  unhappy  Man  in  the  Prison,  cries  to 
me  for  some  Kindnesses.^ 

26.  G.  D.  I  have  often  seen  it,  that  my  Exercises, 
Temptations,  Calamities,  are  made  singularly,  serviceable, 
to  the  Edification  of  the  Flock,  whereof  I  am  the  Servant : 
they  lead  me  to  discourse  on  Subjects,  and  communicate. 
Meditations  and  Experiences,  which  God  makes  useful  to 
His  People.  I  must  exceedingly  and  exquisitely  contrive, 
how  the  terrible  Trial  come  upon  me  in  the  Condition  of 
my  lovely  Katy,  may  be  made  profitable  unto  the  People, 
whom  I  am  to  instruct  in  the  Wayes  of  God. 

27.  G.  D.  Such  is  the  Condition  of  my  Family,  in 
regard  of  my  dear  Katy^s  dying  Circumstances ;  that 
I  am  called  of  God  unto  more  than  ordinary  Methods 
for  the  Quickening  of  Piety  in  my  Family.  Oh!  That 
I  may  be  directed  of  God,  what  I  am  to  do  upon  this 
Intention ! 

28.  G.  D.  Some  related  unto  me  very  far  off,  by  an 
Affinity  contracted  in  a  Marriage  with  my  Neece.  Lett 
me  present  Books  of  Piety  unto  them. 

29.  G.  D.  Lett  me  renew  my  Thoughts  upon  that 
Enquiry;  Whether  I  may  not  employ  Part  of  my  public 
Ministry,  on  Subjects,  which  may  be  very  serviceable  and 
very  entertaining  to  the  Church  of  God,  in  an  ultramarine 
Publication  of  my  Discourses  upon  them. 

But  I  despair  of  any  good  Acceptance  for  any  thing 
of  mine. 

•  Rev.  Jonathan  Russell,  Jr.    The  parish  was  about  to  divide. 
'  Some  lines  that  are  illegible  follow. 
11-25 


386         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

However,  there  are  two  or  three  Subjects,  wh'.ch  I 
design  to  cultivate,  with  brief  Essays  upon  them. 

30.  G.  D.  We  are  now  getting  on  towards  the  clearing 
and  settling  of  our  Estate.  I  would  propound  unto  my 
wife,  what  special  Service  for  God  and  His  Kingdome,  she 
will  do,  in  Case  the  Administration  be  well  finished,  and 
she  find  any  Estate  remaining,  that  may  render  her  capable 
of  doing  any  thing. 

(VII)  That  I  might  further  serve  the  Cause  of  Piety, 
and  help  to  bring  on  the  Reign  of  Righteousness,  I  gave 
to  the  Bookseller,  another  little  Treatise,  entituled ;  The 
Golden  Rule,  A  very  brief  Essay  on  the  Grand  Maxim  of 
Good  Morality,  To  do  as  we  would  be  done  unto  :  The 
true  Universal  Medicine  for  all  the  Disorders  in  the  world. 
Exhibited  at  Boston  Lecture.    25  d.  VIII  m.  1716. 

December,  i.  G.  D.  A  most  pious  and  praying  Widow, 
who  strangely  lives  by  Faith  on  the  divine  Providence,  must 
receive  some  fresh  Benignities  from  me. 

I  d.  10  m.  Satureday.  I  sett  apart  this  Day  for  Suppli- 
cations as  I  use  to  do.  And  Things  were  in  it,  as  they  use 
to  be.  I  am  sorry,  that  this  Expressive  must  imply  but  a 
mean  Account.  However,  it  was  a  Day  wherein  I  enjoy'd 
some  Communion  with  Heaven. 

The  dying  State  of  my  dear  Katy,  made  a  grand  Article 
in  the  Supplications  of  the  Day.  It  was  this  Day  fourteen 
Years  ago,  that  her  Mother  expired,  (on  a  Tuesday.)  I 
hope,  a  great  Improvement  in  Piety,  will  be  the  Effect  of 
the  Exercises  to  which  I  am  called  on  this  Occasion. 

I  made  this  a  Day  of  other  and  many  Sacrifices. 

*  2.  G.  D.  God  calls  me  to  wait  upon  Him,  in  all  the 
wayes  of  Piety,  for  those  Influences  of  His  Grace,  which 
may  render  me  very  low  and  vile  in  my  own  Eyes,  and 
very  patient  under  Contempt,  and  satisfied  in  His  not 
allowing  the  most  laboured  Effects  of  my  Studies  to  be 
published  and  accepted  in  the  World;    and  exceedingly 


DECEMBER,     1716  387 

afraid  of  aiming  at  a  great  Name  for  myself,  in  my  Offers 
to  serve  the  best  Interests. 

3.  G.  D.  A  Gentleman  was  last  Night  complaining  to 
me,  that  he  observed,  that  many  Pretenders  to  be  justified 
by  Faith  in  the  Righteousness  of  our  Saviour,  yett  lived 
in  a  very  unjustifiable  Neglect  of  many  known  and  plain 
Duties  commanded  by  our  Saviour.  I  pray'd  him  to  fur- 
nish me  with  the  Instances,  that  I  may  faithfully  serve  the 
Flock  with  the  Warnings  of  God. 

4.  G.  D.  Liza's  Education,  must  have  some  new 
Thoughts  and  Cares  exercised  upon  it. 

I  must  allow  as  much  of  my  Time,  as  I  can,  to  my  dear 
dying  Child ;  her  Consolation  and  her  Preparation. 

5.  G.  D.  I  have  some  Relatives  in  Ireland;  and  I 
spend  some  time  this  Morning,  in  transmitting  to  them  a 
considerable  Number  of  Books  of  Piety ;  as  Expressions  of 
my  Loves  and  Cares  for  them. 

6.  G.  D.  I  grow  very  strong  in  the  Perswasion,  that 
the  Kingdome  of  God  will  be  brought  on,  and  the  great 
Revolutions  expected  in  the  Dayes  approaching  be  accom- 
plished, by  a  Return  of  the  Prophetic  Spirit  in  Angelical 
Operations ;  and  a  Revival  of  the  Supernatural  Powers ; 
which  planted  the  Christian  Church  in  the  primitive  Times. 
Wherefore  I  will  now  make  it  an  Article  of  my  daily  Suppli- 
cations, Lord,  Pour  out  thy  Spirit  upon  all  Flesh,  according 
to  thy  Promise.    See  Luk.  xi.  13. 

6  d.xm.  Thursday.    A  Day  of  general  Thanksgiving. 

7.  G.  D.  Move  my  dying  Child,  that  she  speak  such 
Things,  especially  unto  her  two  Brothers,  as  may  leave  a 
precious  and  lasting  Impression  upon  them. 

8.  G.  D.  I  will  gett  a  Number  of  my  Pascentius's  ^ 
and  Scatter  them  among  the  Poor. 

*9.  G.  D.  Oh'  That  I  were  more  frequent,  more 
exact,  in  examining  the  Principle  of  my  Designs,  my  Pas- 

'  Printed  in  1714-15. 


388         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

sions,  my  Actions;  and  lett  me  be  forever  dissatisfied, 
except  I  find  the  Principle  to  be,  the  Love  of  GOD,  and  a 
Care  and  an  Aim  to  please  Him.  When,  when  shall  I  be 
entirely  swallow'd  up  in  the  Life  of  GOD? 

ID.  G.  D.  Among  the  Poor  of  my  own  Flock,  the 
Deacons  will  now  be  putt  upon  many  Dispensations  of 
Charity.  I  would  furnish  them  with  a  Number  of  my 
Pascentius's  to  dispense  therewithal. 

11.  G.  D.  My  lovely  Katy,  desires  mightily  that  her 
Death  may  glorify  God! 

Oh !  the  Variety  of  Projections  which  my  broken  Heart 
is  forming,  that  it  may  do  so ! 

12.  G.  D.  My  Kinsman,  T.  W[alter]  gives  Hopes  of 
his  yett  coming  to  Good ;  has  begun  to  preach  publickly. 
What  shall  I  do  for  him? 

And  something  I  will  propose,  to  recover  the  Health  of 
his  Father. 

13.  G.  D.  I  am  resuming  the  Design  of  preparing  my 
Ratio  DisciplincB  for  the  Public.  I  foresee  and  project  many 
exquisite  Purposes  to  serve  the  Kingdome  of  GOD,  in  the 
Progress  of  the  Work. 

14.  G.  D,  Wait  upon  the  Governor  this  Evening ;  and 
propose  to  him  some  Services  for  the  Public. 

15.  G.  D.  I  will  perswade  some  of  our  Physicians  to 
bring  the  cold  Bath  into  fashion;  Whereby  many  poor, 
sick,  miserable  People  may  obtain  Releef  under  various 
Maladies  which  now  remain  otherwise  Incurable. 

i6d.x  ni.  Lords-Day  morning.  A  Little  after  3  h.  A.M. 
my  lovely  Daughter  Katharin  expired  gloriously. 

The  Things  which  her  dear  Saviour  has  done  to  her  and 
for  her,  afford  a  wonderful  Story.  But  because  I  relate  it  in 
other  Papers,  I  shall  here  insert  nothing  of  it. 

Much  of  my  Time,  of  late,  has  been  spent  in  sitting  by 
her  with  Essayes  to  strengthen  her  in  her  Agonies,  wherein 
God  graciously  assisted  me. 


DECEMBER,     1716  389 

*  16.  G.  D.  I  have  been  for  many  Months  a  dying  in 
my  feehng  the  dying  Circumstances  of  my  lovely  Katy. 
And  now,  this  last  Night,  she  is  actually  dead;  but  how 
triumphantly  did  she  go  away! 

Certainly,  Heaven  expects  in  me,  a  vast  Improvement 
of  Piety,  under  what  I  have  mett  withal. 

I  must  sett  myself,  in  a  most  exquisite  Manner,  to  con- 
sider, how  I  should  improve  what  has  befallen  me,  unto 
the  best  of  Purposes,  and  beg  the  divine  Directions.  One 
thing  very  particularly  look'd  for,  will  be  this ;  that  after 
so  many  Deaths,  I  should  be  a  man  dead  unto  every  thing 
in  this  World.  And  therefore,  I  will  this  Day  preach  a 
Sermon,  upon  Dead  with  CHRIST. 

17.  G.  D.  And  now  what  can  I  do  for  my  Flock, 
more  agreeable,  or  more  serviceable,  than  to  preach  to 
them  a  lively  Sermon,  on  the  Death  of  my  lovely  Child, 
and  on  the  Text  that  she  has  left  them  as  her  dying 
Legacy,  with  such  Admonitions  of  Piety,  as  she  desired 
me  from  it  and  from  her,  earnestly  to  commend  unto 
them! 

18.  G.  D.  Oh!  What  Endeavours  must  I  use,  that 
my  living  Children  may  improve  the  Death  of  their  lovely 
Sister,  to  their  best  Advantage ! 

Especially  Creasy.  For  whom  I  would  now  draw  up 
certain  Rules  of  Conduct,  unto  which  I  would  expect  his 
daily  Conformity. 

19.  I  shall  very  sensibly  discharge  Part  of  my  Duty 
to  my  Relatives,  if  I  convey  as  far  as  I  can,  to  every  one 
of  them,  the  Memorials  of  my  dear  Katy  which  I  am 
now  preparing  for  the  Public. 

20.  G.  D.  And  will  it  not  be  a  very  comprehensive 
Service  to  the  Kingdome  of  GOD  in  the  World  abroad,  if 
I  procure  to  be  dispersed  a  pubhshed  Account  of  my  dear 
Katy's  exemplary  Piety,  and  of  the  Joy,  which  in  the  End 
it  brought  her  to. 


390         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

20  d.  X  m.  Thursday.  This  Day,  my  dear  Katy  had  her 
Funeral  with  a  very  honourable  Attendence  upon  it.^ 

21.  G.  D.  Would  it  not  be  a  Service  to  the  Cause  of 
Piety  in  the  Colledge,  and  so  yett  more  extensively,  if  I 
should  procure  some  late  Exemples  of  Piety,  which  have 
been  given  by  several  Youths,  who  have  lately  died  there, 
to  be  published  unto  the  World  ?     I  am  endeavouring  of  it. 

22.  G.  D.  A  Soul  in  particular  Snares,  must  be  wam'd, 
charg'd,  recovered. 

*  23.  G.  D.  And  what  special  Improvements  in  Piety, 
does  the  Death  of  my  lovely  Daughter  call  me  to  ? 

1.  A  renew'd  and  increas'd  Repentance,  for  the  Sins, 
which  the  Stroke  of  GOD  upon  me  calls  me  to  think  upon. 

2.  A  patient  Submission  to  abasing  Dispensations, 
wherein  my  GOD  will  humble  me. 

3.  A  Stronger  Apprehension  of  my  own  Death  approach- 
ing and  Preparation  for  it. 

4.  A  more  frequent  and  fervent  Inclination  of  Piety  on 
my  surviving  Children ;  and  particularly  of  the  Religion 
of  the  Closet. 

5.  New  Projections  to  have  all  Things  in  my  Family, 
under  an  excellent  Regulation.  Especially  for  the  Strain 
of  Sabbatizing. 

6.  Fresh  Endeavours  to  recommend  early  Religion  unto 
the  young  People  of  my  Flock,  and  throughout  the  Countrey. 

7.  More  communion  with  the  Spirits  in  Paradise ;  by 
Meditation  on  them. 

Help  me,  my  GOD,  thus  to  answer  thy  holy  Expecta- 
tions. 

24.  G.  D.  Such  Subjects,  as  the  Death  my  dear  Katy, 
leads  me  to  insist  upon,  will  be  of  great  Use  to  the  Flock, 
which  I  should  be  a  prudent  and  faithful  Feeder  to. 

That  I  with  the  Child  which  God  had  given  me,  may 
glorify  Him.     With  Testimonies  to  the  pleasant  Wayes  of 

'  Sewall  describes  her  as  a  "vertuous,  pious  Gentlewoman." 


DECEMBER,     1716  391 

Piety,  and  that  my  dear  Katy,  may  outlive  her  Death,  and 
continue  gloriously  to  do  good  among  the  living  after  she 
is  Dead,  I  give  to  the  Bookseller,  the  Sermon  which  the 
excellent  Creature  desired  me  to  preach  after  her  Decease ; 
and  accompany  it  with  such  Memoirs  of  her,  as  I  hope, 
will  prove  exceeding  serviceable. 

(VIII)  It  is  entituled;  Victorina,  A  Sermon  preach'd 
on  the  Decease,  and  at  the  Desire,  of  Mrs.  Katharin  Mather  ; 
By  her  Father.  W hereunto  there  is  added,  A  further  Account 
of  that  Young  Gentlewoman;  By  another  hand.^ 

25.  G.  D.  Oh!  For  a  Family  now,  better  ordered  in 
every  point,  than  ever  heretofore! 

26.  G.  D.  Perhaps  it  may  have  a  tendency  to  con- 
firm T.  W[alter]  in  Piety,  if  I  employ  his  Hand,  in  drawing 
up  the  account  of  his  Kinswoman,  which  is  to  see  the  public. 

27.  G.  D.  I  have  a  new  Prospect  of  providing  a  Min- 
ister for  the  eastern  Parts ;  particularly  for  the  Instruction 
of  the  Indians  there.  A  Thing  of  extraordinary  Conse- 
quence.    Lett  me  prosecute  it. 

28.  G.  D.  The  Society  that  are  forming  a  new  Church 
in  the  south  Part  of  the  Town,  must  have  Services  done  for 
them.     Several  I  have  before  me. 

Particularly,  when  I  preach  to  them,  on  the  first  Day 
of  their  opening  their  Edifice. 

29.  G.  D.  I  have  Money  in  my  hands,  to  be  dispensed 
unto  some  needy,  aged,  praying  Women. 

29  d.  X  in.  Satureday.  I  sett  apart  this  Day,  for  prayers 
before  the  Lord,  as  I  use  to  do.  But  have  cause  to  mourn, 
bitterly  before  the  Lord,  that  it  was  with  me  little  other- 
wise than  as  it  use  to  be. 

I  humbled  myself  before  GOD,  from  the  Sense  of  His  Rebukes 
upon  me,  in  the  Case  of  my  departed  Child.  And  I  cried  unto  Him, 
that  the  Fruit  hereof  might  be,  a  sensible  Improvement  of  Piety,  in 
me,  and  the  Rest  of  the  Children. 

•  Printed  by  B.  Green  for  Daniel  Henchman,  1717. 


392         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

I  asked  the  divine  Conduct  and  Blessing,  for  what  I  am  now 
publishing,  of  the  deceased  Child. 

Other  Matters,  I  carried  unto  the  Lord,  as  usually. 

Especially,  I  implored  Him,  for  such  a  Descent  of  His  holy  Angels, 
as  may  bring  an  astonishing  Revolution  on  the  World. 

For  myself,  I  asked  these  three  singular  Favours  of  GOD. 

First ;  that  I  may  have  the  Spirit  oj  Prayer  in  a  greater  Measure 
poured  out  upon  me, 

Secondly ;  that  I  may  be  more  diligent  in  the  Work  of  GOD,  and 
be  rescued  from  the  Sloth  which  is  the  grand  Burden  of  my  Soul. 

Thirdly;  that  I  may  grow  up  to  an  high  Degree  of  Sanctity,  in 
the  most  explicit  Wayes  of  living  unto  GOD. 

The  Health  of  my  lovely  Consort,  who  is  the  greatest  of  all  my 
Temporal  Blessings,  is  a  particular  Matter  of  Concern  unto  me. 

*  30.  G.  D.  Lett  me  go  to  the  Lord's-Table  this  day, 
on  the  three  Errands,  mentioned  for  yesterday. 

31.  G.  D.  God  speaks  to  the  Sea-faring  part  of  the 
Flock,  in  many  late  Shipwrecks;  Lett  me,  mightily  urge 
upon  them  their  hearkening  to  the  Voice  of  God. 

/awz^ary.  [17 16-17.]  i.  G.  D.  In  my  Supplications  this 
Day,  with  my  Family,  I  would  render  singular  Thanks  to 
the  glorious  One,  from  whom  having  obtained  Help,  we 
continue  to  this  first  Day  of  another  Year :  and  implore 
His  Blessing  for  the  new  Year  that  we  are  now  entring 
upon. 

2.  G.  D.  I  have  a  Sister  in  some  domestic  Afflictions, 
to  whom  I  must  endeavour  a  Particular  Serviceableness. 

3.  G.  D.  Our  Governour  going  to  A^  Hampshire,  I 
may  putt  him  upon  doing  his  best,  for  the  reconciling  of 
the  Contentions  there. 

I  have  some  Thoughts  of  presenting  him  with  our  Church- 
History,  that  so  he  may  not  only  know  the  Countrey ;  and 
how  to  serve  it,  but  also  have  before  him  the  Exemple  of 
our  former  Governors. 

4.  G.  D.  I  would  prevail  with  some,  to  send  unto 
London,  for  some  Remedies,  whereby  the  Lives  of  People 


JANUARY,     1716-17  393 

here  may  be  preserved  and  sweetened,  if  the  Promises  in 
the  Advertisements  are  answered. 

5.  G.  D.  A  Minister  in  the  Countrey,  who  conflicts 
with  Straits  and  Wants  is  to  have  my  poor  Charity  dis- 
pensed unto  him.     [Mr.  KaTrev.]  1 

*  6.  G.  D.  Why  may  not  I  be  more  dihgent,  more 
vigorous,  more  expHcit  than  ever,  in  this  point  of  Piety ! 
Before  every  new  Action  in  my  Study,  to  make  still  a  short 
Prayer  which  may  relate  unto  it ;  and  in  this  Prayer  form 
an  Act  of  consecration  to  God,  wherein  what  I  do,  shall 
be  directly  aimed  at  the  serving  of  Him!  And  this  may 
be  also  done,  at  my  going  forth  out  of  my  Study;  upon 
Designs  which  I  have  before  me.^ 

7.  G.  D.  I  will  use  particular  Methods  to  find  out 
very  taking  and  useful  Subjects  for  the  Flock  to  be  enter- 
tain'd  withal ;  Seek  out  acceptable  Words. 

8.  G.  D.  My  Family  is  now,  by  the  Death  of  one  dear 
Creature,  and  the  Removal  of  six  or  seven  more,  coming 
unto  a  mighty  Diminution.  What  Opportunities  will  this 
give  me  to  contrive,  that  it  may  be  a  Family  exemplary 
for  all  that  is  holy,  and  just,  and  good. 

S  d.  II  m.  [January.]  Tuesday.  The  People  that  are 
forming  a  new  Church,  in  the  south  Part  of  the  Town,  this 
Day  enter  into  their  new  Meeting-house.  The  Ministers 
of  the  Town,  kept  a  Day  of  Prayer  with  them.  And  I 
had  Opportunity  to  preach  unto  them,  with  gracious  Assist- 
ences  from  above.     A  vast  Auditory,^ 

9.  G.  D.  My  Father-in-Law  at  Charlestown,  has  great 
Symptoms  of  his  Death,  just  ready  to  sieze  upon  him.  I 
must  visit  him,  assist  him,  strengthen  him. 

'  Capen.     Probably  Joseph  Capen,  of  Topsfield  (d.  1725). 

*  6  d.  11  m.  Dismissed  Joseph  Hill  and  Benjamin  White  that  they  may  bear 
their  part  in  laying  the  Foundations  of  a  new  Church,  in  the  South  part  of  the 
Town."     Cotton  Mather's  MS.  Records  of  the  Secotid  Church,  11. 

'See  Sewall,  Diary,  iii.  116.  This  church,  known  as  the  "New  South 
Church,"  was  located  on  the  "Church  Green." 


394         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

10.  G.  D.  The  Direction  of  the  new  Church  in  this 
Tovm,  for  furnishing  themselves  with  a  Minister  that  may 
be  a  Blessing  to  the  Town  and  Countrey,  is  a  Thing  of  great 
Consequence,  I  would  earnestly  look  up  unto  Heaven,  to 
direct  them.^ 

11.  G.  D.  I  have  in  view,  some  services  to  be  done, 
for  the  scholars  at  the  CoUedge. 

12.  G.  D.  There  are  certain  Ministers  in  a  broken 
state  of  Health,  whom  I  would  by  Name  remember  before 
the  Lord  in  my  daily  Supplications. 

*  13.  G.  D.  Being  to  day  to  preach  on  that  Subject,  I 
will  sett  myself  this  Day,  to  glorify  GOD,  with  forming. 
Acts  of  Acknowledgment  and  Resignation  to  His  uncon- 
troleable  Sovereignty.  I  will  consider  this  divine  Perfec- 
tion, and  not  only  as  actually  display'd  in  the  Things  already 
done  unto  me,  but  also  as  it  may  be  exercised  in  Cases  which 
may  be  supposed  by  me,  and  in  Sorrows  which  I  may 
suppose  to  be  the  Things  appointed  for  me.  And  I  will 
endeavour  to  express  all  possible  Acquiescence  in  the  Will 
of  the  glorious  GOD. 

14.  G.  D.  Some  Contrivances  for  the  Accommodation 
of  people  in  our  Meeting-house,  must  be  speedily  prosecuted. 

15.  G.  D.  My  Son-in-Law,  Mr.  Willard,  offers  himself 
to  our  Church.  I  rejoice  to  see  him  thus  early  disposed 
for  a  walk  in  the  Truth.  Oh!  Lett  me  take  all  possible 
Methods  to  animate  him  unto  Piety,  and  Usefulness ! 

This  Day  there  come  to  me  a  Number  from  the  Under- 
takers of  the  new  Meeting-house  in  the  South  Part  of  the 
Town,  in  the  Name  of  the  rest,  with  their  unanimous  Desire, 
that  I  would  give  them  a  Copy  of  the  Sermon,  which  I 
preach'd  unto  them  this  Day  se'nnight.  So  wondrously 
does  the  Sovereign  God,  and  glorious  Head  of  the  Church, 
multiply  my  Opportunities  to  serve  His  Kingdome. 

(rX)   So,  I  gave  it  unto  them ;    Entituled :  Zelotes. 

'  Sec  p.  426,  infra. 


JANUARY,     1716-17  395 

A  zeal  for  the  House  of  GOD;  Blown  up,  in  a  Sermon  preached 
unto  an  Assembly  of  Christians,  in  the  south  part  of  Boston; 
on  8  d.  XI  m.  iyi6~iy.  A  Day  of  prayer  kept  by  them,  at 
their  first  Entrance  into  a  New  Edifice  Erected  by  them  for  the 
public  worship  of  God  our  Saviour.^ 

16.  G.  D.  The  Lord  pitty  my  poor  ELinsman,  J,  W. 
bound  to  sea.     What  shall  I  do  for  him! 

17.  G.  D.  To  entertain  the  Public  at  the  Lecture  with 
the  Description  of  real  and  vital  PIETY  given  with  the 
loud  Voice  of  an  ANGEL ;  (Rev.  xiv.  7.)  and  make  such 
Remarks  as  are  to  be  made  upon  it ;  may  prove  a  notable 
Service  to  the  Kingdome  of  GOD. 

18.  G.  D.  Consult  with  my  Society  of  Gentlemen,  that 
combine  for  Projections  to  do  good ;  Whether  it  be  not 
possible  to  project  Methods,  for  the  Introducing  of  good 
Orders  into  our  Vessels. 

19.  G.  D.  A  miserable  Fellow  in  Prison  for  Debt,  must 
be  delivered;  and  Admonitions  of  a  better  Life  given  to 
him. 

20.  G.  D.  Three  Dayes  ago,  I  gave  to  the  Public,  a 
Description  of  real  and  vital  PIETY.  As  I  would  be 
alwayes  making  Essays,  to  live  unto  GOD,  according  [to] 
the  Methods  and  Maxims  I  then  delivered,  so  I  would  this 
Day,  have  a  particular  Exercise,  wherein  I  would  examine 
my  Conformity  to  them,  and  procure  a  new  and  strong 
Impression  of  them  upon  me.  And  Read,  Egardus,  his, 
yvcodi  creavTov. 

21.  G.  D.  A  Sermon  upon  GOD  hiding  His  Face,  may 
be  of  great  use,  to  many  Souls  in  the  Flock. 

22.  G.  D.  Ought  I  not  every  Day  now  to  insert  that 
Clause  in  my  family  prayers;  And  may  the  Families  that 
are  sprung  from  us,  have  the  Light  of  GOD  shining  upon  them! 

23.  G.  D.  New  Relatives  made,  by  the  late  Marriages 
in  my  Family,  call  for  Expressions  of  my  Concern  for  their 

*  Printed  by  J.  Allen,  for  Nicholas  Boone,  171 7. 


396         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

welfare.     One  shall  be  my  presenting  of  my  Vidorina  among 
them. 

24.  G.  D.  The  aJGfair  of  procuring  a  Missionary  to  our 
Eastern  Indians,  is  now  devolved  much  upon  my  Care. 
Tis  of  great  Consequence.  Lord,  Give  thy  Direction  and 
Assistence!  I  first  write  Letters  to  Martha's  Vineyard,  on 
this  Occasion. 

25.  G.  D.  I  must  procure  an  Attorney  to  be  made  for 
the  Christian  Indians  on  Martha's  Vineyard. 

26.  G.  D.  A  poor  Boy  tortured  with  the  Stone,  must 
be  made  an  Object  of  my  singular  Compassions.  The 
Expence  of  the  Lithotojjiie,  must  be  Part  of  my  Care. 

26  d.  II  m.  Satureday.  I  sett  apart  this  Day  for  Prayer, 
with  Fasting ;  on  the  usual  Occasions ;  and  with  the  usual 
Petitions. 

But  especially,  I  besought  of  the  Lord,  that  He  would 
assist  me  to  a  wise,  holy,  fruitful  Improvement  of  His  Dis- 
pensations towards  me,  in  what  has  befallen  my  lovely 
Katy. 

I  besought  Him  also,  for  the  Fulfilment  of  Joel's  Prophecy 
among  the  Nations;  and  the  Return  of  that  Spirit  which 
introduced  and  erected  and  managed  the  Kingdome  of  God 
in  the  primitive  Times  of  Christianity ;  and  a  Descent  of 
His  mighty  Angels,  whereby  His  kingdome  would  rule 
over  all. 

*  27.  G.  D.  Why  may  not  I  take  a  Catalogue  of  the 
Books  that  I  have  published ;  and  in  the  Perusal  (perhaps 
repeted)  of  it,  upon  the  Title  of  each  Book,  seriously  con- 
sider, what  point  of  excellent  Piety,  am  I,  by  this  Publication 
singularly  oblig'd  unto?    And  aspire  accordingly. 

28.  G.  D.  I  will  read  with  Attention,  Egardus,  on  the 
Duties  of  a  Preacher. 

29.  G.  D.  A  Maid  escaped  from  a  Servitude  in  a  very 
vicious  Family,  coming  to  sojourn  in  my  House,  already 
feels  many  Impressions  of  Piety  upon  her.    She  may  be  so 


FEBRUARY,     1716-17  397 

mated  as  to  have  cause  forever  to  bless  God,  for  his  bring- 
ing her  into  my  Family  :  And  I  will  endeavour  that  she  may. 

30.  G.  D.  My  Kinsman  at  Newtown  must  be  help'd 
under  some  of  his  DifiEiculties  and  his  Temptations. 

31.  G.  D.  My  Thoughts  about  the  great  Things  to  be 
done  for  the  Church,  and  in  the  World,  by  the  Return  of 
the  prophetic  Spirit.  I  am  in  distress,  how  far  I  may 
improve  them,  to  raise  in  the  People  of  God,  Supplications 
and  Expectations  for  such  a  Matter.     Direct  me,  O  my  God! 

February,  i.  G.  D.  There  are  Numbers  of  Persons, 
whom  I  should  advise  and  quicken  to  join  unto  the  religious 
Societies  among  us. 

2.  G.  D.  A  very  abusive  Creature,  in  whom  the  three 
parts  of  the  Satanic  Image,  Pride,  Malice,  and  Falsehood, 
are  very  Conspicuous,  must  be  pittied  and  pray'd  for. 
[I.  Koifxav]  1 

*  3.  G-  D.  My  Heart  is  exceedingly  affected  with  my 
most  comfortable  and  undeserved  Enjoyments  in  my  domes- 
tic Circumstances.  I  can  scarce  desire  to  be  better  of  it, 
than  I  am,  upon  all  Accounts.  An  amiable  Consort,  agree- 
able Children,  most  accommodated  Habitation,  a  plentiful 
Table :  the  Respects  of  kind  Neighbours,  a  flourishing 
Auditory. 

I  am  even  distressed,  that  I  may  render  unto  the  Lord, 
according  to  the  Benefits  which  I  have  received  from  Him. 
Full  of  Thoughts,  what  shall  I  do  in  a  way  of  extraordinary 
Thankfulness  and  Fruitfulness :  Full  of  Cries  to  Heaven, 
that  I  may  be  directed,  quickened,  assisted  unto  a  right 
Behaviour. 

4.  G.  D.  And  especially,  much  Industry  for  the  Good 
of  my  Flock! 

5.  G.  D.  O  my  dear  SAVIOUR,  instruct  me,  assist  me, 
strengthen  me,  more  and  more  to  imitate  thy  Goodness, 

'  John  Colman,  well  known  for  his  writing  in  the  controversy  over  the 
bank  and  currency. 


398         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

and  Wisdome,  in  my  treating  all  my  domestic  Relatives,  on 
all  Occasions. 

6.  G.  D.    And  the  rest. 

And  by  the  Hand  and  Pen  of  Creasy,  send  some  very 
agreeable  Things  to  his  Aunt  at  Witny.^ 

7.  G.  D.  Make  yett  a  further  Trial,  whether  a  Body 
of  good  Orders,  may  not  be  contrived  for  our  vessels ;  and 
the  Owners  be  brought  into  a  Combination  and  Resolution, 
for  the  obliging  of  the  Masters  to  Execute  them. 

8.  G.  D.  Renew  a  Motion  for  the  visiting  of  the 
Prison  by  the  Ministers  of  the  Town. 

9.  G.  D.  A  Fellow  in  Prison,  for  a  Murder,  should  be 
seasonably  now,  diverse  Months  before  his  Trial,  under 
proper  cultivations. 

*  10.  G.  D.  On  my  Birth-day,  which  arrives  two  Days 
hence,  Lett  me  seriously  sett  myself  to  consider  the  further 
Improvements  in  Piety ;  which  are  expected  of  me. 

II.  G.  D.  Having  Occasion  to  spend  good  Part  of  this 
Day  in  Prayer  with  the  Ministers  of  the  Town,  on  the 
behalf  of  some  sick  Ministers,^  I  would  cry  earnestly  to 
God  with  them,  for  Grace  to  double  our  Diligence  in  our 
Cares  of  the  Flocks,  committed  unto  our  Charge. 

The  Course  of  my  Ministry  xms  Year. 

12  d.  12  m.  [February.]  1715-16.  I  discoursed  on,  Rev.  i.  18. 
the  keycs  of  the  invisible  World,  and  of  Death,  in  the  Hands  of  our 
SAVIOUR.  And  His  having  under  His  Government  particularly  the 
Circumstances  of  the  Death  by  which  Men  pass  into  the  inmsible 
World.    Meditations  for  a  Birth-day. 

16  d.  12  m.  Thursday.  At  the  Lecture.  On  Jam.  II.  5.  The 
Lustre  of  true  Piety,  or  a  Principle  of  Grace,  even  in  people  of  the 
lowest  Circumstances. 

20  d.  12  m.  On,  Psal.  LXXXVI.  17.  Tokens  for  Good;  In  our 
State,  and,  on  what  befalls  us,  and  on  our  Prayers,  and,  in  the  Sacra- 
ments. 

'  Mrs.  Samuel  Mather.  *  For  Mr.  Pemberton.    Sewall,  ZWary,  m.  119. 


FEBRUARY,     1716-17  399 

26  d.  12  ni.  On,  2.  Cor.  III.  18.  the  Glory  of  the  Lord,  Exliibited 
in  the  Gospel  and  Ordinances  of  it ;  and  the  Effects  thereof,  in  a 
Change,  yea,  a  growing  one,  introduced  with  the  Image  of  God, 
the  most  glorious  Thing  in  the  World.  (And  I  administred  the 
Eucharist.) 

4  J.  im.  [March.]  1716.  On,  Ezek.  XVII.  23.  Our  Saviour,  a 
goodly  Cedar,  where  all  Fowl  of  every  Wing  may  find  Shelter  and 
Repose. 

11  d.  1  m.  On,  Rom.  XV.  5.  Our  God,  in  the  usual  Order  of 
His  Dealings,  first  a  God  of  Patience,  and  then  a  God  of  Consolation. 

18  d.  I  m.  On,  Joh.  XVI.  14.  The  holy  Spirit  of  God,  glorify- 
ing our  Saviour ;  and  therein  acting  as  the  Comforter  of  His  people. 

22  d.  I  m.  Thursday.  A  General  Fast.  On,  Joel  II.  13.  An 
hearty  Conversion  to  God,  with  an  hearty  Contrition  for  Sin,  the 
Way  to  obtain  the  Favours  of  Heaven. 

25  d.  I  m.  On,  Joh.  XVI.  14.  Going  on  with  the  Subject  of  the 
last  Lord's-Day ;  we  are  to  glorify  our  SAVIOUR. 

29  d.  I  m.  Thursday.  The  Lecture.  On  i.  Cor.  X.  14.  The 
Idolatry,  to  flee  from  which,  is  the  Duty,  and  Safety,  and  Mark  of 
Christianity. 

I  d.  2  m.  [April.]  On,  Joh.  XVI.  14.  Going  on  with  the  Subject 
of  the  last  Lord's-Day.     How  our  Saviour  is  to  be  glorified. 

8  d.  2  m.  On,  Joh.  XVI.  14.  In  a  fourth  Essay,  finishing  my 
Directions,  how  to  glorify  our  SAVIOUR. 

IS  d.  2  m.  On,  Jon.  IV.  6.  The  Effects  of  taking  an  undue 
Satisfaction  in  temporal  Enjoyments. 

22  d.  2  m.  On,  Judg.  XIII,  19.  The  Wonders  attending  the  Sac- 
rifices offered  for  and  by  the  People  of  God.  (And  I  administred  the 
Eucharist.) 

29  d.  2  m.  On,  Isa.  XXX.  18.  The  glorious  GOD,  waiting  for 
fill  Opportunities,  to  make  His  People  find  Him  gracious  to  them. 

6  d.  3  w.  [May.]  On  i.  King.  XVIII.  21.  People  unresolved,  what 
Answers  they  shall  make  to  the  Demands  of  the  glorious  GOD. 

10  d.  3  ?».  Thursday.  The  Lecture.  On  i.  Joh.  III.  20.  The 
awful  Inferences  to  be  drawn  from  the  Condemnations  of  Conscience. 

13  d.  3  m.  On,  Matth.  XIII.  44.  Heavenly  Blessings,  a 
Treasure;   and  tho'  hid,  yett  found. 

20  d.  3  m.     On,  I.  Tim.  i.  i.     CHRIST  our  Hope. 

27  d.  3  m.     On,  Eccl.  XII.  10.     Acceptable  Words. 

3  d.  4  w.  [June.]  On,  Mar.  VII.  37.  Our  Saviour  doing  well  in 
all  that  He  does. 


400         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

lo  d.  4  m.  On,  Jam.  V.  8.  An  established  Heart,  looking  and 
ready  for  the  Coming  of  the  Lord,  in  Death,  and  in  other  Events 
and  Changes. 

i-j  d.  4  m.  On,  Lam.  III.  58.  Our  Saviour  pleading  the  Causes 
of  our  Souls,  and  redeeming  our  Life.  (And  I  administred  the 
Eucharist.) 

21  d.  4  m.  Thursday.  The  Lecture.  On,  Prov.  XVII.  16.  Ad- 
vantages for  good ;  the  Improvement  that  is  to  be  made  of  them. 

24  d.  4  tn.  On,  I.  Pet.  II.  7.  CHRIST  precious;  and  how 
prized  by  the  Beleever. 

1  d.  5  7M.  [July.]  On,  Luk.  X.  20.  The  Joys  and  the  Signs  of  a 
Name  written  in  Heaven. 

8  J.  5  m.  On,  Mai.  IV.  2.  The  Sun  of  Righteousness,  with  His 
Healing  Rays. 

15  d.  5  m.  On,  Phil.  IV.  13.  Our  SAVIOUR  strengthenijig  the 
Beleever,  to  do  all  Things,  that  are  to  be  done  in  living  unto  God. 

22  d.  5  w.  On,  Phil.  IV.  13.  Concluding  what  I  began  the  last 
Lord's-Day. 

2gd.  5  w.  On,  I.  Cor.  DC.  26.  The  Combates  of  Christianity; 
what  and  whence  they  are ;  and  how  to  manage  them. 

2  d.  6  m.  [August.]  Thursday.  The  Lecture;  On  Matth.  VT.  33. 
The  Methods  of  seeking  first  the  Kingdome  of  God;  and  the  Blessings 
that  follow  upon  it.  Concluding  with  a  Relation  of  the  great 
Things  occurring  in  the  Experience  of  Dr.  Franckius. 

$d.  6  m.  On,  i.  Cor.  IX.  26.  Finishing  what  I  began,  the  last 
Lord's-day. 

12  d.  6  m.  On,  Cant.  V.  10.  The  Mixture  of  White  and  Red,  in 
the  Aspect  of  our  SAVIOUR ;  the  Mystery  of  it.  And  His  Glory  as 
a  Standard-bearer.     (And  administred  the  Eucharist.) 

19  d.  6  m.  On  Act.  XX.  7.  Methods  for  spending  the  Lords- 
day  Evening  religiously  and  advantageously. 

23  d.  6  m.  Thursday.  (A  Day  of  General  Thanksgiving,  for  the 
Defeat  of  the  Rebels,  in  Great  Britain.)  On  Psal.  XL VII.  7.  The 
Praises  of  God,  on  the  Occasion  of  our  Saviour's  Kingdome  extending 
and  prevailing  in  the  Earth. 

26  d.  6  m.  On,  Psal.  XL VII.  7.  Finishing  what  I  began  three 
dayes  ago. 

2  d.  y  m.  [September.]  On,  Psal.  XXXVII.  31.  God  returning  to 
His  Throne  in  the  Soul  of  Man,  and  reigning  there. 

gd.  T  m.  On,  Psal.  XXXVII.  31.  Finishing  what  I  began  the 
last  Lord's-day ;    and  giving  the  Signs  of  God  reigning  in  the  Heart. 


FEBRUARY,      1716-17  4OI 

16  d.  7  m.  On,  I.  King.  III.  10.  Chusing  and  asking  the  spirit- 
ual Blessings  of  Wisdome,  with  a  Speech  that  shall  please  the  Lord. 

23  d.  7  m.  On,  Rev.  XXII.  2.  The  Properties  and  Benefits  of  an 
healed  Soul.  Religion  exhibited  under  that  Notion,  the  healing  of  the 
Soul. 

30  (f.  7  m.  On,  Matth.  III.  12.  Our  Saviour  thoroughly  purging 
of  His  Floor. 

y  d.  8  m.  [October.]  On  Cant.  II.  14.  The  sweet  Voice  of  Piety, 
which  our  SAVIOUR  desires  and  expects  to  hear  from  His  People. 
(And  administred  the  Eucharist.) 

gd.  8  m.  Tuesday.  A  Day  of  Prayer,  kept  by  the  First  Church 
in  Boston,  praeliminary  to  the  choice  of  another  Pastor.  On,  Isa. 
LX.  7.  A  Church,  an  House  of  our  SAVIOUR'S  Glory,  and  glorified 
by  Him. 

II  d.  8  m.  Thursday.  The  Lecture,  in  the  room  of  another;  It 
being  the  first  Appearance  of  our  new  Governour  in  one  of  our  Assem- 
blies. On,  Psal.  LXXXVI.  17.  Tokens  for  good ;  Especially,  for  the 
Protestant  Interest ;  and  for  our  own  Countrey. 

14  d.  8  m.  On,  Matth.  VII.  27.  The  Fate  of  the  disobedient 
Hearer  in  the  Storm  to  be  looked  for.  (It  being  a  violent  Storm,  at 
the  Time  of  preaching  it.) 

21  d.  8  m.  On,  Luk.  XL  13.  The  Heavenly  Father  giving  the 
holy  SPIRIT,  unto  them  that  ask  Him. 

2$  d.  8  m.  Thursday.  The  Lecture.  On,  Matth.  VII.  12.  The 
golden  Rule,  of.  Doing  as  one  would  be  done  unto. 

28  d.  8  m.  On,  Luk.  XI.  13.  Finishing  what  I  began  the  last 
Lord's-day. 

4  (/.  9  w.  [November.]  On,  Joh.  II.  17.  The  Zeal  of  the  House  of 
GOD. 

6d.  gm.  Tuesday.  The  Lecture  at  Roxbury.  On  Cant.  II.  14. 
The  sweet  Voice  of  Piety. 

II  d.  gm.  On  2  Tim.  III.  2.  The  Mystery  of  Iniquity  operat- 
ing in  Self-Love. 

18  d.  g  m.  On,  Matth.  XII.  13.  The  Duty  ofPeople,  to  make  a 
Trial,  whether  they  do  not  find  GOD  enabling  them  to  do  what  He 
calls  them  to,  tho'  they  are  not  of  themselves  able  to  obey  His  Calls. 

2^d.gm.  On,  Job.  XXIII.  14.  Acquiescence  in  the  Will  of  GOD, 
who  in  all  our  Circumstances  performs  the  Thing  appointed  for  us. 

2  d.  10  m.  [December.]    On,   Cant.   VIII.  6.      The   Soul  of   the 
Beleever,  desirous  to  be  found  as  a  Seal  on  the  Heart  and  Arm,  of  our 
glorious  High-Priest.     (And  I  administred  the  Eucharist.) 
n  •  26 


402         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

6  d.  lo  m.  Thursday.  A  General  Thanksgiving.  On,  Psal. 
CXXXV.  3.     The  Pleasure  to  be  found  in  the  praising  of  GOD. 

9  d.  10  tn.  On,  Prov.  XX.  4.  The  ill  Effects  which  both  the 
natural  Cold,  and  a  spiritual  Cold  also,  has  upon  the  works  [of]  Piety. 
(A  cold,  as  well  as  a  short,  Lord's-day.) 

16  d.  10  m.  On,  Rom.  VI.  8.  Dead  with  CHRIST.  The  Death 
which  the  holy  and  happy,  must  aspire,  and  will  arrive  unto.  (My 
lovely  Katharin  dying  in  the  Night  before.) 

23  d.  10  m.  On,  Prov.  III.  17.  The  Pleasures  to  be  found  in  the 
Ways  of  Piety.  A  Subject  which  my  dying  Child  asked  me  to  preach 
upon ;  and  from  her,  bear  a  Testimony  thereunto.  A  vast  Auditory 
come  together. 

30  d.  10  m.  On,  Isa.  XXVT.  20.  The  Chambers  of  the  Grave  for 
our  Bodies;  and  of  a  Paradise  for  our  Spirits,  at  our  Dissolution. 
And  such  Thoughts  thereof,  as  may  render  our  Death  easy  to  us. 

6d.  11  m.  [January,  17 16- 17.]  On,  Matth.  XIV.  30.  Our  Eye 
and  our  Cry  to  our  Saviour,  when  we  are  in  danger  of  Sinking. 

8d.  11m.  Tuesday.  At  the  new  Meeting-house,  in  the  South 
part  of  the  Town.  A  Day  of  Prayer;  at  the  People's  first  opening 
the  House.    On,  Joh.  II.  17.     The  Zeal  of  the  House  of  GOD. 

13  cf.  II  w.  At  the  New-North,  A.M.  On  Matth.  XIV.  30. 
At  the  old-North,  P.M.  On  Job.  IX.  12.  The  divine  Sovereignty, 
how  to  be  adored.     Particularly,  in  bereaving  Dispensations. 

ij  d.  lint.  Thursday.  The  Lecture,  on  Rev.  XIV.  7.  A  De- 
scription of  the  real  and  vital  PIETY,  which  men  are  by  the  loud 
Calls  of  Heaven  oblig'd  unto. 

20  d.  II  m.  On,  Job.  XIII.  24.  God  hiding  His  Face  from  His 
People;  and  the  dreadful  Condition  of  them,  whom  He  holds  for 
His  Enemies. 

27  d.  II  m.  On,  Cant.  VIII.  7.  The  Love  of  our  Saviour  to  His 
People,  strong  as  Death.     (And  I  administred  the  Eucharist.) 

3  <f.  12  w.  [February.]  At  the  old  South,  A.M.  on  Matth.  XIV.  30. 
At  the  old  North,  P.M.  on  Matth.  XX.  34.  On  People  receiving 
their  Sight,  and  then  seeing  sufficient  Cause  to  be  the  Followers  of 
our  great  SAVIOUR. 

10  d.  12  m.  On  Matth.  XII.  35.  The  precious  Treasure  of  a 
good  Heart,  laid  up  and  laid  out,  by  a  good  Man. 


FEBRUARY,     1716-17  403 

To  Atherton  Mather.  a.a.s. 

21  d.  12  m.  [February.]  171 5-6. 

Dear  Cousin,  —  To  all  the  other  Inconveniencies  which  I  have 
of  late  suffered  in  my  temporal  Interest,  there  is  this  added,  that  my 
Brother  having  detained  my  son  in  England,  I  have  been  thereby  putt 
upon  such  DiiEculties  as  are  not  yett  known  unto  me ;  but  this  I 
know  that  I  have  already  a  Demand  of  more  money  made  upon  me,  to 
defray  my  son's  Charges  there,  than  all  that  you  have  borrowed  of  me. 

And  now,  after  all  the  wrong  Things  that  you  have  imposed  upon 
me,  what  is  it  that  you  design  to  do. 

I  have  many  months  ago,  freely  told  you  my  Thoughts,  about 
your  Conduct,  and  the  Rules  of  Charity  and  Discretion  violated  in 
it.  But  I  now  again  desire  you  to  pay  your  debts  unto  me,  without 
which  I  must  be  putt  unto  extreme  Trouble,  to  discharge  mine  unto 
other  men. 

If  you  refuse  to  do  this ;  I  have  then  another  Proposal  to  make. 

Never  till  the  last  Night,  had  I  any  Discourse  with  Mr  Oliver 
Noyes  concerning  you  and  your  affaires.  And  now,  I  perceive  that 
he  has  the  same  Account  of  you,  that  I  have  had  from  every  Quarter. 

However,  for  your  Debt  of  an  hundred  pounds  unto  him,  you 
have  invested  him  in  two  Thousand  Acres  of  the  Land,  in  your  New 
Plantation.  If  you  deal  no  worse  with  me,  than  with  him,  you  can 
do  no  less  than  invest  me  in  sLx  hundred  Acres,  of  as  good  Land,  in 
your  plantation,  if  it  be  not  all  disposed  of. 

I  desire  you,  to  lett  me  know,  by  the  first  Opportunity,  what  you 
will  do,  and  what  you  would  have  me  to  do,  and  no  more  Deal  with 
me,  as  you  have  done  hitherto. 

The  Eighth  Comandment,  will  oblige  me  to  do  some  Justice  unto 
my  Family,  as  well  as  the  Fifth,  to  approve  myself.  Your  kinsman, 
and  servt., 

If  you  don't  give  me  quickly  to  hear  from  you,  I  must  putt  over 
my  Business,  into  the  hands  of  our  Attorney,  in  your  parts  of  the 
Countrey. 

To  Rev.  Rowland  Cotton.  a.a.s. 

Boston,  2^d.  12  m.  [February.]  1715  [-16]. 
Reverend  Sir,  —  The  pastors  of  this  Town  have  been  this  day 
address'd  by  two  persons  ^  appearing  on  the  behalf  of  the  aggrieved 

•  William  Cowell  and  Thomas  Atkins. 


404         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

Majority  of  the  Rateable  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Chattam,  and 
requesting  our  Advice,  whether  Mr.  H[ugh]  A[dams]  may  do  well  to 
preach  unto  them,  imtil  the  calling  of  a  Council,  which  they  intend, 
for  a  further  hearing  of  their  Case,  which  has  been  already  under 
some  Cognisance  of  a  former.  And,  whether  another  Council  may 
do  well,  to  vouchsafe  such  a  further  hearing  unto  it. 

We  are  very  far  from  offering  our  opinion  on  the  Case,  that  has 
been  heard  by  our  reverend  and  honoured  Brethren,  of  whom  we  have 
such  an  Esteem,  and  from  whom  we  are  at  such  a  Distance ;  nor 
indeed  are  we  so  much  as  willing  to  Enquire  into  the  Reason  of  their 
Judgment.  Yett,  we  hope,  we  may  without  offence,  in  general,  say, 
that  an  Appeal  unto  a  further  Hearing,  seems  to  be  a  common  Right, 
which  cannot  well  be  denied  unto  an  aggrieved  Party,  who  may  have 
many  things  to  offer,  which  at  the  first  Hearing  there  might  not  be 
opportunity  to  consider  of.  And  for  this  further  Hearing,  it  seems 
to  be  most  natural  and  rational  and  suitable,  that  for  the  most  part 
(and  in  the  present  case,)  it  should  be  by  them  who  are  as  near  as 
may  be  to  the  seat  of  the  Difference ;  It  will  be  but  a  Brotherly  peece, 
of  Charity,  for  these  Neighbours,  to  accept  the  Trouble  of  doing  what 
they  can,  for  the  Healing  of  what  is  out  of  order  in  their  Vicinity. 
And  if  this  Council  should  happen  in  any  thing  to  vary  from  the  Judg- 
ment of  the  former,  they  have  the  Wisdome  and  Goodness  to  carry 
things  with  such  a  Christian  Temper,  Moderation,  and  Condescension, 
that  it  may  be  hoped,  it  will  not  at  all  interrupt  a  good  Correspondence 
between  them.  All  second  Hearings  must  have  an  everlasting  Obstruc- 
tion upon  them,  if  a  variety  of  Sentiments  arising  from  them  should 
necessarily  infer  a  Disaffection  between  the  Judges.  Wherefore,  we 
cannot  but  wish,  that  you,  Syr,  and  your  adjacent  Brethren,  would  as 
soon  as  may  be,  answer  the  importunate  and  irresistible  cries  of  the 
poor  People  at  Chattam,  to  take  some  notice  of  their  Circumstances. 

About  Mr.  H.  Adams's  preaching  in  the  meantime,  we  are  much 
at  a  Loss,  what  can  in  Prudence  be  said  unto  him.  In  Justice,  it 
seems,  that  while  the  Appeal  is  depending,  and  the  cause  for  Suspen- 
sion is  not  very  criminal,  and  very  evident,  a  preacher  so  concerned, 
may  go  on  in. his  business.  And  if  a  Majority  of  the  Christian  In- 
habitants, in  Chattam,  or  any  other  Town,  should  ask,  such  a  Person 
to  carry  on  the  Exercises  of  piety  among  them,  we  suppose,  the  Inten- 
tion of  the  Civil  Government  would  not  be  absolutely  to  forbid  it. 
And  it  may  be,  they  will  not  interpret  it,  as  a  Transgression  of  any 
Law,  if  such  a  person,  do  modestly  serve  the  reUgious  Desires  of  the 
Neighbours. 


FEBRUARY,     1716-17  405 

But  we  apprehend  ourselves  to  be  not  so  proper  Directors  to  him, 
as  you,  that  are  more  fully  apprised  of  what  may  be  most  prudently 
proposed  unto  him. 

Upon  the  whole ;  if  it  should  be,  as  those  that  have  been  with  us 
do  understand  it,  and  represent  it,  that  the  Rise  of  Mr  A.s  Troubles, 
is  principally  owing  to  the  Zeal,  with  which  he  has  born  his  Testi- 
monies, against  some  real  Mischiefs,^  his  case  may  deserve  the  more 
deliberate  and  favourable  consideration,  and  the  Indiscretions  with 
which  it  may  have  been  exercised  (if  there  have  such)  not  be  too  far 
aggravated. 

We  concunend  you  to  the  Conduct  of  our  glorious  Lord,  and  entreat 
you  to  communicate  these  our  Thoughts,  as  you  may  see  Occasion ; 
and  subscribe,  Sir,  Your  affectionate  Brethren 

To  Harvard  College.^  a.a.s. 

[March,  1716.] 

Sir,  —  Finding  myself  enabled  by  an  unexpected  occurrence,  to 
entertain  your  Library  with  a  present  I  now  send  you  a  small  packett 
of  Books,  upon  that  Intention. 

I  do  it,  with  an  humble  Tender  of  my  opinion,  that  if  you  would 
procure,  the  Medicina  Mentis,  of  the  Excellent  Langius,  to  come  under 
the  perusal  of  the  Students,  and  Numbers  of  the  Books  to  be  for  that 
purpose  brought  into  the  Shops  of  our  Booksellers,  you  and  they 
would  find  their  Account  in  it. 

Yea,  for  the  Tutors  to  expect  from  their  Pupils,  an  Account  of 
what  they  have  read  from  time  to  time,  in  so  rich  a  Mass  of  the  truest 
Erudition,  I  am  humbly  of  opinion,  would  be  of  greater  use  to  them, 
than  some  other  Articles  of  Study,  wherein  Time  is  thrown  away. 

I  am  well  aware,  how  impertinent  a  Thing,  it  will  be  for  me  to 
offer  my  Judgment  or  Advice  in  your  Affaires.  But  I  will  not  lay 
aside  my  Perswasion,  that  the  more  effectually  the  glorious  Design 
of  living  to  God  is  prosecuted  in  our  Schools,  and  the  more  nearly 
subservient  all  our  Literature  is  made  unto  that  End,  without  which 
is  but  exalted  Folly,  and  mischievous  Madness,  the  more  the 
Schools  are  made  the  true  Seats  of  wisdome.  ' 

One  of  the  best  of  men,  in  Letters  which  I  have  within  these  few 
Hours  received  has  a  passage,  which  I  heartily  subscribe  to. 

'  It  was  a  dispute  over  money.  Freeman,  History  of  Cape  Cod,  11.  593,  595. 
See  the  advertisements  in  the  Boston  News-Letter,  May  28  and  June  11,  1716. 
Adams  had  been  indiscreet  in  speech  and  in  writing.    Sewall,  Diary,  ni.  76. 

^  See  p.  337,  supra. 


4o6         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

I  should  be  glad,  if  in  my  next  Communications,  unto  the  most 
illustrious  and  flourishing  University  in  the  world,  whereof  Langius  is 
one  of  the  professors,  I  may  be  able  to  say  that  in  America  we  have 
CoUedges,  that  very  much  Espouse  their  Sentiments,  and  pursue 
their  Intentions.  Perhaps  I  make  too  bold  with  you;  but  having 
this  occasion ;  I  Praesume  so  far ;  and  with  my  humble  service  to 
your  Praesident  and  Corporation  subscribe, 

To  Anthony  William  Boehm.  a.a.s. 

[1716?] 

Reverend  Sr.,  —  It  was  a  great  Consolation  of  God,  that  I 
received,  when  I  was  favoured  with  your  most  obUging  Letters,  and 
those  of  the  Incomparable  Dr.  Franckius  that  accompanied  them, 
and  the  most  acceptable  Treatises  which  were  bright  sateUits  to 
them. 

The  amiable  Piety  breathing  in  your  excellent  Writings,  has 
endeared  you  to  me  beyond  Expression  ;  and  by  the  Communications 
which  I  have  made  thereof,  your  Endearment  unto  other  Servants 
of  God  in  this  Countrey,  is  what,  I  hope,  you  will  take  pleasure  to 
find  me  mentioning.  For,  tho'  you  have  dy'd  unto  self,  and  you 
behold  and  enjoy  every  thing,  as  in  relation  to  the  Glorious  GOD, 
yett,  when  we  perceive  that  God  makes  us  the  Instruments  to  con- 
vey something  of  Himself  unto  His  people,  tis  what  may  very  well 
be  very  pleasing  to  us. 

Happening  to  be  just  now  in  some  imcommon  Hurries,  my  Let- 
ters to  my  excellent  Franckius  are  more  unpolished  and  unfinished 
than  otherwise  they  should  have  been.  However  such  as  they  are, 
I  leave  them  and  the  Packetts  which  I  have  enclosed  them,  open  for 
your  Perusal ;  and  I  entreat  that  when  you  have  perused  them,  you 
would  seal  them  up,  and  send  them  away  with  the  bitts  of  Gold  in 
them,  unto  the  Marvellous  Man,  unto  whom  I  have  directed  them. 

In  the  Packetts,  there  are  some  Duplicates ;  with  which  I  happen 
to  be  furnished,  at  the  time  of  my  writing,  and  on  such,  you  will  find 
your  dear  Name  inscribed,  that  you  may  reserve  them,  for  your  own 
Disposal. 

My  lovely  Friend,  will  give  me  leave  to  observe  unto  him,  that, 
it  is  vital  Piety  embracing  the  Maxims  of  the  everlasting  Gospel, 
(and  your  Arndtian  and  Franckian  Charity,)  which  must  unite  the 
People  of  God.  And  a  more  explicit  union  being  produced  on  those 
Maxims,  the  Papal  Empire  will  fall  before  it,  and  the  Kingdome  of 


FEBRUARY,     1716-17  407 

God  will  come  on.  Until  this  Union  be  accomplished,  and  for  the 
accomplishment  of  it,  God  will  go  on  to  Distress  the  Nations,  and 
vex  them  with  all  Adversity,  and  make  them  suffer  Concussions  and 
Convulsions,  and  Confusions  to  be  trembled  at. 

I  was  just  thinking,  —  while  I  was  in  the  Midst  of  these  Thoughts, 
your  Letters,  with  those  of  my  admirable  Franckiiis,  arrived  unto  me, 
and  with  an  agreeable  Surprize  give  me  a  Confirmation  of  my  Appre- 
hensions, and  a  Demonstration  of  the  Terms,  which  will  forever  pro- 
duce the  closest  Union  among  the  true  Children  of  God. 

For  the  rest  I  need  only  to  refer  you  unto  what  you  will  find  in 
my  Packetts,  for  a  full  Information  in  all  those  Points,  wherein  you 
would  have  expected  any  satisfaction  from  us.  Having  done  this, 
I  have  nothing  at  this  time  to  add,  but  my  hearty  Prayers  that  your 
Life  and  Health  may  be  prolonged,  and  your  holy  Studies  to  advance 
the  Kingdome  of  God,  graciously  directed  and  prospered. 

In  these  Prayers,  and  in  the  most  friendly  Salutations,  there  con- 
curr,  my  valuable  Collegues.  But  in  a  very  particular  manner,  my 
highly  esteemed  Friend  and  Brother,  Mr.  Benjamin  Coleman,  who 
has  been  singularly  gratified  and  edified,  with  your  holy  Writings, 
which  I  have  communicated  unto  him. 


Memorial.^  a.a.s. 

[May- June,  17 16]. 

To  THE  Honourable,  the  Lieutenant  GovERNOxm,  and  Council 
AND    THE    Representatives    in    the    General    Court    now 

ASSEMBLED  ;      A  MEMORIAL  OF  COTTON  MaTHER. 

He  that  now  humbly  offers  this  Memorial,  has  been  informed 
that  the  last  General  Assembly  gratefully  ordered  the  Summ  of 
Three  hundred  pounds,  for  some  of  their  Agents,  who  were  employ'd 
for  two  years  in  the  public  Service,  as  in  Acknowledgment  of  their 
Endeavours  to  serve  the  Countrey :  and  he  takes  a  share  in  the  Satis- 
faction that  good  Men  have  to  see  them  who  lay  themselves  out  for 
the  pubUc  Service,  duely  acknowledged. 

But  he  does  not  understand,  that  any  such  Notice  was  then 
taken  of  the  Person,  who  served  with  very  much  Toil,  a  much  longer 
Time,  in  the  Affaires  of  the  Countrey,  that  were  then  in  very  difficult 
and  critical  Circumstances,  and  is  well-known  to  have  been  the  prin- 
cipal Instrument  of  obtaining  the  valuable  Priviledges  of  the  present 

»  See  p.  353,  supra. 


408         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

Charter,  when  the  Recovery  of  the  former  was  no  longer  to  be  hoped 
for. 

We  read  of  one,  That  God  Extended  favour  to  him,  before  the  King 
and  his  counscllours. 

And  he  hopes,  he  may  without  any  Trespass  upon  Modesty,  say 
that  it  is  well-known,  that  his  Parent  was  bless'd  of  God,  with  Favour 
before  King  William,  of  glorious  Memory,  and  before  His  great 
Ministers  of  State,  and  that  the  Effects  were  such  as  turned  unto  the 
Advantage  of  his  Countrey ;  yea,  in  one  Article  thereof,  the  Countrey 
received  of  a  royal  Bounty  upon  his  Petition,  as  much  as  the  Expence 
of  all  his  Agency.  It  is  well-known  that  with  indefatigable  Industry 
unblemishable  Fidelity  and  unexceptionable  Discretion,  he  employ'd 
all  his  Talents  and  Interests  four  Years  together,  for  the  good  of  his 
people.  Heaven  and  Earth  were  Witnesses:  He  returned  with 
ample  and  honourable  Testimonials. 

He  counts  it  but  a  filial  Duty,  to  represent  it  on  the  behalf  of 
his  Parent,  that  tho'  he  never  asked  any  Reward  in  this  World,  yett 
for  him  to  be  rewarded  with  a  total  Neglect  when  others  are  not  so 
may  carry  an  Imputation  upon  him,  and  may  neither  be  pleasing 
above,  nor  contributed  imto  the  Esteem  of  the  Country,  with  many 
that  wish  well  unto  it,  abroad  in  the  World  as  well  as  here  at  home. 

Having  been  led  into  this  Action,  by  w^hat  has  been  so  generously 
done  on  the  behalf  of  other  Agents,  one  who  never  did  ask  any  thing 
for  himself  of  any  Society  since  he  came  into  the  world,  apprehends 
it  but  a  proper  Thing,  that  he  should  on  the  behalf  of  his  aged  Parent, 
ask  to  have  this  Matter  taken  into  a  just  Consideration. 

C.  M. 


To .  A.A.S. 

Sir,  —  It  will  doubtless  be  an  Honour  unto  our  Countrey,  that 
it  has  been  equal  to  the  best  in  the  World,  for  the  Justice  exercised 
in  paying  the  Debts  of  the  public ;  and  a  sensible  Addition  is  made 
unto  its  honourable  Character,  when  there  are  done  such  things  as 
are  done  in  the  present  Session,  and  unto  Justice  there  is  added 
Gratitude. 

Good  men  are  pleased,  when  they  see  the  Countrey  grateful,  unto 
those  worthy  Gentlemen,  who  ventured  over  the  Atlantic  Ocean  in 
a  dangerous  Time,  and  underwent  the  Inconveniencies  of  an  Absence 
from  their  Families  and  Businesses,  in  an  Agency  for  us. 

But  I  perceive,  many  good  Men,  do  express  their  Wishes  with 


FEBRUARY,     1716-17  409 

some  concern,  that  there  may  not  be  at  the  same  time  a  total  Neglect 
of  a  Person  who  bore  a  part  in  that  Agency,  with  some  distinguishing 
Circumstances  of  Service,  when  all  the  Gentlemen  concerned  for  us, 
found  the  Prosecution  of  the  former  Charter  become  hopeless  and 
united  in  its  Petition  for  another,  which  produced  what  we  now 
enjoy.  Many  are  concerned,  lest  such  a  total  Neglect  of  that  per- 
son, may  carry  an  Aspect  with  it,  which  I  make  no  doubt  would  be 
far  from  the  Intentions  of  Gentlemen  of  such  Consideration,  as  we 
have  the  Happiness  to  see  both  Houses  fill'd  withal. 

To  confess  the  Truth ;  some  very  considerable  persons  in  both 
Houses,  have  given  me  to  understand  that  if  the  motion  be  brought 
forward  on  his  behalf,  they  beleeve  the  Assembly  will  readily  give 
to  that  Person  also,  some  Testimony,  that  they  accept  with  Thank- 
fulness, the  Pains  which  he  also  took,  to  obtain  for  us  the  Things  by 
which  we  have  enjoy'd  great  Quietness.  And  I  am  very  sure,  that 
if  any  Objections  happen  to  be  offered,  a  very  httle  Discourse  with 
him,  will  presently  sett  Things  in  so  true  and  clear  a  Light,  as  to 
remove  them  all,  and  render  his  Merits  incontestible. 

Tis  true,  when  the  first  Great  and  General  Assembly  of  this 
Province,  offered  him  a  Recompence,  at  his  Arrival ;  he,  considering 
the  Grievous  Debts  then  lying  on  a  distressed  People,  answered,  he 
would  have  liis  Recompence  adjourned  unto  the  Resurrection  of  the 
Just.  But,  certainly,  the  Sentiments  of  the  Province  act  this  Day, 
and  under  the  Influence  of  the  generous  Dispositions,  which  are  now 
operating,  will  not  be  the  less  favourable  to  him,  for  so  noble,  and 
christian  an  Answer. 

Tis'  also  true,  that  he  now  declines  to  take  any  Step  himself,  in 
this  Affair.  But  you  will  be  so  far  from  censuring,  that  you  will 
rather  commend  a  Son,  for  thus  doing  the  part  of  a  Remembrancer, 
and  stepping  in  with  a  Memorial  for  his  aged  Parent. 

Briefly ;  it  will  not  seem  strange,  if  the  Assembly  hear  a  Proposal 
of  this  Importance.  Tis  their  own  Goodness  towards  two  worthy 
Persons,  that  has  introduced  the  Thoughts  of  not  leaving  a  third 
forgotten.  But  it  might  very  well  seem  strange,  if  a  Son,  so  advised, 
and  so  directed,  as  I  have  been  on  this  occasion,  should  not  have 
address'd  you,  as  I  now  do;  with  an  Action,  the  like  to  which,  I 
never  did  in  my  Life  before.  For  I  never  in  my  Life  ask'd  any  Benefi- 
cence unto  myself,  from  any  Society  in  the  World ;  and  verily  if  I 
had  now  been  on  my  own  Account,  you  should  not  have  Syr,  Your 
most  hearty  servant 


4IO         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

To  Mrs.  Ann  Wyrly.*  a.a.s. 

[June,  1 716.] 

My  dear  Sister,  —  While  yours,  does  by  the  favour  of  God, 
render  me  one  of  the  happiest  men  in  the  World,  I  should  be  very 
inexcusable,  if  I  should  not  with  her,  have  your  Condition  very  much 
at  heart  and  consider  it  with  all  the  brotherly  Tenderness  imaginable. 

In  the  first  place,  we  do  most  affectionately  remember  you  in 
our  Prayers,  when  we  are  together  pouring  out  our  Supplications  unto 
the  Lord. 

And  then  we  would  comfort  one  another  with  Hopes,  that  the 
holy  Discipline  under  which  you  have  been  kept,  by  many  humbling 
Circumstances,  are  intended  by  our  faithful  Saviour,  to  conform  you 
more  unto  His,  glorious  Image,  and  produce  your  more  consummate 
Obedience  unto  Him  and  render  you  a  great  Sacrificer,  and  so  pre- 
pare you  for  the  Blessedness  of  the  heavenly  World ; 

At  your  Arrival  whereunto  you  will  see,  that  God  has  meant  all 
unto  good ;  and  in  the  mean  time,  O  Child  of  God,  accept  this  Con- 
solation from  Him,  what  I  do,  thou  knowest  not  now,  but  thou  shalt 
know  hereafter! 

But  a  few  Good  words  must  not  be  all  the  good,  that  you  are  to 
expect  from  us. 

Our  Daughter  Eowel,"^  (who  has  two  Sons,  George  and  Nathan,) 
was  yoked  unto  the  worst  Husband  upon  Earth.  Had  he  lived,  he 
had  soon  brought  a  Noble  to  Nine-pence ;  and  your  excellent  Sister's 
Interest  also,  which  was  unhappily  in  his  hands,  would  have  been  all 
confounded.  But  she  was  two  months  ago  delivered  from  him.  And 
you  may  assure  yourself,  that  as  soon  as  the  Estate  is  gott  into  any 
such  settlement,  as  to  lett  us  know,  what  we  can  command  as  our  own, 
I  shall  do  all  that  you  can  expect  from  a  Brother,  full  all  due  affection 
for  you. 

In  the  mean  time,  I  do  now  pray  your  Acceptance  of  a  small 
present  of  five  pounds  Sterling,  which  we  have  ordered  Mrs.  Blerso 
to  pay  unto  you. 

And  I  do  return  very  hearty  Thanks,  to  dear  Mr.  Nesbeit,  for  all 
the  compassion  and  Benignity,  wherewith  I  am  informed,  that  he 
has  treated  you.     May  the  glorious  Lord  reward  him? 

I  purpose  to  make  unto  you,  and  unto  our  sister  Clark,  by  the 

•  Daughter  of  Rev.  Samuel  Lee,  and  wife  of  Henry  Wyrlcy. 

*  Katharine  Lee  George,  married  (i)  Nathan  Howell,  who  died  May  2,  1716; 
(2)  Samuel  Sewall,  nephew  of  the  diarist. 


FEBRUARY,     1716-17  41I 

first  safe  hand,  I  can  find  for  conveyance,  a  small  present  of  certain 
Books  adapted  unto  your  present  Circumstances,  and  expressive  of 
my  fraternal  Regards,  Wishes,  and  Counsils,  for  you  under  them. 

I  am,  with  a  Tender  of  my  Wife's  most  affectionate  Remembrances 
to  both  of  you,  My  dear  sister ;  Your  true  Brother. 

Dear  Mrs.  Pitson,^  approves  herself,  a  Lovely  and  a  gracious 
Ctian;  one  of  an  Excellent  Spirit  and  Carriage.  And,  if  any  have 
written  a  word  amiss  of  her,  they  are  some  unworthy  People.  Tell 
Mr.  Nisbet  for  his  Comfort ;  A  church  of  such  Christians,  as  Mrs. 
Pittson  would  be  a  glorious  Thing.     I  wish,  I  could  say,  .  .  . 

To  Anthony  William  Boehm.  a.a.s. 

6d.  VI  w.  [August,]  1 7 16. 

Reverend  Sir,  —  Your  Letters,  dated  about  ten  Weeks  ago, 
accompanied  with  our  dear  Ziegenbalgh's,^  and  a  most  obHging  present 
of  Books,  have  arrived  unto  me ;  and  are  as  cool  Waters  to  a  thirsty 
Sold. 

It  is  among  the  singular  Felicities,  with  which  the  good  Hand  of 
Heaven  has  favoured  me,  that  I  enjoy  a  Correspondence  with  my 
invaluable  Boehm;  (which  alone,  is  to  me  an  inestimable  Treasure;) 
yea,  and  that  by  his  Meditation  I  am  lett  into  a  Correspondence, 
which  carries  my  precious  Opportunities  to  serve  the  Kingdome  of 
God,  into  a  vast  Extensiveness. 

I  rejoice  to  find  the  Magnolia  Christi  Americana,  fallen  into 
your  hands ;  and  I  verily  beleeve,  the  American  Puritanism,  to  be  so 
much  of  a  Peece  with  the  Frederician  Pietism,  that  if  it  were  possible 
for  the  Book  to  be  transferr'd  unto  our  Friends  in  the  Lower  Saxony, 
it  would  find  some  Acceptance,  and  be  a  Uttle  serviceable  to  their 
glorious  Intentions. 

Your  Enquiries,  after  the  History  of  the  Introduction  of  Chris- 
tianity into  the  other  EngUsh  Plantations  of  America,  must  meet 
with  a  short  and  melancholy  Answer. 

For  one  must  make  very  free  with  that  worthy  Name,  if  it 
be  said,  that  Christianity  is  yett,  well  introduced  into  them.    Our 

1  Elizabeth  Pittson  joined  the  second  Church,  September  18,  1715. 

*  Bartholomew  Ziegenbalgh,  "pastor  of  the  Indian  Church,  and  an  indefati- 
gable Missionary,  and  most  faithful  and  famous  Servant  of  Christ,  among  the 
Malabarians  in  the  East  Indies."  Some  information  concerning  him  is  given 
in  the  reply  to  Mather's  letter  of  December  31,  1717,  printed  in  Mather's  India 
Christiana,  62. 


412         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

Islands  are  indeed  inhabited  by  such  as  are  called  Christians.  But, 
alas,  how  dissolute  are  their  Manners!  And  how  inhumane  the  way 
of  their  Subsistence,  on  the  sweat  and  Blood  of  Slaves  treated  with 
infinite  Barbarities!  What  Uttle  Worship  of  God  they  have,  as  it  is 
confined  unto  the  English  Liturgy,  so  it  is  too  commonly  performed 
by  Parsons,  of  a  very  scandalous  Character. 

On  the  Continent,  the  Colony  of  Carolina,  was  in  a  fair  Way  to 
have  been  filled  with  a  religious  people ;  until  your  Society  for  the 
Propagation  of  Religion  in  foreign  Parts,  unhappily  sent  over  some  of 
their  Missionaries  thither ;  and,  I  am  informed,  that  with  them  and 
from  that  time,  a  mighty  Torrent  of  Profaneness  and  Wickedness 
carried  all  before  it;  and  every  thing  that  might  be  worthy  to  be 
called  Religion  is  very  much  lost  in  that  woful  Countrey. 

The  other  Colonies,  have  such  a  Religion  as  your  Ch:  of  E. 
maintains,  in  many  parts  of  the  Realm  at  home ;  and  is,  as  your 
Neighbours  usually  are,  afraid  lest  the  Dissenters  break  in,  to  show 
men  the  true  Methods  of  Uving  to  God,  and  instruct  them  in  a  Re- 
ligion that  shall  not  wholly  consist  in  lifeless  Forms  and  Ceremonies, 
Expiations  for  a  vicious  Life.  In  Pensylvania,  and  the  Jersey's  and 
some  adjacent  Places,  a  Congregation  of  more  serious  Christians,  is 
now  and  then  formed,  under  the  Conduct  of  a  godly  Minister.  But 
then  presently  some  of  those  Missionaries  whose  Bigotry  for  their 
High-Church  Follies  is  usually  more  conspicuous  than  their  piety, 
presently  pursue  them,  with  all  possible  Disturbances.  New  England 
is  the  only  Countrey,  in  Atnerica,  which  has  much  of  real  and  vital 
ReUgion  flourishing  in  it ;  and  here  also,  your  Missionaries,  who  are 
of  httle  use,  but  to  propagate  Impiety,  come  to  disturb  well  ordered 
Churches  of  God.  In  many  of  the  other  Colonies  there  are  Numbers 
of  ungospellized  Plantations,  which  have  no  public  Worship  of  God 
among  them.  Your  Society  sends  not  its  Missionaries,  unto  these. 
But  a  Countrey  fiU'd  with  holy  Churches  and  Pastors,  cannot  have  a 
dozen  htigious  Families  in  a  Village,  where  the  Name  of  the  Ch.  of  E. 
pretended  by  odd  People,  who  know  nothing  of  the  matter,  may  be 
of  Use,  to  serve  their  political  and  vexatious  Purposes,  but  presently 
the  Society  dispatch  their  Missionaries  hither.  However,  by  a 
strange  Infatuation  from  Heaven  upon  them,  the  Missionaries  which 
have  been  sent  hither,  have  been  generally  men  of  such  a  Behaviour, 
that  it  was  impossible  to  take  a  more  effectual  Course  for  the  preju- 
dicing of  this  religious  Countrey  against  that  sort  of  men,  or  the 
begetting  an  Horror  for  the  Ch.  of  E.  in  the  New  English  Colonies. 
If  a  true  History  of  the  Missions  from  the  Society  were  published, 


FEBRUARY,     1716-17  413 

Mankind  would  be  convinced,  that  Charity  was   never  so  abused  in 
the  World.i 

But  Sir,  if  you  would  have  an  Account  of  the  American  Colonies* 

It  gives  me  a  great  Satisfaction,  that  our,  Lapis'  e  Monte  does 
agree  so  well  with  you;  as  indeed,  I  was  well  assured  it  would. 

I  continue  my  Instances,  that  you  would,  if  it  be  possible,  gett 
the  Instrument  into  France;  and,  I  pray,  convey  one  of  them,  if  you 
can,  to  the  Marquess  of  Langallen's.  Tis  this  everlasting  Gospel, 
that  must  carry  all  before  it. 

When  I  readd  the  preface  of  our  excellent  Frankius  to  his  Greek 
New  Testament,  it  revived  in  me  some  Hopes;  that  our  glorious 
Lord,  may  in  His  Time  inspire  and  incline  some  capable  Persons  to 
bring  our,  Biblia  Americana,  into  the  World.  There  being  so  Uttle 
of  my  own  in  that  Work,  I  may  use  the  more  Freedome,  in  giving 
you  some  Account  of  it.  Yea,  I  may  venture  to  say  this:  I  can 
without  Vanity  assure  you,  that  the  Church  of  God,  has  never  yett 
had  so  rich  an  Amassment  of  the  most  valuable  Things  together 
tendered  unto  it.  But  after  all,  the  most  valuable  Things,  are  those 
which  such  men  as  your  Arndt,  and  Franck,  and  others  of  the  Uke 
truest  Erudition,  have  led  into.  I  expect  no  distinguishing  Favour 
from  any  distinguished  party  of  Christians.  And,  the  Dissenters  in 
London  have  particularly  treated  me,  and  the  offer  of  this  Work 
after  such  a  manner,  as  I  have  ever  expected,  from  men  of  their  nar- 
row Spirits ;  and  among  whom,  I  wish,  learning  were  more  esteemed 
and  exemplified.  If  this  work  ever  see  the  Light,  I  expect,  it  will  be 
from  the  Countenance  and  Contribution,  of  men  of  our  Universal 
Religion;  who  will  every  way  appear  more  and  more  in  the  several 
Forms  of  Christianity.  And  among  such  I  entreat  of  you,  that  my, 
new  offer,  may  be  communicated. 

I  purpose,  that,  if  I  live,  you  shall  suddenly  hear  further  from 
me.  In  the  mean  time,  I  pray  your  Acceptance  of  a  few  of  our  latest 
Publications ;  whereof,  I  shall  be  glad,  if  you  send  some  to  our  Friends 
in  the  Frederician  University. 

May  the  glorious  Lord,  graciously  continue,  and  multiply  your 
Opportunities  to  serve  His  Kingdome,  and  bring  on  the  Reign  of 
Piety,  I  am,  Sir,  Your  most  affectionate  Brother  and  serv't. 

*  Such  a  history  did  appear  in  1730,  as  An  Historical  Account  of  the  Incorpo- 
rated Society  for  the  Propagation  of  the  Gospel  in  Foreign  Parts,  prepared  by  David 
Humphreys,  Secretary  to  the  Society. 

^  He  probably  here  inserted  a  sketch  of  the  state  of  religion  in  America. 


414         DIARY  OP  COTTON  MATHER 

To  Jeremiah  Dummer.  a.a.s. 

Sir,  —  If  many  Letters  of  mine,  can  bring  you  into  the  Debt  of 
so  much  as  one  you  are  certainly  at  least  so  much  in  mine. 

This  hinders  not  my  adding  this  to  the  Number  of  my  Letters, 
wherein  I  shall  (and  alwayes,)  keep  close  to  the  two  Rules,  on  which, 
I  have  heretofore  told  you,  that  when  you  saw  my  hand  in  a  Super- 
scription, you  might  go  on,  and  open,  with  a  perpetual  Dependence. 

There  is  not  that  man  upon  Earth  which  will  charge  me,  with 
ever  speaking  one  injurious  Word  of  you  on  any  Occasion.  And, 
tho'  I  have  perhaps  mention'd  Irenceus  Americus,  it  has  alwayes  been 
with  the  candid  Sentiments  and  the  very  Expressions,  which  have 
been  employ'd  on  that  Occasion,  by  our  incomparrable  Sir  Wm. 
Ashurst,  whom  you  know  to  be  one  of  the  best  of  men,  and  I  know 
that  you  have  not  a  better  Friend  upon  the  Earth. 

If  you  find  an  odd  sort  of  a  Treatment  among  us,  you  will  not 
wonder,  that  one  who  has  the  ill  hap  to  have  a  certain  Man  whom  you 
know  very  well,  to  be  his  Adversary  should  be  treated  so.  Mr.  Mather 
has  been  formerly  as  much  maligned  and  abused  by  that  man  as  Mr. 
Dummer;  but  the  one  has  outlived  it,  and  so  will  the  other. 

I  have  my  just  share  in  the  common  Joy,  of  your  Deliverance 
from  the  Brand  which  threatned  you,  and  have  signalized  it  in  a 
more  significant  way,  than  any  Person  in  the  Countrey. 

But,  Oh!  may  the  precious  Effects,  both  of  the  Trouble,  and  of 
the  Rescue  be  with  such  a  conspicuous  Improvement  in  Piety  and  all 
Goodness,  that  it  may  be  said,  God  has  meant  it  unto  good. 

Your  Circumstances  upon  many  accounts,  expose  you  to  wondrous 
Temptations ;  and  the  Trial  which  has  befallen  you,  comes  upon  an 
Errand  from  Heaven,  whereof,  may  our  gracious  God  make  you 
wisely  sensible. 

Your  not  being  assign'd  a  share  in  the  Presentation  of  an  Address 
from  our  Ministers,  was,  I  suppose,  entirely  a  Complement  unto  one, 
who  is  now  succeeded  by  a  person,  whose  excellent  Character,  fills  us 
with  praises  to  our  merciful  God,  and  thanks  unto  our  King,  and  unto 
them,  who  have  made  him  appris'd  of  our  Condition. 

There  will  be  no  doubt  of  your  being  again  desired  to  continue 
in  your  Agency  and  I  desire  you  to  continue  in  your  Generosity. 

I  do  not  use  to  nauseate  you,  with  any  of  my  published  Compo- 
sures ;  but  there  is  one  which  I  will  now  impose  upon  you.     Behold. 


FEBRUARY,      1716-17  415 

To  Henry  Walrond.  a.a.s. 

31  d.  8  m.  [October.]  1716. 

My  dear  and  most  valuable  Brother,  —  One  Infelicity  among 
the  Consequences  of  my  not  meeting  with  you  at  London,  is,  that  I 
am  afraid  the  Oportunities  for  Correspondence  will  have  an  uneasy 
Abridgment  upon  them.  We  shall  not  have  so  many  Opportunities 
to  hear  from  one  another. 

But  what  I  can  lay  hold  on,  I  will  embrace  with  all  the  Alacrity 
of  a  Brother,  hoping  to  converse  with  a  Friend,  than  whom  no  Brother 
can  be  more  endeared. 

Our  Countrey  affords  little  matter  of  Intelligence  to  entertain 
and  gratify  an  Europaean  Curiosity.  But,  because  it  will  be  a  satis- 
faction unto  you,  I  will  inform  you,  that  our  Churches  are  continually, 
and  peaceably  multiplying  and  as  in  the  rest  of  the  Countrey,  so 
in  our  City  of  Boston,  tis  remarkably  exemplified. 

The  Church  which  I  serve,  has  mett  in  an  aedifice,  no  less  than 
seventy  foot  long,  sixty  six  foot  wide,  and  three  Tires  of  Galleries 
one  over  another;  but  yett  so  throng 'd  an  Auditory  that  they  pro- 
posed a  swarm.  I  approved  and  assisted  their  Motion ;  help'd  them 
to  build  another  Meeting-house,  and  gathering  their  Church,  and 
ordaining  their  Minister.  So,  I  have  a  flourishing  Society  drawn  off 
from  me,  but  subsisting  in  the  very  midst  of  my  own,  and  such  a 
strange  Blessing  on  my  own,  that  our  Congregation  hardly  misses 
any  of  its  Numbers,  and  the  Lord's-day-Collections  (which  in  this 
City  bear  all  our  ecclesiastical  Expences,)  are  larger  than  they  were 
before  the  Secession.  Within  a  Month  or  two,  another  new  Church 
will  be  formed  in  the  South  part  of  our  City.  And  then  we  shall 
have  seven  Churches,  of  our  United  Brethren,  belonging  to  this  Town; 
besides  a  Synagogue  of  High  Church  and  another  of  the  Baptists,  and 
another  of  the  French  with  whom  we  Hve  in  all  decent  Agreement. 

The  Ch :  of  E.  is  become  exceeding  lothesome  in  these  Colonies, 
by  the  Scandal  they  have  taken  at  your  Society  for  the  Propagation  of 
the  Gospel,  (as  they  are  pleas'd  to  call.  Episcopacy,)  in  foreign  Parts. 
For,  first,  it  hath  seem'd  strange  unto  them,  that,  while  they  left 
many  Places  in  the  more  Southern  Colonies  utterly  ungospellLzed  and 
without  any  social  Worship  of  God,  at  the  same  time,  if  half  a  score 
or  a  very  few  sorry  People  in  the  well-instructed  Towns  of  N.  E.  that 
they  might  serve  some  litigious  Purposes,  declare  for  the  Ch :  of  E. 
presently  the  Society  dispatch  and  support  their  Missionaries,  to 
strengthen  these  People,  in  their  Wayes,  which  are  alwayes  grievous. 


4l6         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

But,  secondly,  it  has  happened,  that  the  Missionaries  for  the  most 
part  have  been  men  of  such  a  vicious  and  horrid  Character,  that  the 
worst  People  we  have  are  not  near  so  bad,  as  they  that  should  have 
been  their  Instructors  in  all  Goodness.  You  may  easily  apprehend, 
what  Ideas  of  the  Ch.  of  E.  must  be  produced  in  the  sober  Christians 
of  this  Countrey,  by  such  a  Conduct,  and  how  much  they  must  look 
on  what  is  done  by  the  Society  for  the  Molestation  of  the  Gospel  in 
foreign  Parts,  as  the  greatest  Prostitution  of  Charity,  that  ever  was 
in  the  World. 

But  so  much  for  that  ungrateful  Subject ! 

You  have  been  pleased,  Syr,  to  lett  me  know,  that  you  are  willing 
to  afford  a  place  in  your  Library,  unto  the  poor  Composures,  which 
the  mean  hand  that  now  writes,  has  pubUshed.  About  forty  of  these, 
you  have  lett  me  understand,  that  they  have  already  reached  you. 
But  indeed  there  are  above  two  hundred  more ;  belonging  to  the 
Catalogue ;  which  have  already  pass'd  the  Press ;  Altho'  some,  which 
are  longer  than  any  of  these,  (except  the  Magnolia,)  and  the  Biblia 
Americana  also  (which  are  more  than  three  times  as  big  as  the  Mag- 
nalia,)  and  have  cost  me  exquisite  Elaborations,  ly  by  unpublished. 
A  great  Part  of  these  are  already  so  out  of  print,  that  I  despair  of 
recovering  them.  Such  as  I  can  recover,  I  shall  endeavour,  as  I  do 
so,  to  croud  into  such  Packetts,  as  I  may  (if  I  Uve,)  transmitt  from 
Time  to  Time  unto  you. 

Tho'  I  am,  from  very  many  parts  of  the  world,  soUicited  for  the 
Biblia  Americana,  yett,  I  have  no  Prospect  of  its  being  undertaken 
by  the  London-Booksellers,  until  the  present  Storms  are  over ;  which, 
I  am  so  far  from  expecting,  that  I  beleeve,  the  Times  must  grow  yett 
more  tempestuous. 

But,  it  becomes  me,  with  all  possible  Resignation,  to  submitt  imto 
the  Disposals  of  Him,  who  is  the  Head  of  the  Church,  and  I  have  no 
Eyes  but  what  are  in  that  glorious  Head.  Lett  Him  do  with  us,  and 
our  Essayes  to  serve  Him,  even  what,  and  when  He  pleases ! 

Among  the  Composures  in  a  Packet  which  now  visits  you,  there 
is  a  very  Uttle  Thing,  entituled.  Lapis  etc.  which  is  of  greater  Expec- 
tation with  me,  than  anything  that  I  have  ever  yett  been  concerned 
in,  you  shall  give  me  leave  to  say,  — 

After  all  this,  I  have  been  informed,  that  when  the  Consideration 
of  it,  has  been  offered  unto  the  General  Meeting  of  your  Ministers, 
it  has  been  treated  after  such  a  manner,  as  much  to  confirm  such 
Thoughts  as  I  had  before  Entertained  of  my  honoured  Brethren, 
being  yett,  scarce  ready  to  see,  and  much  less  to  do  the  great  Things 


FEBRUARY,     1716-17  417 

wherein  the  Kingdome  of  God  is  to  come  on.  The  Truth  is, 
it  looks  as  if  Lutherans  in  Germany  had  righter  Sentiments  of,  and 
were  like  to  greater  Services  for,  the  Kingdome  of  God,  than  my 
excellent  Brethren,  the  Dissenters  in  Gr.  Britain,  seem  disposed  for. 

But  my  Walrond  is  a  person  of  more  Catholic  Spirit,  than 
many  in  the  world.  I  throw  the  Lapis  Excisus,  into  his  hands.  I 
beg  him  to  bestow  a  deep  Consideration  upon  it.  I  beg  him  to  pene- 
trate into  the  vast  Tendencies  of  it.  I  beg  him,  to  do  what  he  can, 
that  it  may  be  shott  into  the  Bowels  of  France;  and  communicate 
it,  wherever  else  it  may  serve  the  Intentions  of  it.  Pardon  me,  Syr, 
if  I  say  to  you. 

But  it  is  time  for  me  to  conclude  my  long  Letter.  I  do  it,  with 
earnest  Supplications  to  our  glorious  Lord,  that  your  precious  Life 
may  be  prolonged,  and  that  all  your  Holy  Studies  to  serve  the  best  of 
Interests  may  be  directed  and  prosperity  continue  your  Loves  and 
Prayers  for,  Sir,  Your  most  affectionate  Brother. 

To  Oliver  Noyes,  a.a.s. 

[November?  1716.] 

My  honoured  Friend,  —  When  some  Gentlemen  of  your  hon- 
ourable House,  lately,  (that  is  to  say,  the  last  Thursday  Evening) 
obliged  me  with  a  visit,  I  did  offer  my  present  sentiments  on  two 
Articles,  after  which  there  was  made  some  Enquiry.^ 

First,  Concerning  our  Govemour,  I  declared,  that  I  took  his 
Candour  and  Goodness  to  be  such,  that,  we  may  be  happy  in  him, 
and  should  be  thankful  for  him,  and  that  we  shall  do  well  to  do  every 
thing,  that  may  have  a  Tendency  to  make  his  Government  an  easy 
Station  to  him.  To  this  purpose,  I  read  certain  passages  in  Letters 
from  our  Friends  abroad.  And  added,  my  hopes,  that  the  faithful 
Methods  used  continually  to  rescue  His  Excellency  from  some  Dan- 
gers our  People  were  afraid  of  would  not  be  ineffectual.  And  I  inti- 
mated that  I  also  hoped,  all  wise  Men  would  avoid  every  thing  that 
should  give  the  least  Occasion  of  Suspicion,  that  they  could  prefer 
before  him  a  Person  of  a  much  less  agreeable  Character  for  us. 

Secondly,  Concerning  our  Agent,  I  declared.  That  I  was  most 
inclinable  to  the  opinion,  that  we  should  not  be  too  sudden  in  laying 
aside  Mr.  D[umme]r,  from  his  Agency,  with  any  Indignities,  inas- 
much as  all  our  powerful  and  more  distinguished  Friends  at  home 
were  his ;  and  had  copiously  and  vehemently  recommended  him  unto 

*  See  p.  383,  supra. 
n  •  27 


4l8         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

US ;  and  I  fear'd,  a  Contempt  cast  upon  him,  would  be  such  an  affront 
and  Offence  unto  them  all,  as  would  be  greatly  to  our  Damage.  And 
tho'  that  Business  of  Brand  had  a  very  odd  Aspect,'  yett  there  were 
come  over  such  legal  vindications  of  Mr  D — r,  under  the  Seal  of  the 
Lord-Mayor  and  otherwise  that  it  seemed  not  at  all  proper  publickly 
to  insist  upon  it.  So  that,  some  remarkable  Indescretion  or  Unfaith- 
fulness in  his  mismanagement  seemed  the  only  just  Cause,  at  this 
time  to  lay  him  aside,  which,  if  it  were  found,  there  could  not  one 
word  be  spoken  for  his  Countenance.  But  in  the  mean  time,  so  very 
great  a  Number  of  considerable  Persons  in  the  Place,  were  so  strongly 
possess'd  of  his  being  a  great  Sufferer  for  his  doing  a  great  Service 
for  us,  they  would  espouse  his  cause  to  such  a  Degree,  as  to  make  a 
very  uncomfortable  Clash,  which  would  be  attended  with  much 
Iniquity  among  us.  For  which  Reasons,  I  could  not  but  think,  such  a 
Matter  ought  very  deliberately  to  be  proceeded  in. 

This  was  the  Summ  of  my  Discourse ;  in  all  which,  as  I  spoke, 
ut  qui  suutn  Dominum  [  ],  so,  I  wish  you  could  have  heard 

it  all.  I  don't  remember,  that  one  disrespectful  Word  was  uttered 
of  the  Gentlemen  who  might  have  other  Sentiments;  but  all  pos- 
sible Deference  paid  unto  their  Merits,  (tho  no  Persons  particularly 
mentioned.) 

Our  late  Lt  Govemour's  Name,^  did  not  once  occurr,  that  I 
remember,  in  all  our  Conference. 

And  whereas  you  have  had  Intimations  as  if  I  declared  some 
relinquishments  of  my  former  Thoughts,  about  our  private  Bank,  tis, 
cujus  conirarium.  I  have  never  done  so,  to  any  one  man  in  the  world. 
And  at  this  time,  I  expressly  said,  I  may  be  as  qualified  as  another 
man,  to  say  what  I  am  going  to  speak ;  because  I  suppose,  I  differ 
from  the  Generality  of  the  Gentlemen  present,  in  the  Matter  of  the 
Bank.  I  cannot  but  hope,  the  different  Views  of  wise  men  about  that 
matter,  will  be  so  temperately  maintained,  as  not  to  affect  the  public 
Tranquillity. 

This  is  the  Summ  and  Aim  of  what  I  have  spoken. 

And  I  now  speak  it  all  over  again,  unto  you,  my  particular  Friend, 
perswaded,  that  I  serve  the  cause  of  Piety,  as  well  as  of  Peace,  in 
praying  you,  to  allow  the  Points,  a  very  calm,  and  just  Consideration. 

And  I  do  now  add  some  further  Thoughts,  which  nothing  but  a 
pure  Friendship  could  move  me  to. 

First ;  I  beseech  you  to  do  nothing  which  they  that  are  most  of 
all  jealous  of  you,  may  have  any  pretence  to  construe,  as  a  Design  to 
'  See  Sewall,  Diary,  in.  78.  *  Tailer. 


FEBRUARY,     1716-17  419 

give  any  Uneasiness,  unto  our  sweet  spirited  Govcrnour  and  provoke 
his  Return,  that  we  may  be  unhappy  in  an  unknown  successor.  As 
His  Excellency's  Interest  at  home  is  not  easily  to  be  abated,  so  it 
will  grow  among  our  selves.  And  they  that  shall  be  thought  his 
Enemies  will  mightily  hurt  themselves.  I  much  desire,  that  your 
valuable  Accomplishments,  may  be  ever  improved  for  the  Benefit  of 
your  Countrey. 

Secondly,  I  entreat  you,  to  keep  your  Stops,  in  your  Opposition, 
to  what  may  be  the  prevailing  Inchnation  for  Mr.  D — r.  I  take  not 
Mr.  D — r,  to  be  a  personal  Friend  of  mine ;  He  has  given  me  cause 
enough  to  reckon  him  very  much  otherwise.  It  is  very  seldome  that 
he  has  written  to  me  of  late  years ;  and  when  he  has  done  it,  I  think 
it  has  alwayes  been  with  an  Acrimony,  that  I  take  little  pleasure  in. 
But  I  cannot  imagine,  an  outrage  upon  him  just  done  to  be  season- 
able. You  sufBciently  discharge  your  Conscience  in  a  moderate 
Manifestation  of  your  Judgment ;  and  so  leaving  of  it.  If  the  Wrath 
go  on,  you  sacrifice  to  his  numerous  Friends,  what  your  usual  pur- 
dence  in  other  Cases,  would  not  so  liberally  throw  away.     Sic  causeo. 

You  will  give  my  service,  to  my  vertuous,  and  highly  esteemed, 
Mr.  A.  Stoddard,  and  lett  him  see  all  that  now  comes  to  you  from  Sir, 
Your  most  sincere  Friend  and  Serv't. 


To  Elihu  Yale.  a.a.s. 

November  12,  1716. 

Sir,  —  Your  honourable  Kinsman  returning  for  London,  gives  me 
an  agreeable  Opportunity,  of  congratulating  the  Satisfaction,  which 
you  cannot  but  enjoy,  in  having  a  Kinsman  so  worthy  of  your  best 
Regards. 

He  has  not  only  been  so  much  my  particular  Friend,  but  the 
public  has  also  been  so  obliged  and  gratified,  in  his  candid,  generous, 
uncorrupt  Administration,  while  he  possessed  the  chief  Seat  of  our 
Government  that  I  owe  him  all  the  Expression  of  a  friendly  Respect, 
that  I  can  give  him. 

I  am  very  much  a  Stranger  to  the  clashing  of  particular  Interests, 
and  I  have  none  of  them  to  serve ;  but,  I  think,  I  may,  without 
Prejudice  to  anybody,  say,  that  it  is  a  rare  thing  for  a  Person  to 
recede  from  a  Post  of  public  service,  more  generally  esteemed  for  a 
gentlemanly  Behaviour  in  it,  than  Col.  Taller. 

The  End  of  my  writing  this,  is  purely  to  add  a  Grain  or  two, 
unto  the  Pleasure,  which  the  first  Interview  of  such  Relatives,  after 


420         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

long  Distance,  is  to  be  fill'd  withal:  And  therewith  to  pray  your 
Acceptance  of  two  or  three  small  American  Productions,  which  only 
for  the  sake  of  a  Countrey,  which  has  not  lost  your  affectionate 
Remembrance  of  it,  may  hope  for  your  favourable  Eye  upon  them. 

Which  I  do,  with  hearty  Prayers  to  our  glorious  God  and  Saviour 
for  His  Blessings  to  be  multiplied  on  your  Person  and  Family.  And 
with  many  Thanks  to  Heaven  for  the  excellent  Govemour,  whom 
you  have  lately  sent  over  to  us.  And  subscribe,  Sir,  Your  most 
hearty  servt. 

To  Sir  William  Ashurst?  a.a.s. 

Sir,  —  Having  a  few  Dayes  ago,  written  to  your  Honour,  by 
C[olonel]  Toiler,  I  have  nothing  to  add,  but  a  short  Report  of  what 
occurr'd  in  our  G[eneral]  A[ssembly]  about  the  Time  of  his  going  off ; 
because  it  will  be  an  Article  of  your  more  particular  Sollicitude  and 
Satisfaction. 

Three  or  four  of  the  Representatives,  (those  particularly  that 
act  for  the  city  of  Boston,)  have  been  extremely  disaffected  unto  our 
Agent  Mr.  D— r  and  better  affected  than  they  should  have  been  unto 
one  whom  he  had  made  his  Enemy  by  his  doing  for  us  the  greatest 
of  Services.  These  Gentlemen  being  sufficiently  noisy  and  subtil  and 
Master  of  all  the  Arts  which  were  necessary  on  such  an  Occasion, 
caused  much  Distemper  in  the  G.  A.  at  their  first  coming  together. 
About  nineteen  or  twenty  principal  Members  of  the  House,  together 
did  me  the  Honour  of  a  Visit,  before  three  Dayes  of  their  Session  had 
passed  over. 

At  what  time,  I  had  an  agreeable  Opportunity,  first  of  all,  to 
expatiate  on  the  excellent  Character  of  our  Governour,  and  our  vast 
Obligations  unto  you  particularly,  for  the  share  you  had  in  obtaining 
so  rich  a  Blessing  for  us.  And  then,  I  sett  before  them,  in  as  engaging 
a  manner  as  I  could,  what  Reasons  there  were  for  our  pubhck  Respects 
to  be  still  continued  unto  Mr.  D — r.  How  amply  and  fully  he  had 
been  vindicated  from  Aspersions ;  and  how  copiously  he  had  been 
recomended  unto  us,  by  our  best  Friends,  with  you,  for  his  FideUty 
and  Assiduity,  in  our  Service. 

The  Effect  of  this  Conference,  was  beyond  what  I  could  have  had 
the  Vanity  to  have  look'd  for ; 

A  conspicuous  Change  in  the  Tempers  and  Measures  of  the  House 
Ensued.  And  the  House  quickly  came  to  very  much  of  what  was 
desired  from  them.  If  they  do  not  in  the  present  Session  come  up 
to  all  that  should  be  done,  it  is  expected  that  the  men  who  have  been 


FEBRUARY,     1716-17  421 

SO  troublesome,  will  be  dropt  in  the  next  Election,  and  then  the  Spirit 
of  the  People,  which  appears  full  of  zeal  for  our  Governour,  and  for 
our  Agent,  will  doubtless  more  fully  exert  itself. 


To  Mr.  Ward.  a.a.s, 

Boston,  N.  E.  20  d.  IX  m.  [November.]  1716. 

Sir,  —  It  is,  I  suppose,  hardly  a  month  ago,  that  I  gave  myself 
the  Satisfaction  of  writing  to  you ;  and  you  may  be  sure,  tis  a  Satis- 
faction, which  I  shall  on  all  Opportunities  be  grasping  at. 

The  only  subject  of  this  Letter,  will  be  a  Matter  somewhat 
foreign  from  what  I  usually  treat  you  withal :  but  not  altogether 
Foreign  to  the  Friendship,  wherewith  our  whole  Conversation  is  to 
be  maintained. 

I  grow  somewhat  sensible,  that  the  Trade  between  Holland  and 
New  England,  is  on  the  growing  hand,  and  that  on  both  sides  it  proves 
pretty  much  to  the  Mind  of  those  concerned  in  it. 

You  are  now  addressed  by  a  young  gentleman,  Mr  Samuel  Sewal, 
with  Tenders  of  his  best  Services  to  you,  if  you  see  cause  to  favour 
him  with  any  of  your  Consignments.  Perhaps,  by  giving  you  some 
Account  of  him,  I  may  do  something  to  introduce  him  into  the  way 
of  being  serviceable  to  you,  if  you  may  judge  it  proper  that  he  should 
be  so. 

He  is  an  acute  and  polite  Merchant ;  one  of  distinguished  Inge- 
nuity, and  of  a  very  worthy  Family :  But  what  is  best  of  all,  he  is  a 
person  of  unspotted  Probity,  and  excellent  Piety;  nor  do  I  know  a 
young  Gentleman,  whom  I  could  with  more  assurance  recommend 
for  his  Capacity  and  FideUty. 

And  I  beleeve  it  will  be  no  Prejudice  unto  the  Recommendation 
which  I  have  given  of  him,  when  I  add  this  Article  to  it ;  That  before 
this  comes  to  your  hands,  he  hopes  to  be  a  Son-in-Law  to  your  Ameri- 
can Friend,  who  now  mentions  him. 

I  will  confess  to  you,  that  I  also  hope  for  one  Advantage  to  myself, 
if  ever  the  Correspondence  now  proposed,  should  be  produced,  which 
is,  that  I  have  a  mighty  Thirst  after  the  Sight  of  Books,  now  and  then 
pubUshed  in  Holland:  which  may  upon  sending  you  the  Titles  be 
transmitted  with  the  Goods  that  you  may  send  hither,  and  I  pay  here 
the  Price  at  which  you  charge  them.  In  this  Uteratory  Trade,  our 
candid  and  precious  Friend  Mr.  Lojtus,  may  be  of  use,  to  procure, 
what  I  may  write  for.  And  the  Truth  is,  I  will  now  already  begin  the 
Trade ;  with  a  Request  upon  it. 


422         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

There  is  one  Thomas  Crenius,^  who  had  published  above  a  dozen 
little  Duodecimo  Volumes,  of  Collections  of  small  Treatises,  full  of 
Erudition,  which  have  been  heretofore  exhibited  in  Separate  and 
scattered  Editions.  Our  dear  Mr.  Loflus,  will  explain  what  they  are ; 
and  will  direct  how  to  come  at  them.  If  you  thought  fit  to  procure 
these  for  me,  and  send  them,  in  what  way  you  please,  I  should  immedi- 
ately pay  to  your  order  here,  the  Price  at  which  they  may  be  charged. 

What  remains  is,  to  repeat  my  Supplications  to  the  Glorious  God 
our  Saviour,  that  He  would  multiply  His  Blessings  on  your  Person 
and  Family,  and  subscribe,  Sir,  Your  most  affectionate  Friend  and 
Serv't. 

From  Samuel  Penhallow.  a.a.s. 

PoRTSMorTH,  Decbr.  27th,  1716. 

Revd.  and  Dear  Doctor,  —  I  need  not  I  presume  tell  you  that 
our  friend  Capt.  Wentworth^  is  in  Nomination  att  home  for  being  Lt. 
Governour  of  this  Province,  but  the  King's  absence  did  put  a  stop 
unto  the  Methods  then  used  to  effect  it;  and  it  being  hoped  that  he 
is  now  returned ;  and  for  as  much  as  interest  with  some  great 
person  is  needfuU  to  obtaine  such  an  End ;  I  would  pray  the  favour 
of  you  to  write  a  letter  on  his  behalf  with  Sir  Wm.  Ashurst,  with  whom 
I  well  know  you  Entertain  a  constant  correspondence.  I  need  not  tell 
you  that  he  is  a  deserved  member  of  our  councill,  and  a  gentleman 
every  way  qualified  as  to  Estate,  vertue,  and  loyalty,  who  studies  the 
interest  of  the  Country,  and  an  upholder  of  the  constitution  of  our 
churches;  a  true  friend  to  the  present  Governour,^  and  universally 
beloved  among  us ;  whereas  our  present  Lt.  Gov'r  *  is  on  the  reverse, 
of  which  I  have  writt  att  large  unto  your  honoured  father.  Mr. 
Dummer  I  am  well  assured  will  Second  every  thing  that  you  write 
on  this  head. 

And  whereas  we  have  a  ship  hence  bound  for  England  in  a  few 
days,  would  pray  you  to  send  over  the  letters  unto  Sir  Wm,  or  any  else 
you  are  interested  in,  that  I  may  send  accordingly.  Your  favour 
herein,  will  be  of  greatest  interest  unto  our  poor  Province,  and  a 
particular  interest  unto  Revd  Sir,  Your  truly  affect,  and  most 
obliged  servt.  5^^^^   Penhallow. 

>  His  real  name  was  Crusius  (1648-1728).  His  Historical  and  Critical  Disser- 
tations, in  ten  volumes,  appeared  in  i6qi. 

'  John  VVentworth.      See  Belknap,  Uistory  of  New  Hampshire,  i.  187. 
'  Shute.  *  George  Vaughan. 


FEBRUARY,     1716-17  423 

To  Rev.  John  Squire.  a.a.s. 

[January,  1716-17.] 

Sir,  —  When  you  (and  the  Brethren  with  you)  arrived  here,  we 
did  with  unspeakable  Pleasure,  lay  hold  on  the  Opportunity,  to 
express  our  Communion  with  the  dear  Church  of  Scotland,  and  the 
precious  Sons  of  Zion  therein,  whom  we  valued  as  our  most  United 
Brethren. 

Accordingly  we  have  all  along  treated  you,  with  all  the  Civilities 
imaginable,  as  we  have  alwayes  done  other  Ministers  of  your  Nation, 
upon  their  Arrival  among  us. 

You  are  the  first,  that  ever  we  have  known  to  decline  and  renounce 
Communion  with  the  Churches  of  God  in  this  Countrey.  Albeit,  I 
am  very  certain,  that  for  you  to  have  held  an  occasional  Communion 
with  them,  would  have  been  very  grateful  to  your  excellent  Mother, 
the  Church  of  Scotland:  the  Elect  Lady,  I  am  very  certain,  would 
have  been  pleased  with  it ;  And  your  treating  of  it,  in  such  a  manner 
as  you  have  done,  has  much  reproached  her. 

You  must  not  wonder,  if  Declarations  that  it  would  be  a  Wrong 
unto  Conscience,  to  hold  Communion  with  our  Churches;  and  In- 
sinuations thrown  among  the  people,  that  our  Ministers  can  admitt 
you  no  otherwise  than  as  Lay-men ;  and  that  our  Baptism  is  little 
better  than  none  at  all ;  should  be  Things,  at  which  we  are  dissatis- 
fied. Nor  can  it,  without  a  Folly  equal  unto  the  rest,  be  called,  a 
Persecution  for  Righteousness  Sake,  if  in  our  Discourse  with  you  will 
tell  you  so. 

This  does  not  hinder  me  from  telling  you,  that  I  am  afraid  your 
hasty  Leaving  of  the  hospitable  and  religious  Family,  where  you 
have  alwayes  been  honourably  treated,  may  expose  you  to  some 
Inconveniencies. 

Wherefore  I  do  in  the  most  brotherly  Manner,  invite  you  to  my 

own  Habitation  ;  where  your  Diet  and  Lodging  shall  cost  you  nothing, 

while  you  stay  in  the  Countrey,  if  you  see  Cause  to  accept  thereof ; 

or  are  not  provided  more  to  your  Satisfaction.    Your  Accommodations 

here,  will  be  Inferiour  to  few  in  the  Town;   and,  in  respect  of  the 

Library  superiour  to  any.     To  which  this  easy  Circumstance  will  be 

added ;  that  all  the  while  you  stay,  you  shall  not  hear  those  Things, 

which  we  take  to  be  your  Weaknesses,  uneasily  insisted  on.     Do  what 

you  please,  I  shall  alwayes  endeavour   to    approve  myself,    your 

Friend  and  Servant.  ^    ,, 

C.  M. 


424       diary  of  cotton  mather 

From  Rev.  John  Sqihre.  a.a.s. 

Boston,  January  loth,  1716. 

Sir,  —  I  received  your  letter  by  Mr.  White,  In  which  you  seem 
to  express  your  great  affection  towards  the  Church  of  Scotland,  which, 
you  say,  you  took  pleasure  to  express  to  us  upon  our  arrival  at  this 
place.  In  my  judgement  that  Church  deserves  esteem  and  regard  of 
all  about  here,  whatever  others  may  think ;  but  really  if  she  be  tory 
in  her  government,  I  think  at  least  in  that  she  ought  to  be  discoun- 
tenanced, for  my  part  were  it  not  that  I  know  better,  I  should  dis- 
own her  from  being  an  honest  and  Creditable  mother,  and  avouch  it 
before  the  world  that  she  had  played  the  harlot  since  I  left  Scotland. 
However  If  you  think  her  such  an  Elect  Lady  as  you  profess,  I  do 
confess  that  I  don't  see  upon  what  grounds,  or  with  what  consistency 
you  call  her  Government  Torism. 

As  for  the  Civilities  you  have  treated  me  with,  I  can  say,  I  never 
designed  to  return  any  other  than  civilities  for  them,  and  I  think 
there  is  no  Just  ground  given  for  to  alleadge,  that  I  have  done  other- 
wise. However  your  Civilities  Savour  the  worse  to  me  that  they  are 
cast  so  frequently  in  my  teeth ;  and  I  think  If  my  poor  preaching  of 
the  Gospell  was  not  as  much  worth  as  your  civilities,  you  and  I  both 
were  beyond  the  bounds  of  Civilitie  in  acting  as  we  have  done. 

You  alleadge  that  we  are  the  first  that  ever  declined  Communion 
with  you,  but  If  I  be  not  mistaken  by  Information  there  have  been 
of  ours,  that  have  declined  to  go  so  great  a  length  as  we  have  done, 
tho  perhaps  others  have  gone  further ;  But  supposing  it  to  be  so,  I 
reckon  it  no  cause  of  upbraiding  us.  For  Mens  practices  one  way  or 
other  is  no  argument  to  me. 

And  I'm  sure  of  this  that  you  seemed  to  decline  Communion 
first,  as  to  Ministerial  acts  in  dispensing  Sacraments  tho  I  never 
quarelled  it,  as  Judging  it  consistent  with  your  principles.  And  I 
think  you  have  as  little  ground  to  be  offended  at  us.  If  we  act  con- 
sistently with  ours,  as  far  as  our  present  condition  will  allow. 

As  for  its  being  acceptable  or  unacceptable  to  the  Church  of  Scot- 
land, is  unknown  to  me,  and  never  consulted  them  on  the  head,  nor 
did  I  ever  think  of  it  untill  I  came  to  New  England ;  but  this  I'm 
sure  of  that  upon  our  arrival  here,  it  was  told  us  either  by  your  Selfe 
or  a  friend  of  yours,  If  not  both,  that  one,  upon  his  return  home, 
was  challenged  for  Joining  in  Communion  with  you.  Whether  it  was 
so  or  not  is  no  matter  to  me,  I  desire  to  have  Clearness  in  my  own 
mind  in  what  I  do,  but  this  is  certain  that  it  looks  not  like  Civilitie 


FEBRUARY,      1716-17  425 

to  treat  us  after  such  a  manner,  as  to  drive  us  to  that  which  may  give 
the  least  ground  for  such  treatment  when  we  return  home.  And  for 
my  part  If  there  had  been  no  other  thing  than  your  way  of  treating 
me  on  this  head,  I  should  think  it  would  occasion  thought  before  I 
could  Join  with  you ;  for  If  it  was  my  weakness  as  you  alleadge,  other 
treatment  than  open  insults  became  you  towards  a  weak  brother, 
but  these  I  can  easily  forgive,  and  pray  for  more  of  a  gospell  spirit 
to  all  of  us  than  we  have. 

Its  realy  a  matter  of  wonder  to  me,  to  think,  what  can  be  the 
reason  you  seem  so  violent  against  us  on  this  head,  when  you  trouble 
your  selfe  so  Uttle  with  hundreds  that  live  by  you,  who  never  Join 
with  you ;  but  the  reason  of  this  is  best  known  to  your  Selfe,  and 
you  must  allow  me  to  make  conjectures  about  it.  As  for  my  being 
a  reproach  to  the  Church  of  Scotland,  I  suppose,  you  would  neither 
have  said  so  nor  thought  so,  If  I  had  turned  to  be  of  your  mind,  but 
I  can  leave  any  to  Judge,  whether  those  that  forsake  her  principles 
and  practise  or  those  that  would  gladly  keep  to  them  be  a  reproach 
to  her.  Sir,  I  must  tell  you  that  She  does  as  great  duty  to  her  Chil- 
dren, as  any  Mother  in  the  world,  and,  If  her  Children  prove  disobedi- 
ent, they  deserve  reproach,  not  She.  As  for  Conscience  what  I  do, 
God  is  my  witness,  and  I  think  for  any  to  go  beyond  their  sphere  in 
Judging  me  as  to  this  matter,  discovers  want  of  due  consideration. 
And  as  for  Insinuations  amongst  your  people,  that  your  Sacraments 
were  no  better  than  non,  is  a  groundless  Calumnie,  I  do  put  to  a 
defiance  any  one  in  Boston,  to  prove,  that  ever  I  spoke  one  word  as 
to  your  authority  to  your  people,  and  when  I  spoke  on  that  head  in 
Mr  Frizels,  that  which  was  extorted  from  me  (after  declining  several 
times  to  give  an  account  of  this  matter)  I  did  expressly  distinguish 
myselfe  from  your  Flock,  and  told  with  all  the  modestie  I  was  capable 
off,  what  seemed  to  Me  Wherein  you  were  not  concerned  with  me 
according  to  your  principles.  And  truely  I'm  surprized  to  find,  that 
you  alleadge,  I  sued  so  to  you.  Sir,  If  you  draw  consequences,  pray, 
Father  them  your  Selfe  for  they  are  non  of  mine,  and  beware  of 
spreading  abroad,  that  which  I  never  thought  it  my  bussiness  to  ques- 
tion, for  I  think  it  not  fair. 

You  accuse  me  of  folly  and  weakness  in  yours,  and  particularly 
in  calling  it  persecution  which  I  have  mett  with  from  you.  I  will  not 
return  raiUng  for  raihng,  you  know,  Sir,  that  persecution  lies  not  in 
buffeting,  Scourging,  &c ;  but  also  in  persecuting  with  the  tongue, 
and  to  give  me  such  names  as  are  certainly  very  Infamous  and  repre- 
sent me  to  others  as  guilty  of  that,  which  I  never  designed.  If  it  may 


426         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

not  Justly  gett  the  name  of  persecution,  I'm  at  a  loss  to  know  what 
the  Spirit  of  God  means  by  persecuting  and  Smiting  with  the  tongue. 
Sir,  I  have  that  wisdome  God  has  thought  fitt  to  bestow  on  me,  and 
desire  to  seek  more  from  him  who  will  not  upbraid  with  my  follies, 
but  truely,  Sir,  you  are  the  first  that  ever  called  me  so ;  and  I  cant 
forbear  to  tell  you,  that  I'm  not  the  only  person  that  thinks,  you  need 
much  more  wisdome  than  you  have,  and  I  pray  God  you  may  obtain 
it,  that  you  may  know  better  how  to  medle  with  things  that  concern 
your  Selfe. 

In  the  Close  of  yours,  you  express  your  kindness  to  and  Concern 
for  me.  I  thank  you  heartily  for  your  offers,  but  tho  I  have  mett 
with  many  Inconveniences  since  I  left  Scotland  (and  it  seems  my 
difficulties  are  not  yet  at  an  end)  yet  I  bless  the  Lord  that  he  hitherto 
helped,  and  I  hope  will  do  it  alwayes,  so  that  I  shall  not  need  to  be 
troublesome  to  others  as  of  late  I  have  been.  I'm  sensible  of  the 
respect  that  Mr.  Frizel  and  his  Lady  showed  to  me,  and  can  assure 
you,  that  it  was  not  out  of  any  disregard  to  them,  that  I  left  their 
family;  but  for  reasons  that  your  letter  has  abundantly  confirmed 
me  in  I  shall  add  no  more,  only,  whatever  has  been  your  Carriage 
towards  me,  I  hope,  (thro'  grace)  shall  be  enabled  to  cary  Christianly 
towards  you,  I'm  Your  real  friend  and  most  himible  Servant 

John  Sqxjtre. 

As  for  your  Illustrations  they  are  safe  and  I  shall  take  care  they 
be  delivered  safely  unto  your  hands. 

To  Joseph  Parsons.  a.a.s. 

22  d.XIm.  [January.]  I7i6[-i7]. 
Sir,  —  Since  it  is  a  critical  Time  with  you,  it  appears  unto  me, 
the  best  Thing  that  I  can  do  for  your  Service  at  this  Time,  to  sett 
before  you  in  as  true  a  Light  as  I  can,  the  true  cause  of  those  dark 
Difficulties  and  Encumbrances,  which  attend  your  proposed  Settle- 
ment in  the  Service  of  the  Church  now  forming  in  the  South-part 
of  Boston- 
While  the  Ministers  of  the  Town  are  so  generally  prejudiced,  as 
at  present  they  seem  to  be,  against  your  being  taken  into  their  Num- 
ber, such  a  Settlement  seems  unto  me  for  a  thousand  Reasons  to  be 
despaired  of. 

But  what  shall  be  done  for  the  Removal  of  that  Prejudice?  Tis 
fitt  you  should  first  of  all  know  the  Resons,  why  those  faithful  Ser- 
vants of  GOD  have  entertamed  it. 


FEBRUARY,      1716-17  427 

They  seem  to  fear,  that  you  are  a  Person  who  have  sometimes 
indulged  yourself  in  a  Way  of  Lying,  and  invented  very  black  Slanders 
of  innocent  and  vertuous  Men  which  is  the  worst  Sort  of  Lying,  and 
therewithal  improved  the  Arts  of  Insinuation  for  the  sowing  of  dan- 
gerous Discords. 

Upon  this  Fear,  tho'  their  Charity  be  such  that  they  wish  well  to 
a  good  Improvement  of  your  Talents,  yett  their  Conscience  of  Duty 
to  GOD,  and  His  Churches,  will  not  suffer  them  to  recommend  you 
to  a  Flock  of  such  Importance,  as  what  is  now  to  be  provided  for. 

The  Things  that  have  produced  a  Terror  of  COD  upon  their 
Minds  about  you,  are  such  as  these. 

You  did  once  and  again,  assert  very  horrid  Things,  concerning 
Mr.  Bulkly;  and  concerning  Mr  Whiting.  But  the  papers  lodged  in 
the  hands  of  one  of  the  Ministers  in  this  Town  will  doubtless  compell 
all  of  them,  and  any  others  that  shall  see  them,  to  beleeve,  that  there 
was  no  Truth  in  your  Assertions. 

It  is  affirmed,  that  you  uttered  Scandals,  of  the  same  Tendency 
concerning  Mr  Woodward,  while  it  was  thought  he  did  not  favour 
your  Interests  at  Lebanon.  But  afterwards  Mr.  Woodward  was  a 
better  man. 

You  did  report  several  Things  much  to  the  Defamation  of  some 
Candidates  of  the  Ministry ;  which  were  very  false ;  and  you  never 
could  produce  any  Author  for  them. 

While  you  pretended  the  greatest  Respect  unto  the  two  Min- 
isters of  the  North-Church,  and  received  nothing  but  such  from  them, 
you  did,  (hoping  thereby  to  ingratiate  yourself,)  at  the  Table  of  a 
Minister  of  the  South,  bestow  indecent  Flings  and  Flouts  upon  them ; 
for  which  the  Mistress  of  the  Table  severely  rebuked  you,  and  told 
you,  that  you  took  the  wrong  Way  to  be  ingratiated  there ;  you  also 
know,  what  you  said  of  that  Gentlewoman,  when  you  were  afterwards 
told  of  this. 

You  may  remember,  some  other  mischievous  Tale-bearings, 
wherein  you  were,  about  that  time  detected. 

My  Father  then  wrote  unto  you  his  Dissatisfactions.  And  you 
never  answered  his  Letter. 

It  is  very  certain  you  went  into  FamiUes  in  our  Neighbourhood, 
and  there  sett  yourself  to  poison  them  with  all  possible  Disaffection 
to  their  two  Ministers.  Your  practise  raised  an  uncomfortable  Dis- 
cord between  Husband  and  Wife.  They  that  loved  us  and  our  Min- 
istry, found  their  Souls  hurt  unto  such  a  Degree,  that  they  desired 
never  to  see  you  more,  and  obliged  your  withdraw  from  them. 


428         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

I  know  something  of  your  way  to  speak  unto  my  Disadvantage : 
which  exposed  you  to  the  Resentments  of  some  serious  People,  more 
than  you  were  aware  of.  All  that  while,  and  in  all  my  life,  never  had 
I  done  you  any  Wrong  or  Harm.  I  now  also  overcame  the  Evil  so 
far,  that  I  discouraged  not  our  private  Meetings  from  using  of  you, 
tho'  one  word  of  mine  would  have  done  it.  And  I  now  perfectly 
forgive  it  all ;  judging  myself  obUged  above  others,  to  Do  you  good. 

You  associated  yourself  with  some  of  our  Brethren,  to  form  a 
New  Church  at  the  North,  upon  the  Foundation  of  an  Aversion  for 
the  two  Ministers.  The  Defamations,  with  which  you  fly-blow'd  the 
Minds  of  those  Brethren  have  not  unto  this  Hour  worn  off  their  ill 
Impressions.  But  you  know,  what  passed  between  you  and  Mr.  Gee, 
on  that  occasion.  And  if  Mr.  Gee  be  compelled  now,  to  exhibit  the 
Particulars  of  that  Story,  which  he  can  in  part  justify,  (tho'  Deacon 
Atwood  be  dead,)  it  will  make  some  Impressions  on  many  that  hear 
it.  The  design  of  our  New  North,  was  delay'd  a  Year,  upon  the  Defeat 
of  your  making  yourself  an  Interest  in  such  a  Way. 

It  is  greatly  suspected,  that  the  Troubles  in  the  old  Church  were 
much  owing  to  your  blowing  of  the  Coals  on  the  Intention  of  having 
a  new  Meeting-house  built  for  you. 

I  have  mett  with  some  other  unintelligible  Things  in  your  Con- 
duct. But  being  personal,  they  are  forgotten.  And  I  am  as  willing 
as  any  man  living,  that  all  that  I  have  mentioned,  should  be  charit- 
ably thrown  into  the  Heap  of  Unintelligibles. 

Now,  my  Friend,  what  Method  can  you  take,  to  satisfy  the  Dis- 
creet Servants  of  Grod,  and  Watchmen  of  the  Churches,  either  that 
such  Errors  have  not  been  committed ;  or  that  if  they  have  been 
committed,  they  have  been  duely  repented  of,  and  that  you  have  no 
such  habitual  Inclination  unto  these  crooked  Paths,  as  to  keep  them 
still  afraid  of  you? 

Can  any  proper  Address  to  them,  give  them  the  Satisfaction? 

If  by  Pretensions  of  your  Friends,  to  make  an  Interest  for  you, 
they  be  putt  upon  demanding  an  hearing  of  their  Objections,  before 
any  persons  of  superior  Consideration,  how  will  this  terminate? 

I  pray  GOD,  graciously  to  direct  you ;  I  confess  myself  much  at 
a  Loss  what  I  should  offer  for  your  Direction. 

I  can  only  say,  that  if  your  Case  were  my  own,  I  should  not  have 
Courage  enough,  to  try  whether  a  way  could  be  forced  for  me  into  a 
Church  in  this  Town,  with  a  Dislike  of  it  [on]  the  most  [part]  of  the 
Ministers  and  with  a  Division  and  Contention  raised  in  the  place, 
and  a  Fire,  in  which  I  should  undergo  the  utmost  hazard  of  being 


FEBRUARY,     1716-17  429 

incinerated.  I  would  much  rather  accept  of  Opportunities  to  do 
Good,  where  I  should  meet  with,  Rixae  multo  minus,  Invidiaeque ; 
Which  you  may  have  the  offer  of,  and  which  being  offered,  such  is  the 
Tenderness  of  the  Ministers  for  you  after  all,  that  they  would  leave 
you  undisturbed  in  them. 

For  my  own  part,  were  my  Assurances  of  your  Integrity,  aequal 
to  my  Dispositions  of  doing  you  no  Hurt,  yett  I  should  not  think 
myself  strong  enough,  or  bound  at  all,  to  engage  in  any  Wars,  to  bring 
about  by  Force  of  Arms  your  Establishment  in  an  uneasy  Station ; 
and  fight  the  way  thro'  an  Army  of  Contradictions  for  it. 

It  may  not  be  amiss  for  me  to  add,  that  some  eminent  Persons 
in  the  Place,  are  of  the  Opinion,  that  you  have  been  so  far  from  hav- 
ing, in  your  Abilities  and  Performances,  your  profiting  appear  imto 
all  Men,  since  your  first  coming  hither  so  many  years  ago,  as  to  lay 
them  under  much  discouragement  in  their  Hopes  of  your  shining 
with  such  a  Lustre  as  ought  to  be  for  a  City  sett  upon  an  Hill ;  the 
Capital  City  of  these  Colonies. 

These  are  the  Things  which  I  would  calmly  and  humbly  leave,  to 
your  wisest  Considerations ;  and  if  you  purpose  any  Answer  to  them, 
I  would  not  have  it  meerly  oral,  and  I  would  have  it  address'd  rather 
to  the  rest  of  my  honoured  Brethren,  than  to,  Sir,  Your  Thoughtful, 
Friend  and  Serv't.^ 

To  Rev.  John  Squire.  a.a.s. 

[January,  1716-17.] 

Sir,  —  In  answer  to  what  I  this  moment  received  from  you,  I 
have  at  present  nothing  to  say,  but  only  desire  you  to  forbear  filling 
the  Town  with  a  false  Story,  that  I  have  said,  the  Government  of  the 
Church  of  Scotland  is  a  Tory-Government. 

All  that  ever  I  said,  (as  the  Gentlemen  in  the  Company  can 
Witness,)  was,  that  I  doubted  a  great  Part  of  the  Church-Gov- 
ernment in  the  world,  had  a  little  Touch  of  (what  I  called,  in  a  way 
of  perfect  pleasancy,  and  all  the  company  took  me  so,)  Ecclesiastical 
Torism. 

I  said  nothing  of  the  Ch :  of  Scotland ;  it  was  you  ran  upon  that. 
And  I  explain'd  myself,  that  my  Meaning  was,  the  People  in  some 
things  seem'd  to  want  the  due  Exercise  of  their  Liberties. 

If  you  go  on  to  traduce  me,  on  this  Occasion,  you  will  persist  in 

'  Parsons  was  not  accepted,  and  the  church  remained  without  a  pastor  until 
September,  1718,  when  Samuel  Checkley  was  unanimously  called. 


430         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

a  Violation  of  the  Ninth  Commandment.  No  man  in  America,  has 
a  juster  Veneration  for  the  Ch :  of  Scotland,  than  I  must  alwayes 
maintain,  and  shall  do  so. 

And  I  am  sorry  for  the  Wrongs  that  you  have  done  to  that  vener- 
able Body. 

I  pray  God  forgive  you  all  the  Sins  of  your  abusive  and  virulent 
Letter.  As  well  as  your  Endeavours  to  sow  Discord  in  a  Town,  that 
ought  to  be  more  gratefully  treated. 

I  have  something  else  to  do  with  my  Time,  than  to  spend  it  in 
Altercations  with  a  Person  of  your  Disposition. 

More  HumiUty,  Meekness,  and  Wisdome,  would  render  you 
more   amiable   and  more  serviceable. 

You  will  Expect  nothing  further,  from  Your  abused  Friend. 

To  Benjamin  Colman. 

I  d.  XII  m.  [February,  1716-17.] 

Sir,  —  Your  Candour  and  Goodness  towards  Uttle  Ereskin,  very 
much  obliges  me :  and  I  pray  you  to  continue  it. 

You  will  allow  me  to  transcribe  a  part  of  your  Letter,  which  may 
be  very  much  to  the  Childs  Advantage,  if  I  live  to  write  unto  Mr. 
Woodson. 

But  how  full  of  Little  mistakes  are  our  Neighbours  on  all  occa- 
sions! I  wish  Mr.  P — s^  could  tell,  who  told  him,  that  the  New-South- 
Society  had  a  copy  of  my  poor  Letter  to  him.  I  never  spoke  one 
word  of  it,  unto  any  one  man  of  them. 

I  never  gave  the  sight  of  that  Letter  to  any  but  Adoni  Avi,  and 
you,  and  Mr.  W — b. 

The  last  had  it  a  little  while  in  his  hands,  with  my  Desire  that 
no  one  might  see  or  hear  any  thing  of  it. 

He  so  far  forgott,  as  to  read  it  unto  one  Intimate  Friend  of  his ; 
who  has  no  Relation  to  that  Society ;  nor  would  make  any  Talk  of  it. 

He  seems  to  be  of  the  Opinion,  That  Mr.  P — s  himself,  told  Boone 
of  it.  And  Boone  is  most  certainly  that  man,  that  has  made  the  Dis- 
course of  such  a  Thing,  which  has  proved  something  to  Mr.  P — s's 
disadvantage.    This  he  understands  from  Mr.  Adams. 

For  Mr.  P — s,  as  I  do  forever  entirely  forgive  and  forgett  all 
personal  Injuries;  He  has  for  them,  long  been  to  me,  as  if  none  of 
them  had  ever  been  at  all ;  so,  for  the  more  General  Heads  of  Dis- 
satisfaction, he  has  (in  an  Act  of  Attrition  last  night  particularly) 

'  Parsons. 


FEBRUARY,     1716-17  431 

express'd  himself  much  in  the  Language  of  a  Christian.    This  I  am 
wilUng  to  report,  if  there  be  occasion. 

I  am  desirous  to  do  nothing  that  may  hurt  him.  Yett  I  have 
Repeted  this  to  him,  That  I  cannot  be  drawn  into  Wars  for  him,  and 
make  myself  Responsible  for  a  World  of  Iniquity,  which  the  Tongues 
engaged  in  Strife,  will  soon  run  into.  And,  I  think,  he  said.  He 
could  not  desire  it  of  me. 

My  Brother  Web  this  Evening  assures  me.  That  if  all  the  Minis- 
ters of  the  Town  should  write  in  Recommending  of  Mr.  P — s  to  our 
Austrians,  it  would  only  break  them  all  to  peeces;  The  prejudices 
imbibed  are  so  strong,  and  Lately  increased  and  confirmed,  by  what 
has  passed  in  his  own  conversation  with  them. 

I  cannot  but  be  displeased  at  a  great  Stickler  for  him,  to  whom  I 
Lately  in  commendation  of  Mr.  Foxcroft  said,  That  I  understood  he 
could  freely  subscribe  the  Doctrinal  Articles  of  the  Ch.  of  E.  pro- 
fessing at  the  same  time,  that  if  he  were  an  Armenian,  he  could  not 
on  any  Terms  prevail  with  himself  to  do  so.  And  I  am  told,  this 
Blade  has  mischievously  frighted  some  of  his  Neighbours  with  affirm- 
ing, that  Mr.  F — t  can  freely  subscribe  all  the  Articles  of  the  Ch.  of 
E.  The  meaning  of  which  they  take  to  be,  that  he  is  a  Ch.  of  E. 
man.     Such  perversions,  how  shall  one  shield  against  them. 

But  enough  of  these  Things. 

If  I  Live  till  Munday,  I  hope  to  see  you  at  your  House  in  the 
forenoon,  and  go  with  you  to  Mr.  Wadsworih,  about  Barnstable. 

Your  excellent  performance  in  your  Letter  to  Martha's  Vineyard 
Last  week,  (so  much  superiour  to  what  accompanied  it,)  is  Reason 
enough,  besides  many  others,  for  me  to  entreat  you,  that  you  would 
prepare  a  Letter  of  Excuse  and  Advice,  unto  the  contentious  people 
who  have  been  so  weak  as  to  expect  our  Travelling  Fourscore  miles 
in  the  Depth  of  Winter  to  them.    I  am,  Sir,  your  Brother  and  Servant 

Co.  Mather. 
To  Joseph  Parsons. 

21  d.lm.  [March.]  1717. 
Sir,  —  It  is  to  do  the  part  of  one  who  wishes  well  to  your  Interest, 
that  I  now  would  offer  you  an  Advice,  which  a  Regard  unto  an  Inter- 
est infinitely  greater  than  yours  or  any  Man's,  does  extort  from  me. 
I  cannot  but  earnestly  advise  it,  and  propose  it,  that  you  would 
not  encourage  those  who  call  themselves  your  Friends,  to  make  a 
struggle  for  your  Settlement  in  the  New  South  Church,  but  putt  a 
period  unto  all  the  painful  prospect  of  such  a  Struggle  by  your  accept- 


432         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

ing  an  Invitation  to  Labour,  where  you  will  not  meet  with  such  Em- 
broilment and  Encumbrance,  as  will  anon  prove  too  hard  for  you. 

Be  sure,  if  you  have  soUicited  the  Votes  of  any,  or  importuned 
them  to  act  for  you,  (which  I  am  told,  you  say,  you  never  did,)  this 
would  be  so  unevangelical  a  Thing,  that  it  were  alone  enough  utterly 
to  disquaUfy  the  Election  of  a  Minister. 

Instead  of  this,  I  find,  that  in  the  primitive  Times,  when  there 
was  a  Division  among  a  People,  about  the  Election  of  a  Minister 
some  excellent  Men  of  God,  whom  the  Votes  of  many  ran  upon,  cried 
out,  O  People  of  God,  we  will  throw  ourselves  overboard,  rather  than  the 
Church  of  the  Lord  shall  suffer  any  Storms  for  our  sakes.  This  was  the 
true  Spirit  of  the  Gospel ;  well  worthy  of  a  A'^aziawzew,  and  a.Chrysostotnf 

It  is  most  certain,  that  your  settlement  in  this  Place,  cannot  be 
prosecuted,  without  so  much  Contention,  and  so  many  evil  Works, 
that  the  Fear  of  God  in  its  due  Exercise,  would  make  a  good  Man 
chuse  to  dy,  rather  than  be  accessory  unto  such  grievous  Things. 

You  so  far  know  the  Disposition  in  the  Majority  of  the  inchurched 
Brethren  towards  you,  that  you  cannot  but  foresee,  your  Introduc- 
tion there  cannot  be  accomplished,  without  a  Dissolution  of  the 
Church,  or  a  disorderly  overwhelming  of  the  Rights,  which  the  Church 
has  a  claim  unto.  Are  these  your  Pretensions?  If  they  be,  all  the 
Churches  in  the  Countrey,  and  all  the  Christians  that  wish  well  to 
the  Order  of  the  Gospel,  will  concern  themselves  in  the  Quarrel. 
And,  how  will  this  terminate  at  the  Last? 

Finally.  In  a  former  Letter,  I  laid  it  before  you,  that  the  Min- 
isters of  the  Town  "were  apprehensive  of  your  being  a  Person  who 
have  indulged  yourself  in  a  way  of  false  speaking  and  inventing  very 
black  slanders  of  innocent  and  vertuous  Men,  and  improving  the 
Arts  of  Insinuation  for  the  Sowing  of  dangerous  Discords. "  I  recited 
unto  you  many  of  the  Things,  which  produced  such  a  Terror  of  God 
upon  their  Minds,  that  they  could  not  recomtnetid  you  unto  Service, 
especially  in  such  a  Place  as  this;  while  yett  their  Compassion  to 
you,  join'd  with  some  Hope  that  such  Things  might  be  repented  of, 
made  them  willing  to  leave  you  undisturbed  in  what  Opportunities  for 
service,  the  divine  Providence  might  cast  upon  you. 

You  did  upon  this,  address  me  with  many  Expressions  of  Re- 
pentance, for  the  wrong  Steps  you  had  taken.  And  tho'  they  were 
only  in  general  Terms,  yett  I  was  willing  to  declare,  that  so  far  as 
they  went,  they  were  in  the  Language  of  a  Christian :  and  at  the 
same  time  I  was,  yea,  ever  have  been,  willing  to  do  the  Part  of  a 
Christian,  in  entirely  forgiving  and  forgetting  all  personal  Injuries. 


FEBRUARY,     1716-17  433 

In  the  short  Letter,  wherein  I  declared  this,  tho'  I  intimated, 
that  I  should  leave  the  South  Church  to  the  Direction  of  God,  and 
acquiesced  in  it,  there  is  no  Intimation  that  I  could  recommend  you 
to  their  Choice :  much  less,  that  the  other  Ministers  could  do  so : 
tho'  being  Men  of  peaceable  Spirits  they  have  not  been  ready  to  appear 
against  you. 

And  the  Letter  has  been  improved  beyond  its  Intention,  when 
this  Construction  has  been  made  of  it:  for  it  expressly  renounces 
all  Activities  for  you. 

But,  while  a  Number  of  People  distinguish  themselves  by  their 
Zeal  for  your  being  here,  they  run  you  into  the  Hazard  of  a  Ruine, 
which  I  am  now  to  inform  you  of. 

One  of  them  whose  Name  is  Dorby  has  lately  written  a  Letter  to 
my  aged  Parent,  requiring  of  him  an  Account  of  the  Dissatisfactions, 
which  have  hindred  him  from  recommending  you  unto  that  Service. 

And  under  this  Compulsion,  he  has  praepared  an  Answer  to  it, 
which,  if  it  be  sent,  will  be  very  little  to  your  Advantage.  When 
you  wrong'd  me  tother  day,  with  a  false  Report,  that  I  had  communi- 
cated unto  the  people  of  the  New  South,  my  Letter  to  you,  you  were 
pleased  to  distress  a  very  valuable  Friend,  with  saying,  that  I  had 
utterly  ruined  you.  To  obviate  which,  and  because  I  desired  nothing 
but  your  Good,  that  other  Letter  was  drawn  from  me  of  which  an 
use  has  been  made,  that  good  Men  are  troubled  at.  If  the  Letter 
which  your  Friends  do  force  the  Doctor  to,  should  be  sent,  all  the 
Damage  that  you  fear'd  from  what  I  sent  unto  you,  and  what  I 
have  been  so  desirous  to  save  you  from,  will  be  unavoidable.  But 
the  Servant  of  God,  out  of  Tenderness  to  you,  suspends  the  send- 
ing of  his  Letter,  until  the  Man  who  addressed  him  has  first  spoken 
with  you. 

The  rest  of  the  Ministers,  as  well  as  he,  are  sensible,  that  they 
have  been  much  reproached,  for  their  Lenity,  in  forbearing  to  have 
matters  brought  unto  an  Hearing.  But  if  the  Party  that  push  for 
your  being  here,  go  on  to  more  Violence  in  their  Proceedings,  the 
Gentlemen  will  certainly  be  under  a  Necessity  to  demand  an  Hearing ; 
and  some  honourable  Persons  in  the  Government  already  press  them 
to  it,  and  will  expect  that  they  shall  have  their  Share  in  them  passing 
a  Judgment,  on  the  Quaestion,  whether  you  are  to  be  recommended 
unto  the  Station  that  is  now  aspir'd  unto. 

My  Letter  to  you,  of  22  d.  XI  m.  gives  you  as  good  as  a  thousand 
Reasons,  why  you  should  by  no  means  bring  things  to  this  Extremity. 

I  earnestly  protest  unto  you,  that  if  you  were  my  own  Brother, 
n  •  28 


434         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

I  would  now  perswade  you,  to  drop  all  Pretensions  here,  and  be 
humbly  thankful  to  God,  that  He  mercifully  opens  to  you  Doors  of 
service  where  you  may  have  more  undisturbed  Opportunities  to  spend 
your  latter  Dayes,  in  a  Correction  of  those  Errors,  which  have  created 
you  so  much  Trouble  in  all  the  former  Stages  of  your  Action.  I  am, 
Sir,  one  that  wishes  you  very  well. 


I7I7 

THE  LV  YEAR  OF  MY  LIFE. 

12  d.  XII  m.  [February.]  1716.-17.  The  fifty-fourth 
Year  of  my  Life  is  now  finished.  And  the  Glorious  Lord  of 
my  Life,  has  with  marvellous  Displays  of  sovereign  Grace, 
prolonged  it,  how  much  beyond  my  Reasonable  Expectation ! 

In  the  former  part  of  the  Day,  I  sett  myself  to  give  Thanks  unto 
the  Lord,  for  His  Favours  which  I  have  seen  in  His  hitherto  preserv- 
ing and  variously  sweetening  of  my  Life. 

In  the  latter  Part  of  the  Day,  I  humbled  myself  before  Him,  for 
the  Errors  of  my  Life:  and  especially  bewailed  the  cursed  Sloth, 
which  has  been  such  a  Crime  and  such  a  plague  unto  me ;  and  made 
my  FHght  unto  the  great  Sacrifice  for  the  Pardon  of  all  my  Miscar- 
riages; and  I  entreated  of  Him,  that  He  would  spare  me  this  Year 
also ;  and  make  it  a  fruitful  year ;  and  prepare  me  for  all  the  Events 
and  Changes,  which  in  this  year  I  may,  meet  withal. 

G.  D.  My  Son  Samuel,  must  be  made  more  the  object 
of  my  Conversation,  and  my  Cultivation.  As  often  as  the 
Lad  comes  in  my  View,  I  must  think.  What  Good  shall  I 
now  do  to  the  Child?  or,  What  Good  shall  I  putt  the  Child 
upon?  ox,  What  shall  I  now  enrich  his  Mind  withal?  Espe- 
cially, teach  him  to  live  unto  God,  in  what  he  does,  both 
at  School,  and  at  Home. 

13.  G.  D.  I  would  look  on  certain  sick  Ministers,  as 
my  Brethren.  My  Prayer  shall  be  in  their  Calamities.  I 
will  study  to  do  for  them  all  the  acts  of  a  Brother  born  for 
their  Adversity.  Tho'  I  must  overcome  Evil  with  Good, 
in  doing  so. 

14.  G.  D.  Yesterday  in  the  Afternoon,  there  died  the 
elder  Minister  of  the  old  South  Church  in  the  Town ;   one 

435 


436         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

who  was  eight  or  nine  years  younger  than  myself.  ^  He  was 
a  man  of  greater  Abilities  than  many  others  :  and,  no  doubt, 
a  pious  man  :  but  a  man  of  a  strangely  choleric  and  envious 
Temper,  and  one  who  had  created  unto  me  more  Trials  of 
my  Patience,  and  more  Clogs  upon  my  Opportunities  to 
do  good,  than  almost  any  other  Man  in  the  World.  The 
younger  Minister  of  that  Church,^  a  dear  Son,  and  one  of 
an  excellent  Spirit,  should  have  preach'd  this  Day ;  but  in 
his  Distress  he  flies  unto  me  to  take  his  Place  in  the  public 
Services.  I  cannot  easily  reckon  up  the  Opportunities  to 
do  good,  which  I  find  concurring,  in  this  one  Invitation  to 
public  Performances  on  such  an  Occasion.  And  the  glorious 
Lord  helped  me  to  glorify  Him,  in  the  speaking  of  many 
Things  to  serve  the  general  Interests  of  Religion,  as  well  as 
in  the  Testimony  which  I  gave  to  what  was  laudable  in 
the  Character  of  the  departed  Minister. 

There  was  a  vast  Auditory ;  and  I  was  greatly  assisted 
of  God. 

Praeliminary  to  my  public  Performances,  as  I  had  my 
Humiliations,  thus  I  humbled  myself  before  the  Lord, 
bewayling  all  the  Distempers  which  the  ill  Carriage  of  the 
Deceased  Neighbour  may  at  any  time  have  thro\vn  me 
into ;  and  admiring  the  divine  Goodness  and  Patience, 
which  has  given  me  to  outlive  so  many  of  my  yomiger 
Brethren. 

15.  G.  D.  In  Conversation  with  our  excellent  Gov- 
emour,  I  am  now  proposing  of  several  Servdces.  But 
very  particularly  to  forward  the  Publication  of  the,  Biblia 
Americana,  by  the  Help  of  his  Brother'  in  England. 

16.  G.  D.  Some  foolish  and  froward  Peoples  have  by 
very  disingenuous  Misrepresentations,  done  me  much  harm. 
I  must  overcome  Evil  with  Good. 

'  Rev.  Ebenczer  Pemberton  (1672-1717). 
'  Rev.  Joseph  Sewall. 

•John  Shute  Barrington,  first  Viscount  Barrington  (1678-1734).  See  Dic- 
tionary of  National  Biography,  in.  290. 


FEBRUARY,     1716-17  43  7 

*  17.  G.  D.  Two  ministers  of  Note  in  the  Countrey, 
one  if  not  both,  of  them  younger  than  myself,  are  now  lying 
Dead.i    What  Improvement  should  I  make  of  the  Spectacle? 

Be  sure,  a  most  Quickened  Industry,  a  strong  Vigour, 
a  swift  Despatch,  in  the  Work  which  my  Hand  finds  to  do. 

My  God,  Help  me  to  abound,  and  make  haste  in  the 
Work  of  the  Lord ! 

18.  G.  D,  The  Admonitions  of  Piety  from  such  a  Text 
as  Eccl.  IX.  10.  on  these  Occasions,  may  be  such  as  the 
Flock  may  receive  good  Impressions  from. 

19.  G.  D.  So  many  of  my  Family  are  now  so  taken 
off  one  way  or  another,  and  the  rest  are  so  indifferent  at 
Singing,  that  I  am  afraid,  I  must  often  omitt,  the  Singing, 
which  makes  a  part  of  the  Evening-Sacrifices  in  our  Family. 
When  at  any  Time  I  do  omitt  it,  what  shall  I  substitute  in 
the  Room  of  it  ?  I  am  thinking,  on  Reading  one  of  Luther^ s 
Meditations,  on  the,  Insignes  Sacrtae  Scriptiirae  SententicB, 
whereof  there  is  a  published  collection,  or  else  ^ 

20.  G.  D.  Propose  to  my  Brother  at  Witney,  a  Retreat 
unto  New  England,  in  Case  any  Storms  arise  in  England. 

21.  G.  D.  Direct  the,  Lapis  e  Monte  Excisus,  to 
Geneva.  It  may  be  a  seasonable  Action,  and  attended  with 
marvellous  Consequences. 

22.  G.  D.  Some  Care  must  be  taken,  to  find  a  con- 
venient Place,  where  the  Ministers  of  the  Town  may  meet 
after  the  Lecture ;  where  I  may  be  an  Instrument  of  some 
good. 

23.  G.  D.  A  poor  Man  sick,  whom  nobody  takes 
notice  of,  must  be  the  Object  of  my  Kindnesses. 

23  d.  XII  m.  Satureday.  This  Day,  I  sett  apart  for 
Prayer  with  Fasting  in  my  Study. 

1  Rev.  Mr.  Pemberton  and  Rev.  William  Brattle,  the  latter  dying  February  14. 
Sewall  wrote,  "That  Two  Divines  so  eminently  usefuU,  should  ly  dead  in  their 
Houses  at  once,  is  what  I  have  not  before  observed,  and  wish  it  be  not  por- 
tentous."    Letter  Book,  11.  66. 

'  Left  unfinished. 


438         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

It  was  with  me  a  Day  of  sorrowful  Contritions,  and 
Sacrifices, 

At  length,  I  obtained  some  encouraging  and  comfortable 
Symptoms  of  my  having  the  Sentence  of  Death  upon  me 
for  my  sin  taken  off,  in  my  having  my  soul  quickened  unto 
Acts  of  living  unto  God. 

A  wretched  Family  in  my  Neighbourhood,  having  hurt 
me,  with  cursed  Lyes  raised  upon  me,  revenging  on  me  a 
Provocation  which  they  had  received  from  the  Zeal  of  my 
Father,  against  an  Error  committed  by  them.  This  was  a 
Matter  of  my  Supplications ;  that  my  conduct  may  be  wise, 
good,  humble,  patient,  and  fruitful,  on  such  an  Occasion. 

I  carried  all  my  Concerns  unto  the  Lord :  especially, 
the  Praeparations  which  He  has  helped  me  to  make  for  the 
Press ;  and  particularly,  what  I  have  sent  beyond-sea. 

And  I  cried  unto  Him,  for  His  Fulfilment  of  that  gracious 
Word,  /  will  pour  out  my  Spirit  upon  all  Flesh. 

I  also  beg'd  of  the  gracious  God,  that  He  would  com- 
municate those  Things  to  me,  which  might  render  me  a 
Great  Benefactor  to  Mankind.. 

But  so  managed  my  Petitions,  that  they  may  not  still 
terminate  in  Self. 

*  24.  G.  D.  And  this  is  a  Point  of  Piety,  which  I 
would  grow  exceeding  accurate  and  circumspect  in  the 
Study  of.  I  would  examine  my  Petitions  unto  God ;  and 
see  to  it,  that  God  and  not  Self,  be  the  Chief  end  wherein 
they  terminate. 

25.  G.  D.  There  are  some  Cases,  which  I  do  well 
more  particularly  to  consider,  in  the  public  Prayers  where- 
with I  serve  the  Flock,  in  the  weekly  Sacrifices. 

26.  G.  D.  For  a  Bed-Book,  out  of  which  to  read  some 
Entertainment  for  my  Consort,  in  the  Morning,  I  propose, 
the  Suspiria  in  Egardus. 

27.  G.  D.  Another  Visit  unto  an  aged  Father-in-Law 
at  Charles  town. 


MARCH,     1716-17  439 

28.  G.  D.  As  mighty  a  Snow,  as  perhaps  has  been 
known  in  the  Memory  of  Man,  is  at  this  Time  lying  on  the 
Ground ;  and  as  mighty  a  Thaw  must  be  look'd  for.  Would 
it  not  be  a  seasonable,  may  it  not  be  a  serviceable  Action, 
to  entertain  the  People  of  God,  at  the  Lecture,  with  a 
Discourse  on  Psal.  cxlvii.  18.  He  sendeth  forth  His  Word, 
and  melteth  them.^ 

(I.)  Having  preached  a  Sermon  by  which  a  gracious 
God  made  Impressions  on  the  Minds  of  many  Hearers,  the 
Publication  of  it  was  by  some  desired:  but  very  particu- 
larly by  one  who  was  willing  to  make  a  little  Reparation 
for  some  Drowsiness  which  overtook  him  in  the  Hearing. 
I  considered,  that  the  Discourse  might  be  of  use  to  me,  in 
my  dealing  with  a  Multitude  of  People.  So  the  Press 
exhibits  it  under  this  Title.  The  Case  of  a  Troubled 
Mind.  A  brief  Essay,  Upon  the  Troubles  of  a  Mind,  which 
apprehends  the  Face  of  a  Gracious  God  hidden  from  it;  The 
Symptoms  of  the  Troubles,  and  the  Methods  of  preventing 
them^ 

March.  1717.  i.  G.  D.  Why  may  I  not  resume  the 
Consideration,  I  have  sometimes  had,  of  having  a  Delegate 
or  two,  from  each  of  the  religious  Societies  belonging  to  my 
Flock ;  who  may  together  have  Interviews  with  me,  at 
proper  Times,  and  concert  with  me  Projections  to  serve 
the  Kingdome  of  God  among  them? 

2.  G.  D.  A  poor  Student  in  Divinity,  at  some  Dis- 
tance, from  me,  must  be  helped  with  Books  and  some  other 
Assistences. 

*  3.  G.  D.  I  would  speedily  draw  up  an  Exhibition  of 
those  Things  I  apprehend  the  principal  and  most  elevated 
Points  of  Piety  and  Sanctity,  and  of  living  unto  God ;  And 
have  my  Soul  unspeakably  restless,  until  I  find  myself 
arriv'd  in  some  good  Measure  unto  them. 

*  "Apply'd  it  also  to  the  Conversion  of  the  Jews."     Sewall,  Diary,  in.  123. 

*  Printed  by  B.  Green  for  S.  Gerrish,  1717. 


440         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

4.  G.  D.  Probably  in  reading  the  Theologia  Mystica 
of  Harphius,^  I  may  meet  with  many  Thoughts  and  Flames, 
that  may  furnish  me  to  serve  the  Flock  in  those  Points  and 
Wayes,  which  I  most  of  all  desire. 

5.  G.  D.  To  read  a  Chapter  of  Egardus  unto  my  lovely 
Consort,  every  morning  before  we  rise,  may  be  an  acceptable 
Entertainment  unto  her,  and  a  profitable  one  to  both  of  us. 

6.  G.  D.  Mr.  Craighead"^  has  been  so  near  to  me  on 
many  Occasions,  that  I  will  assign  him  a  Place  in  my  ]\Iemo- 
rials  among  my  Relatives.  I  will  every  Day  mention  him  in 
my  secret  Prayers,  that  he  may  be  kept  holy  and  made  useful. 
I  have  Thoughts  of  getting  him  translated  unto  a  compre- 
hensive Service  at  the  East-ward. 

7.  G.  D.  Tis  a  Time  of  much  Rebuke  from  Heaven 
upon  us,  in  the  Season.  Such  Storms  and  Heaps  of  Snow, 
visit  us  in  the  approach  of  the  Spring,  as  were  hardly  ever 
known  in  the  Depth  of  Winter.  A  great  part  of  the  As- 
semblies in  the  Countrey  have  been  inter[dic]ted  their 
public  Sacrifices.  A  Multitude  of  Cattel  have  perished. 
The  Business  of  the  Countrey  has  an  uncommon  Stop  upon 
it.  Many  Difficulties  grow  upon  us.  I  would  procure  a 
Day  of  Humiliations  and  Supplications  to  be  kept  on  these 
occasions. 

8.  G.  D.  Many  People  are  thrown  into  Straits  and 
Wants,  by  the  Difficulties  of  the  Season ;  I  would  both 
express  and  excite  all  suitable  Expressions  of  Charity  on 
these  Occasions. 

9.  G.  D.  There  is  a  poor  Widow  in  this  Neighbour- 
hood, who,  with  her  son,  is  exposed  unto  Difficulties.  I 
would  make  my  House  to  become  an  Home  unto  them. 

*  10.    G.  D.     I  feel  a  very  sensible  Rebuke  from  Heaven 

upon  me,  in  shutting  me  out  from  the  Service  of  the  Flock. 

On  the  last  Lord's-day  I  was  compelled  unto  sitting  still, 

'  Henricus  Harphius  (  -1478),  a  Flemish  mystic  theologian.  This  work 
was  published  in  161 1.  *  Thomas  Craighead.    See  p.  306,  supra. 


MARCH,     1716-17  441 

out  of  a  Complement  unto  a  Person  who  had  been  asked 
by  my  Father  to  preach  for  him,  and  yett  arrived  not  so 
soon  but  that  my  Father  fearing  his  FaiUng  had  gott  another 
to  supply  his  Room.  The  young  Man,  to  whom  I  thus  in 
civility  gave  away,  was  also  one,  whom  for  the  Vanity  of 
his  Character,  I  did  least  of  all  desire  to  see  in  our  Pulpitt. 
This  Lord's-day  I  am  arrested  with  a  Cold,  and  a  Cough, 
and  am  therewithal  so  hoarse,  that  I  am  laid  by  from  all 
pubhc  Ministrations. 

On  these  Occasions  I  humbled  myself  before  the  glorious 
God.  I  renewed  my  Importunities  for  the  Pardon  of  the 
Miscarriages,  which  had  provoked  Him  thus  to  deal  with 
me ;  and  repaired  unto  the  great  Sacrifice.  I  entreated, 
that  I  might  know,  and  hear  the  Calls  of  the  divine  Provi- 
dence, in  what  had  befallen  me.  And  I  requested,  that  I 
might  yett  be  employ'd  in  the  Service  of  my  Glorious  Lord. 

11.  G.  D.  I  hope,  the  ill  Turn  upon  my  Health ;  which 
has  thus  confined  me  and  exil'd  me,  from  the  Service  of  the 
Flock,  will  prove  a  mighty  Animation  unto  my  Endeavours, 
to  serve  the  Flock,  more  painfully,  faithfully,  skilfully,  than 
ever  in  my  Life  before. 

12.  G.  D.  Nor  would  I  under  the  Admonitions  which 
my  Illness  gives  me,  delay  to  settle  in  a  testamentary  Way, 
what  may  be  for  the  Good  of  my  Family,  and  to  dispatch 
what  Things  I  should  leave  in  writing,  that  they  may  be 
well-circumstanced,  when  I  am  gone  from  them. 

13.  G.  D.  My  Kinsman  T.  W[alter]  gives  great  Hopes, 
of  his  proving  an  useful  Man.  Behold,  a  revived  Subject 
for  my  Cares,  and  Considerations! 

14.  G.  D.  I  have  been  desirous,  that  good  may  come 
out  of  all  the  evil  that  befalls  me.  A  foolish  Calumny  has 
been  rais'd  upon  me,  and  spred  thro'  Town  and  Countrey, 
as  if  I  had  encouraged  the  making  and  sending  of  an  Idol, 
for  the  Papists  at  Cape  Francois,  to  make  an  Object  of  their 
Adoration.    This  may  awaken  me  to  do  some  special  Ser- 


442  DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

vice  for  God ;  what  if  it  should  be,  to  publish  an  Essay 
upon  the  Spiritual  Idolatry,  by  which  the  Souls  of  Men  are 
generally  endangered? 

The  Lecture  was  this  day  turned  into  a  Day  of  Prayer, 
upon  my  Proposal ;  and  handsomely  attended  by  the 
People  of  the  Town.'  I  should  have  preached  unto  them 
this  Day,  but  my  God  humbles  me  with  Illness  that  con- 
fines me.  However  at  the  Time  when  the  People  of  God 
were  in  public  attending  on  Him,  I  harmonized  with  them, 
in  Humiliations  and  Supplications  at  home. 

SoUicitous  to  know,  why  the  Lord  thus  contends  with  me. 

15.  G.  D.  There  is  now  a  Prospect  of  a  more  grateful 
and  easy  Harmony  than\ever  among  the  Ministers  of  this 
Town.  I  would  project,  our  coming  into  a  more  stated 
Way  of  Meeting  at  one  anothers  Houses,  at  proper  Times; 
to  consider,  what  may  be  done  for  the  best  Interests. 

16.  G.  D.  I  resolve  to  unite  in  bearing  the  Expenses 
of  a  Schole,  to  be  opened  every  Evening,  two  or  three  Hours, 
for  the  Instruction  of  poor  Negro's,  and  Indians,  in  Reading 
the  Scriptures,  and  learning  their  Catechisms. 

*  17.  G.  D.  It  appears  to  me,  that  the  Holy  One 
requires  me  to  employ  as  exquisite  Thoughts  as  I  can,  upon 
that  Subject ;  How  my  last  Works  may  prove  my  best  Works? 
1  do  it  accordingly;  and  first,  prepare  a  Sermon  on  the 
Subject. 

18.  G.  D.  And  all  of  my  Flock,  that  are  more  than 
forty  years  of  Age,  will  be  deeply  concerned  in  the  pungent 
Sermon  which  may  be  preached  on  this  Occasion. 

19.  G.  D.  In  sitting  with  the  People  of  my  Family 
lett  it  be  a  frequent  Practice  with  me,  to  demand  of  them, 
an  Account,  Why  they  do  such  and  such  Things,  as  I  see 
them  engaged  in ;  and  on  this  Occasion,  instruct  them  in 
the  Methods  of  Piety,  for  living  to  God  in  all  they  do. 

20.  G.  D.     I  have  Relatives  in  much  Exercise  about 

*  Sewall  {Diary,  ui.  124)  credits  the  suggestion  to  his  son,  Rev.  Joseph  Sewall. 


MARCH,     1716-17  443 

theirs  abroad.     I  should  on  this  Occasion,  advise  and  com- 
fort them. 

I  would  putt  a  Friend  of  mine,  on  doing  some  Services 
for  his  Relatives. 

21.  G.  D.  The  Condition  of  the  People  in  the  South- 
part  of  the  Town,  is  in  Danger  of  being  very  miserable  by 
a  Division  arising  among  them ;  and  the  Interests  of  Re- 
ligion in  the  whole  Town,  are  likely  to  be  deeply  affected 
therein ;  my  Thoughts  and  Prayers  are  to  be  much  exer- 
cised on  this  Occasion. 

22.  G.  D.  Lett  me  in  the  public  Prayers  more  fre- 
quently have  a  Petition  of  this  Importance.  And  lett  the 
Work  of  Christianity  among  our  Indians  he  prosperously  car- 
ried on,  that  among  these  also  our  SA  VI OUR  may  he  glorified. 
Perhaps  my  Exemple  may  bring  others  to  the  like. 

23.  G.  D.  A  miserable  Woman  in  our  neighbourhood, 
is  like  to  be  destroy'd  under  her  Temptations.  I  am  to 
do  what  I  can  for  her  Succour. 

23  d.  I  m.  Satureday.  This  Day  I  sett  apart  for  secret 
communion  with  Heaven,  as  I  use  to  do. 

In  the  former  Part  of  the  Day,  with  a  Soul  full  of  Contrition 
and  Confusion,  I  considered,  the  strange  Work  of  God,  in  making 
so  foolish  and  filthy  a  Creature  as  I  was  before  Him,  to  become  a 
Servant  of  His  Kingdome  in  the  World.  I  considered  the  amazing 
Attempts  of  Satan,  to  destroy  this  Work  of  God,  and  how  near  they 
have  often  been  to  the  accomplishing  of  it.  I  considered,  that  many 
of  the  Advantages  which  Satan  had  against  me,  lay  in  my  own  Indis- 
cretions, wherewith  I  have  continually  exposed  myself  to  be  despised 
and  reproached :  but  much  more  in  my  secret  Impieties  and  Impurities, 
which  have  provoked  the  Holy  One  to  chastise  me  with  many  Scor- 
pions. In  the  Sense  of  these  Things,  I  humbled  myself  before  the 
Lord,  and  confess'd  my  Vileness,  and  justified  the  Holy  One  in  all 
the  sad  Things,  that  ever  did  or  could  befall  me.  I  durst  not  utterly 
despair  of  a  Pardon,  but  made  my  Flight  unto  the  great  Sacri- 
fice. And  then  I  begg'd  of  the  Gracious  Lord,  that  He  would  not 
Reject  me;  but  still  preserve  and  increase  my  Opportunities  to  be 
serviceable. 


444         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

On  this  Day  I  again  singled  out  the  desireablest  Things,  which 
I  enjoy,  or  could  wish  for,  and  with  the  humblest  Resignations  thereof, 
I  made  Sacrifices  of  them. 

I  went  on  with  the  many  Supplications,  which  my  own  present 
Circumstances,  and  those  of  my  Family  and  Relatives  and  the  People 
here,  and  the  whole  World  called  for. 

I  enjoy'd  more  Help  from  Above,  than  I  have  done  in  some  former 
Days. 

Yea,  I  seem  to  feel  the  Approach  of  Something,  that  will  very 
much  encourage  me  in  the  Service  of  God. 

*  24.  G.  D.  My  dear  SAVIOUR,  what  a  Frame  hast 
thou  brought  my  Soul  unto  ?  I  am  wiUing  to  be  slandered, 
reviled,  lessened ;  patient  of  being  despised  and  rejected  of 
Men.  This  proceeds  not  only  from  an  Acquiescence  in  the 
divine  Sovereignity,  and  from  a  Submission  to  the  just 
Punishment  of  my  Iniquity ;  but  also  from  a  secret  Pleasure 
in  Conformities  to  my  SAVIOUR,  and  from  an  Horror  of 
being  thought  a  considerable  Man  by  People  who  terminate 
in  Man,  and  sett  man  up  in  the  Throne  of  GOD,  and  make 
an  Idol  of  whatever  Man  they  ascribe  any  Grandeurs  to ! 

25.  G.  D.  My  Hearers  ought  to  be  more  powerfully 
and  pathetically  than  ever,  treated  upon  that  Point,  that 
so  few  make  thorough  Work  of  it  in  turning  and  living  to 
GOD,  and  so  many  leave  the  Condition  of  their  Souls  in  a 
woful  Uncertainty.  Give  them  the  Proofs  of  this  their 
Stupidity :  and  sett  before  them  the  Acts  of  Piety,  that 
must  putt  an  End  unto  it. 

26.  G.  D.  A  Servant  that  sojourns  with  me,  is  pre- 
paring for  Admission  into  our  Commilnion.  My  Assistences 
must  [be]  given  her  in  the  great  work  before  her. 

27.  G.  D.  I  have  two  Nephews'  in  this  Town,  (the 
Sons  of  a  wretched  Father,)  to  whom  I  would  extend  the 
Eye  of  my  Care,  and  send  Books  of  Piety  which  may  suit 
their  Circumstances. 

'  George  and  Nathan  Howell.    See  p.  410,  supra. 


MARCH,     1716-17  445 

28.  G.  D,  I  have  in  view  some  very  important  Pro- 
jections, for  the  Good  of  our  Eastern  Plantations,  and  for 
the  Evangelizing  of  the  Indians  there. 

29.  G.  D.  I  would  study  Ways  to  assist  an  honest 
Man,  who  is  willing  to  go  an  hunting  with  our  Eastern 
Indians,  and  lodge  Months  among  them,  that  he  may  in- 
struct them  in  our  holy  Religion, 

30.  G.  D.  Two  poor  Persons,  Objects  of  my  Care,  I 
would  endeavour  by  bringing  them  into  an  Intermarriage, 
to  bring  into  better  Circumstances. 

*3i.  G.  D.  I  find  the  glorious  One,  dethroning  my 
Idols,  in  several  Articles  of  Adversity ;  and  I  would  have 
my  Spirit  sweetly  reconciled  unto  such  Dispensations.  But 
then,  I  want  more  clearly  to  see  God  assuming  the  Throne. 
Wherefore,  on  each  of  my  Troubles,  I  would  still  think ; 
Well,  what  is  the  Homage  to  he  paid  unto  the  glorious  God 
on  this  Occasion? 

There  has  been  an  Image  of  St.  Michael  carved  in  this 
Town,  to  be  sent  unto  Cape  Franqois,  by  one  of  our  Traders 
thither,  from  whom  they  desired  it.  Whether  it  be  only 
an  ornamental  Business,  or  an  Idol  to  be  worshipped  by 
the  bruitish  Papists,  I  know  not.  But  our  People  suppose 
the  latter ;  and  a  mighty  Cry  has  been  made  about  it.  I 
only  spoke  a  transient  and  pleasant  Word  on  that  Occasion, 
(distinguishing  between  an  ornamental  Business,  and  an 
Idol)  unto  the  foolish  Woman,  who  is  the  wife  of  the  Trader, 
many  Months  ago.  That  wretched  and  bruitish  Family 
improved  that  Word,  in  their  own  Favour,  and  made  a 
formal,  a  lying.  Story  out  of  it.  It  is  incredible,  what  a 
vile  Representation  is  made  of  me  all  the  Countrey  over. 
On  this  Occasion,  I  take  little  Pains  to  vindicate  myself ; 
I  feel  myself  dead  unto  the  World,  in  regard  of  my  Reputa- 
tion; and  rather  pleas'd  than  vex'd  at  any  Diminution. 
But  sett  myself  to  consider  first.  What  Good  I  shall  gett, 
by  the  Storm  of  Calumnies  and  Obloquies,  now  beating 


446         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

upon  me.  And  then  I  go  on  to  consider,  What  Good  I  shall 
do;  and  I  would  be  awakened  unto  taking  of  some  notable 
Revenge  upon  Satan  and  his  Kingdome,  from  the  Insults 
which  he  makes  upon  me. 

(II.)  Under  these  Dispositions,  the  best  Thing  I  could 
think  of,  was  to  publish  a  little  Treatise  about  Idolatry, 
that  may  serve  all  the  Interests  of  practical  Piety :  and  in 
a  Prasface  to  it,  exhibit  the  Temper  and  Conduct  proper 
for  the  faithful  Servants  of  God,  when  they  have  a  Tempest 
of  Reproaches  falling  on  them,  from  the  Spirit  working  in 
the  Children  of  Disobedience.  God  graciously  hears  Prayer, 
in  assisting  the  Pubhcation.  Tis  entituled,  Iconoclastes. 
An  Essay  upon  the  IDOLATRY  too  often  committed  under 
the  profession  of  the  most  Reformed  Christianity;  and  a  Dis- 
covery of  the  IDOLS,  which  all  Christians  are  every  where 
in  danger  of.^ 

April.  I.  G.  D.  The  grievous  Losses  and  Sorrowes, 
my  Neighbours  have  lately  suffered  by  the  Way  of  the  Sea, 
obhge  me  to  Meditations  peculiarly  adapted  for  them, 

2.  G.  D.  I  fear  I  have  not  been  so  frequent  and  fer- 
vent and  particular,  as  I  should  have  been,  in  my  Prayers 
for  the  converting  Influences  of  Heaven,  on  the  Soul  of  my 
Servant  Onesimus.  Who  can  tell,  what  may  be  done  for 
him,  and  what  a  new  Creature  he  may  become,  if  more 
prayers  were  employ'd  for  him! 

3.  G.  D.  A  young  Man  at  the  CoUedge,  who  is  my 
Kinsman,  shall  be  taken  by  me  under  my  poor  particular 
Consideration,  that  he  may  be  prepared  for  Service.  [N.C.]- 

4.  G.  D.  Lett  me  entertain  some  deep  Thoughts, 
Whether  I  may  not  handle  some  further  Subjects  and  per- 
form some  further  Actions,  that  may  have  a  Tendency  to 
serve  the  grand  Interests  of  the  Kingdome  of  God  in  Europe. 

/^d.  2  m.    This  Day  was  a  general  Fast,  thro'  the  Prov- 

>  Printed  by  John  Allen  for  Daniel  Henchman,  1717. 
*  Nathaniel  Cotton. 


A  p  R  I  L  ,    I  7  I  7  447 

ince.     I  enjoy'd  precious  Assistences  from  Heaven,  in  the 
Services  of  the  Day. 

5.  G.  D.  Tho'  the  strange  and  odd  Humour  in  the 
Relatives  of  the  deceased  youth,  forbidding  me  to  pubhsh 
the  useful  Memorials  of  his  Piety,  and  their  killing  their 
Child  a  second  Time,  has  delay'd  my  Publication  of  what 
I  proposed,  for  the  enkindling  of  early  Piety  from  the 
Patterns  of  the  Youths  dead  at  the  Colledge,  yett  I  would 
resume  an  Endeavour  for  one  of  them,  and  see  how  I  can 
proceed  in  it. 

6.  G.  D.  The  late  Calamities  on  our  Vessels  and  Neigh- 
bours abroad,  afford  me  Objects  enough  to  engage  my  Com- 
passions at  home. 

*  7.  G.  D.  O  my  Soul,  Beware  lest  thy  Temptations, 
(which  are  wonderful!)  discourage  thee,  from  any  suit- 
able Activities  in  serving  the  Kingdome  of  God,  and  good 
Interests. 

There  is  extreme  Danger  of  it! 

Lett  Moses  also  make  thee  afraid  of  speaking  unad- 
visedly with  thy  Lips. 

8.  G.  D.  The  Love  of  God,  considered  as  the  Root  of 
all  Piety ;  all  being  only  diversified  Love  ;  only  variegated 
Love ;  This  notion  well-cultivated ;  and  now  at  the  Time 
when  we  are  all  hands  filling  our  Gardens  with  pleasant 
Plants.     The  Flock  may  hereby  be  singularly  edified. 

9.  G.  D,  I  hope,  I  have  now  found  one  whom  I  may 
recommend  unto  Cresy,  to  be  made  very  much  his  Com- 
panion, and  very  much  to  his  Advantage.  But,  Oh!  my 
unceasing  Inculcations  on  the  Child ! 

10.  G.  D.  I  have  a  kinsman,  a  Candidate  of  the  Min- 
istry, at  this  time  a  Chaplain  on  our  Isle  of  Wight;  whom 
I  have  not  hitherto  took  Notice  of.  I  would  now  take  a 
particular  Cognizance  of  him,  and  furnish  him  with  Books, 
and  advise  him  about  his  Conduct. 

11.  G.  D.    A  great  Opportunity  shall  I  have  this  day, 


448         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

to  bear  my  Testimony  to  everlasting  MAXIMS  of  PIETY, 
and  make  my  Demands  on  the  Behalf  of  those  MAXIMS. 
I  will  beg  of  the  glorious  Lord,  that  He  would  accept 
me,  by  the  Way  of  the  Press,  to  extend  my  Testimony. 

12,  G.  D.  Having  a  Prospect  of  publishing  Memoirs 
of  a  young  Student,  who  died  at  our  Colledge,  may  I  not 
consider  what  agreeable  Addresses  and  Instructions,  to  the 
surviving  Students,  may  accompany  them? 

13.  G.  D.  A  poor  distracted  Youth  in  my  Neighbour- 
hood, must  be  look'd  after. 

*  14.  G.  D.  Should  not  my  monthly  Practice  of  set- 
ting apart  a  Day  for  Prayer  with  Fasting,  be  brought  under 
a  further  Consideration? 

15.  G.  D.  It  is  a  very  dark  Time  with  many  of  the 
Flock.  Especially  in  regard  of  Relatives  and  Interests 
abroad.  It  may  be  a  seasonable  Action,  for  me  to  preach 
on,  the  Light  of  God,  by  which  we  may  walk  thro'  Darkness. 

16.  G.  D.  In  my  Family  I  wiU  renew  my  Cares,  that 
the  Satureday-Evening  may  [be]  rescued  from  all  saccular 
Encumbrances,  and  be  entirely  devoted  unto  Piety. 

17.  G.  D.  A  new  Kinsman  offers  to  my  View,  that  I 
may  consider.  What  may  be  done  for  him,  to  render  him 
serviceable. 

18.  G.  D.  The  deplorable  State  of  our  New  South- 
Church,  calls  for  Cares  and  Prayers. 

19.  G.  D.  A  new  Offer  for  the  Reviving  of  Religion  at 
the  Eastward,  is  to  be  considered  and  cultivated. 

20.  G.  D.     The  Prison  is  to  be  visited. 

A  Bible  to  be  bestow'd,  for  the  use  of  the  Prison ;  and 
such  Prisoners  as  may  want  it. 

20  d.  2  m.  Satureday.  This  Day,  I  sett  apart,  for  Sup- 
plications and  Humiliations,  with  Abstinence,  as  usually. 

I  enjoy'd  some  comfortable  Influences  from  above ; 
some  Tokens,  and  Effects  of  the  divine  Life  in  my  Soul. 

Especially,  when  submitting  to  whatever  Punishments 


APRIL,     1717  449 

of  my  Sin,  the  infinite  God  may  glorify  and  vindicate  His 
Holiness  upon  me  withal.  But,  then  assured,  that  the 
Punishments  of  my  Sin,  had  all  fallen  on  my  blessed  Saviour. 
And  when  turning  all  my  Enjoyments  into  Sacrifices. 

Ardent  my  Cries,  that  the  Spirit  of  God  may  be  poured 
out  upon  all  Flesh,  and  that  glorious  Troops  of  mighty  and 
Holy  Angels,  may  make  their  Descent  upon  the  World. 

(III.)  About  this  time,  that  I  might  serve  many  Good 
Purposes,  and  especially  give  one  Stroke  more  for  the  advan- 
tage of  early  Piety,  I  sent  unto  the  Press  a  Treatise  of  this 
Title.  The  Voice  of  the  Dove.  The  Sweet  Voice  oj 
PIETY,  and  more  particularly  that  of  EARLY  PIETY, 
articulated.  And  some  Notes  of  it  Exhibited,  in  certain 
Memoirs  of  Mr.  Robert  Kitchen,  a  desireable  Youth,  who 
expired  at  Salem.  20  d.  vii  m.  1716.^ 

*  21.  G.  D.  There  are  Errands  upon  which  I  would 
this  Day  go  unto  the  Table  of  the  Lord,  and  unto  my 
Saviour  who  is  there  to  be  mett  withal.  But  this  especially. 
My  glorious  Lord  sees  and  knows,  what  is  yett  lacking  in 
my  Soul,  to  render  me  a  brighter  Instrument  of  Good  in 
the  World,  and  to  ripen  me  for  the  Blessedness  of  another 
World.  I  would  apply  myself  to  Him,  with  ardent  Cries, 
that  He  would  carry  on  the  Work  of  His  Grace  in  me, 
unto  Perfection,  and  help  and  heal  what  is  defective  in 
me;  and  I  would  proceed  as  far  as  my  own  Observation 
will  carry  me,  unto  much  Particularity  in  my  doing  so. 

22.  G.  D.  The  Cases  of  the  many  afflicted  in  the  Flock, 
require  me,  to  be  very  particularly  concerned  both  in  my 
Prayers,  and  in  my  Sermons  for  them? 

T'were  proper  to  preach  on,  Psal.  cxix.  92.  Many 
afflicted  ones  to  be  visited. 

23.  G.  D.  I  must  lay  all  possible  Charges,  and  use 
all  possible  Methods,  that  the  Families  which  spring  from 
this,  whereof  I  am  the  Father,  may  live  in  all  possible  Accord 

'  Printed  by  John  Allen  for  D.  Henchman,  171 7. 
n  •  29 


450         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

with  [one]  another.  The  least  Appearance  or  Beginning  of 
Discord,  I  would  forever  provide  for  the  immediate  Extinc- 
tion of  it. 

24.  G.  D.  I  have  a  miserable  and  an  ill-humoured 
Sister,  who  may  be  in  danger  of  hurting  herself,  as  well 
as  creating  Disturbances  in  our  Families.  I  must,  with  all 
Meekness  of  Wisdome  contrive,  that  she  may  use  a  more 
discrete  Conduct,  and  that  all  Mischief  may  be  obviated. 

25.  G.  D.  Should  not  I  take  into  Consideration,  what 
may  be  done  for  the  Service  of  the  Ministry  and  Religion 
and  the  Churches,  throughout  the  Land,  that  the  Poison 
of  Wise's  cursed  Libel  may  have  an  Antidote  ?i 

26.  G.  D.  I  hope,  an  Association  of  the  Ministers,  is 
now  formed  in  this  Town ;  for  the  Regulating  and  Enter- 
taining of  our  Society,  I  hope  now  to  be  full  of  agreeable 
Projections.    The  Field  will  be  copious. 

27.  G.  D.  Grievous  Calamities  befall  several  in  my 
Neighbourhood,  which  oblige  me,  to  do  among  them  the 
Part  of  a  comforter  to  the  Mourners. 

*  28.  G.  D.  The  Notion  of  our  Soul  being  formed  with 
a  Principle  of  Re-Union  to  God,  by  Him  originally  implanted 
into  it,  if  well-cultivated,  may  prove  of  great  Use,  first  unto 
my  own  Soul,  and  then  unto  many  others.  Dr.  Cheines^ 
Reflections  on  this  matter,  should  be  exquisitely  considered. 

29.  G.  D.  One  of  our  Deacons,  is  a  man  more  ingenious, 
more  agreeable,  and  more  active  than  the  rest.  I  must 
needs  have  him  unite  more  intimately  and  particularly 
with  me,  in  Projections  for  the  Good  of  the  Church. 

30.  G.  D.  The  temporal  Interest  of  my  Family  must 
be  consulted,  in  my  seasonable  Cares,  to  secure  a  Farm 
at  Connecticut,  which  is  made  over  to  me. 

May.     I.   G.  D.     I  must  oftener  invite  the  Presence  of 

'  John  Wise  published  this  year  A  Vindication  of  the  Government  of  New  Eng- 
land Churches. 

'  George  Cheyne  (1671-1743).  Mather  probably  refers  to  his  Philosophical 
Principles  of  Religion,  printed  in  1715. 


M  A  Y  ,    I  7  I  7  .  451 

my  Aged  Father,  at  my  Table  —  one  of  the  most  grateful 
Spectacles  in  the  World. 

2.  G.  D.  Writing  to  Scotland,  I  have  several  Designs 
to  prosecute  for  the  Kingdome  of  God. 

Among  the  rest,  the  Introducing  of  Langius  to  be  read 
in  the  University  of  Glasgow. 

I  will  also  try,  what  the.  Lapis  e  Monte  may  do  amng  them. 

I  send  likewise  Books  of  Piety  unto  the  aged  Master  of 
the  great  Schole,  to  be  read  among  the  Scholars. 

3.  G.  D.  A  good  Settlement  of  Minds  and  Things,  in 
the  South  Part  of  the  Town,  and  the  Prevention  of  Con- 
tention and  every  evil  Work,  is  mightily  to  be  laboured  in. 

4.  G.  D.  The  Liberty  of  two  young  Women,  who  are 
the  Daughters  of  an  Eminent  Minister,  once  living  at 
Middleburgh,  and  who  rashly  bound  themselves  in  a  Servi- 
tude for  five  years  unto  one  coming  from  London  hither,  is 
to  be  purchased,  and  the  poor  Creatures  are  to  be  cared  for. 

*  5.  G.  D.  The  two  comprehensive  Points  of  our  cor- 
ruption, are  an  Ambition  of  saccular  Grandeur,  and  an 
Affection  for  sensual  Pleasures.  My  Soul  must  be  deeply 
engaged,  in  prosecuting  the  cure  of  these  two  Maladies. 

6.  G.  D.  The  Sea-faring  part  of  the  Flock,  tho'  degen- 
erated into  all  possible  Stupidity  and  Malignity,  yett  since 
the  late  Judgments  of  God  upon  them,  are  come  to  such  a 
tremendous  Degree  of  Desolation,  there  must  be  more 
attempts  to  awaken  them  unto  some  due  Notice  thereof. 

7.  G.  D.  Oh!  when!  when  shall  I  see  my  Son  Increase 
converted  imto  serious  Piety! 

More  clear  and  close  Discourse  with  him  on  that  impor- 
tant Matter,  must  be  repeated  with  unceasing  Assiduities. 

8.  G.  D.  What  shall  I  do,  that  my  Relatives  mourn- 
ing under  the  Fate  of  theirs  abroad,  may  have  a  right  Be- 
haviour in,  and  make  a  right  Improvement  of,  their  present 
Adversity ! 

9.  G.  D.    The  difficult  Case  of  our  New  South  Church. 


452         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

I  have  certain  Projections,  which  if  prosecuted,  may  cure 
all  that  is  amiss. 

ID.  G.  D.  Barmudas,  Renew  applications,  that  it  may 
be  provided  for. 

II.  G.  D.  Malefactors  in  the  Prison,  call  for  my  fresh 
Endeavours,  to  do  good  unto  such  miserables. 

*  12.  G.  D.  There  is  a  way  of  living,  how  sweet,  how 
high,  how  holy!  For  me  to  beleeve  and  behold  the  Love 
of  God  my  Saviour  to  me,  in  all  the  Circumstances  and 
Occurrences  of  my  Life,  still  as  they  arrive  unto  me ;  and 
perswaded  and  sensible  of  His  Love  unto  me  therein,  for 
me  thereupon  to  have  my  Heart  enflamed  with  Love  to 
Him,  and  formed  into  Dispositions  and  Resolutions  to 
praise  Him,  and  please  Him,  and  serve  Him,  and  shun 
every  thing  that  may  [be]  offensive  to  Him,  and  study  what 
I  shall  do  for  His  Kingdome  and  Interest. 

O  may  I  gett  more  into  it! 

But  may  I  take  it  for  granted,  that  there  is  the  Love  of 
my  Saviour,  in  all  that  is  done  unto  me !  If  I  find  it  inflam- 
ing my  Love  to  Him,  I  cannot  question  it. 

13.  G.  D.  Can  I  do  a  more  useful  Thing  for  my  Flock, 
than  to  sett  before  them  the  grievous  Demonstrations  of 
it,  that  few,  few  of  them  are  in  earnest  about  the  grand 
Business  of  Religion! 

14.  G.  D.  There  are  diverse  Things,  which  may  have 
a  singular  Tendency  to  nourish  the  Flame  of  Piety  in  my 
Family,  if  I  would  cause  them  to  be  read  over  there ; 

15.  G.  D.  My  Brother-in-Law  at  Roxbury,  is  in  a  state 
of  Health,  which  very  much  threatens  his  Life,  and  has 
laid  him  aside  from  Service ;  a  Vertigo  growing  towards  an 
Epilepsy.  I  would  not  only  pray  for  him  continually,  but 
also  animate  his  Flock  to  sett  apart  a  Day  of  Supplications 
for  him,  and  bear  my  part  in  it. 

16.  G.  D.    A  wretched  Man^  is  under  a  sentence  of 

'  Jeremiah  Fcnwick. 


M  A  Y  ,    I  7  I  7  453 

Death  for  a  Murder.  He  dies  a  Sacrifice  to  ungovemed 
Anger.  To  entertain  the  PubHc,  on  this  Occasion,  with  a 
Discourse  on  the  Folly  and  the  Danger  of  Ungoverned 
Anger,  may  be  a  Service  to  the  Cause  of  Piety. 

17.  G.  D.  I  would  propose,  unto  the  Master  of  the 
Grammar-Schole  in  my  Neighbour-hood,  that  he  would  cause 
the  Memoirs  of  the  Pious  Lad,  in  my,  Voice  of  the  Dove,  to 
be  readd  over  at  the  Schole,  and  then  follow  it  with  suitable 
Exhortations ;  as  also  advise  the  Scholars  to  gett  the  Book. 
I  would  entreat  likewise,  the  Gentlewoman  ^  the  mother 
of  the  Lad,  that  she  would  bestow  the  Book,  on  each  of  the 
Scholars,  in  the  Schole  at  Salem. 

18.  G.  D.  I  have  an  excellent  Friend  in  my  Neigh- 
bourhood, who  is  under  some  Degree  of  Alienation  of  Mind, 
left  by  a  late  Fever  upon  him.  I  must  use  exquisite 
Methods,  to  preserve  him  from  an  unhappy  Conduct. 

18  d.  3  m.  Satureday.  The  Perswasion  grows  upon  me, 
that  JoeVs  prophecy  yett  remains  to  be  accomplished,  yea, 
that  the  Time  shortly  comes  on  for  its  full  Accomplishment : 
that  the  Kingdome  of  God,  which  we  are  to  look  for,  and 
long  for,  will  not  come  on  without  a  Return  of  the  prophetic 
Spirit,  in  such  Operations  as  planted  Christianity  in  the 
primitive  Times;  that  the  Mighty  Operations  of  the  pro- 
phetic Spirit,  are  from  Angels  whom  our  ascended  Lord 
having  received  the  Command  of  them,  sends  with  their 
various  Gifts  to  possess  the  Children  of  Men;  that  all 
other  Wayes  to  introduce  Piety  into  the  World,  or  estab- 
lish Unity  among  the  People  of  God,  are  by  sad  Experience 
found  ineffectual ;  but  if  the  Holy  One  will  please  to  take 
this  Way,  all  Things  will  give  way  before  it,  and  also  the 
Lord  alone  will  be  exalted  in  that  Day :  that  the  plentiful 
Rain  with  which  the  Lord  once  comforted  His  Heritage,  has 
been  stopt  by  the  Ingratitude  of  Mankind ;    and  so,  for 

•  Bethia,  daughter  of  Daniel  Weld,  married  Robert  Kitchen,  merchant,  who 
died  October  28,  1712. 


454         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

three  Years  and  an  half,  (the  M.  CC.  LX  Dayes  of  Anti- 
christ) it  has  not  rained ;  but  these  now  expiring  there  will 
be  a  Sound  of  Abundance  of  Rain. 

Under  the  Influence  of  this  Perswasion,  and  a  strong  Anhelation 
to  see  the  World  made  happy,  and  GOD  and  His  CHRIST,  owned 
and  served  and  reigning  in  the  world,  I  resolved  upon  devoting  some 
Dayes  for  Prayer  with  Fasting  before  the  Lord,  that  this  Favour 
may  be  obtained,  and  the  Dove  be  sent  forth  the  third  Time,  and 
abide  with  us,  and  the  Flood  which  overwhelms  all  our  Foundations 
be  carried  oflf.     My  Encouragement  is  in  Luk.  XI.  13. 

It  may  be,  I  am  the  only  Man  upon  Earth  so  engaged ;  but  I 
hope  that  my  Gracious  God  will  preserve  me  from  Delusions. 

This  is  one  of  the  Dayes  that  I  sett  apart  for  this  Purpose. 

And  I  take  the  Opportunity  to  ask  for  such  other  Blessings,  as 
in  my  Soul,  and  my  Family,  and  my  Ministry  I  have  Occasion  to 
think  upon. 

While  I  am  doing  these  Things,  I  do  not  in  any  Measure  ask, 
that  I  may  myself  enjoy  any  Share  in  the  Gifts  of  the  prophetic 
Spirit.  I  desire  nothing  extraordinary  for  myself,  but  extraordinary 
Holiness.  All  that  I  desire  for  myself  is  a  strong  Descent  of  the 
sanctifying  Spirit  on  me,  to  fill  me  with  the  Love  of  God. 

*  19.  G.  D.  I  am  exceeding  sensible,  that  the  Grace 
of  Meekness,  is  very  defective  in  me.  I  would  now  more 
than  ever  study  to  excell  in  that  gracious  Ornament. 

I  would  particularly  resolve  on  these  Maxims  for  my 
Conduct. 

I.  Upon  a  Provocation  to  Anger,  I  would  make  a  Pause,  and 
think.  Is  it  a  Sin  that  now  calls  for  my  Anger?  and,  How  must  I  manage 
it,  that  I  may  not  sin  in  my  Anger? 

II.  I  would  then  also  think,  /  have  the  Eye  of  a  glorious,  gracious, 
righteous  God  now  upon  me. 

III.  I  would  then  Ukewise  think,  What  would  my  patient  SAV- 
IOUR have  done  on  such  an  Occasion? 

IV.  Every  Night  at  my  going  to  Rest,  I  would  be  able  to  say,  my 
Mind  is  in  an  easy  Frame  towards  all  the  World. 

V.  I  would  especially  keep  a  Guard  upon  my  Spirit,  when  I 
think  on  the  base  Treats  I  suffer  from  the  ungrateful  and  abusive 
people  in  general ;   that  I  do  not  speak  unadvisedly  with  my  Lips. 


MAY,    I  7  I  7  455 

20.  G.  D.  I  would  from  a  Principle  of  Gratitude  be 
quickened,  unto  doing  for  my  Flock  all  possible  Services. 
My  Salary  from  them,  is  considerably  more,  than  ten  Shil- 
lings per  day.  Lett  it  then  be  a  Shame  and  a  Grief  unto 
me,  if  any  Day  pass  me,  wherein  I  shall  not  be  able  to  say, 
/  have  done  something  for  the  Flock  to  day,  which  may  be  an 
honest  Consideration  oj  the  Wages  I  have  received  from  them! 

21.  G.  D.  Now  I  will  not  only  pray  for  all  my  Chil- 
dren by  Name,  every  Day,  as  I  use  to  do ;  but  single  out 
suitable  Blessings,  to  be  asked  for  each  of  the  five  by  Name 
every  Day. 

And  for  my  Children  in  Law,  I  would  particularly  ask, 
that  they  may  live  in  all  Harmony  and  Agreement  with 
one  another. 

22.  G.  D.  My  Relatives  returned  from  a  Captivity 
among  the  Spaniards,  must  be  address'd  with  Admonitions 
agreeable  to  their  Circumstances. 

23.  G.  D.  A  poor  Man  under  a  Sentence  of  Death  for 
a  Murder,  dies  a  Sacrifice  to  Un governed  Anger.  A  Sermon 
about,  Ungoverned  Anger,  preached  at  the  Lecture  on  this 
Occasion,  may  be  a  great  Service  to  Piety,  and  a  good 
Improvement  of  the  Spectacle  we  have  before  us. 

24.  G.  D.  I  would  make  some  useful  Collections  of 
the  rare  Occurrences,  which  were  in  the  Storms  and  Snows, 
that  we  had  in  the  Conclusion  of  our  Winter.  I  may  make 
a  good  Use  of  them.  And  commimicate  them  [to]  the 
Royal  Society. 

25.  G.  D.  A  gracious  Woman  afflicted  with  a  f reward 
Husband,  must  be  directed  and  comforted. 

*  26.  G.  D.  A  sweet  Acquiescence  in  the  Will  of  God, 
on  several  Occasions,  is  what  I  am  now  sensibly  call'd  unto. 

27.  G.  D.  Some  under  the  Discipline  of  the  Church, 
have  miscarried,  and  must  be  look'd  after. 

28.  G.  D.  Some  Things  particularly  to  be  recom- 
mended unto  the  Perusal  of  my  Children. 


45^         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

Onesimus^s  Recovery  from  a  dangerous  Fitt  of  Sickness, 
must  be  improv'd  for  his  Awakening  to  Piety. 

29.  G.  D.  Repeted  Visits  and  adapted  ones,  unto  my 
aged  Father-in-Law,  at  Charlston. 

30.  G.  D.  A  Variety  of  Services,  to  be  done  in  the 
general  Convention  of  Ministers,  who  allow  me  to  be  their 
Moderator, 

Methods  to  preserve  and  promote  Piety,  proposed. 

An  Address  to  the  King  agreed  upon.^ 

The  Convention  ordered  me  in  their  Name,  and  with 
them  attending  on  me,  to  make  a  Speech  unto  the  Gov- 
emour ;  which  God  helped  me  to  do,  so  as  to  find  much 
Acceptance.  I  suppose,  it,  with  his  Answer  to  it,  will  be 
published  unto  the  World.  ^ 

31.  G.  D.  What  shall  I  do,  to  make  the  miserable 
Man  under  Sentence  of  Death,  and  his  Case,  yett  more 
serviceable ! 

My  dear  Franckius  tells  me,  that  when  the  Servants  of 
GOD,  have  projected  any  Thing,  that  will  be  evidently  a 
Service  to  His  Kingdome,  they  should  go  on  with  a  lively 
Faith  in  Him,  to  carry  them  thorough,  tho'  they  have  at 
present  little  Prospect  of  accomplishing  their  Designs ;  He 
will  doubtless  do  wonderfully  for  them. 

I  beleeve,  it  is  hardly  possible  for  me,  to  do  a  greater 
Service  for  the  Kingdome  of  God,  than  to  give  unto  the 
public,  a  little  Treatise  which  I  have  now  prepared.  When 
I  had  prepared  it,  there  was  a  Sentence  of  Death  upon  the 
Publication  of  it,  in  the  Avarice  of  our  Booksellers.  But 
after  I  had  expressed  the  Resignation  to  the  sovereign, 
wise,  and  just  Will  of  God  my  SAVIOUR,  in  the  matter, 
He  putt  it  into  the  Hearts  of  some,  to  make  those  Offers, 
which  will  revive  the  Design. 

(IV.)  It  is  Entituled,  MALACHI.  or,  The  Everlasting 
Gospel  to  be  preached  unto  the  Nations;  and  those  MAXIMS 

»  See  p.  300,  supra.  *  Printed  by  B.  Green,  1717. 


JUNE,    I  7  I  7  457 

of  PIETY,  which  are  to  he  the  Glorious  Rules  of  Behaviour, 
the  only  Terms  of  Communion,  and  the  Happy  End  of  Con- 
troversy; among  all  that  would  meet  and  serve  those  Advances 
which  the  KINGDOME  of  God  is  now  snaking  on  the  World; 
and  What  the  Distressed  Nations  must  see  their  Distresses  go 
on  till  they  are  brought  unto.^ 

That  which  animates  me  the  more  to  bring  forth  this 
Treatise  is,  in  that  I  hear  nothing,  what  is  become  of  my 
Boanerges. 

June.  I.  G.  D.  A  poor,  young,  ungodly  and  ungrate- 
ful Wretch,  must  have  something  done  for  him,  to  prevent 
his  quick  perishing  under  the  Judgments  of  God. 

*  2.  G.  D.  I  would  study  to  excell,  in  every  Point 
of  Piety ;  press  after  what  may  be  call'd,  heroic  Piety. 
Methinks,  there  is  a  yett  more  excellent  Behaviour  which 
I  may  endeavour  as  a  Neighbour,  towards  those  who  are 
in  my  nearest  Neighbourhood.  Wherefore  I  would  not 
only  treat  all  of  them  always  lovingly,  and  courteously, 
and  be  ready  to  do  them  all  good  Ofhces,  but  I  would  visit 
them  with  greater  Frequency,  and  in  my  Visits  I  would 
study  to  lay  Obligations  of  Goodness  upon  them. 

3.  G.  D.  What  can  I  do  better  for  the  Flock  than 
make  a  solemn  and  awful  Improvement,  of  the  sudden 
Deaths  which  have  newly  happened  in  the  neighbourhood? 

4.  G.  D.  In  the  evening  Entertainments  for  my 
Family,  I  would  particularly  go  over  the  eight  Beatitudes ; 
and  urgently  press  upon  my  Domesticks  the  Pursuit  of  the 
Characters. 

5.  G.  D.  A  Minister  of  Windsor,  somewhat  remotely 
related  unto  me,  is  under  peculiar  Difficulties  and  Tempta- 
tions ;  2  A  Variety  of  Services  and  Kindnesses,  I  propose  to 
do  for  him. 

6.  G.  D.    By  the  Pubhcation  of  my  late  Speech  to 

1  Printed  by  T.  Crump  for  Robert  Starke,  171 7. 
*  Rev.  Timothy  Edwards  ? 


458         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

the  Governour,  and  his  Answer  to  it,  I  propose  a  Variety 
of  Services  to  the  PubHc;  various  and  comprehensive 
Services. 

7.  G.  D.  At  the  WTiarfs,  which  ly  a  little  below  my 
present  Habitation,  and  belong  to  the  0\\'ner  of  it,  there 
are  usually  many  Vessels.  I  will  take  my  Time  to  walk 
down  upon  the  Wharfs,  and  lovingly  talk  to  the  People 
belonging  to  the  Vessels,  about  their  greatest  Interests ;  and 
lodge  Books  of  Piety  in  their  Hands.  Not  knowing,  whether 
the  Glorious  God  may  not  send  some  of  His  Elect  thither, 
for  His  Grace  thus  to  meet  with  them. 

8.  G.  D.  Several  Objects  for  my  Compassion,  do  I  in 
the  Prison  meet  withal. 

*  9.  G.  D.  I  see  a  strange  Effect  of  a  modest,  humble, 
self-denying  Satisfaction,  in  the  Improvements  of  my 
younger  Brethren. 

The  poor  Man,  under  Sentence  of  Death,  having  visited 
the  other  Congregations,  was  to  have  been  executed  on 
the  last  Thursday ;  which  was  the  Lecture  of  another. 
My  private  Labours  for  his  good,  were  what  they  were; 
and  such  a  Success  thereof  began  to  appear,  that  I  obtained 
a  Reprieve  of  one  Week  longer  for  them ;  which  had  a 
strangely  happy  Consequence  on  the  Soul  of  the  Malefactor. 
All  this  while,  I  had  no  Share,  in  those  pubHc  Appearances, 
that  might  give  me  Opportunities  to  do  good  unto  many 
on  this  Occasion.  My  mind  sweetly  acquiesced  in  the  Will 
of  God,  and  I  took  Pleasure,  in  His  using  of  whom  He 
pleased,  and  how. 

But,  behold,  without  any  seeking  of  mine,  the  greatest 
of  all  the  Opportunities  to  do  good,  from  the  Circumstances 
of  the  Man,  which  are  now  grown  very  remarkable,  are 
thrown  into  my  Hand.  The  man  has  a  distinguishing 
Regard  unto  me  above  all  Men.  And  he  desires  to  be  on 
this  last  Lord's-day  of  my  [his]  Life,  in  my  Auditory ;  which 
proves  one  prodigiously  vast;   and  the  gracious  Lord  car- 


J  u  N  E  ,    I  7  I  7  459 

ries  me  comfortably  thro'  the  Services  before  me.  The 
Man  also  by  his  Desire  procures  it,  that  I  must  be  the 
Man,  who  must  preach  the  last  Sermon  he  shall  hear,  on 
the  next  Thursday  just  before  his  Execution ;  yea,  and  he 
assigns  me  a  tremendous  Text  then  to  preach  upon ;  even 
that,  Matth.  x,  28.  Fear  Him  who  can  destroy  both  Body 
and  Soul  in  Hell.  Such  Things  as  these,  animate  me  more 
and  more  to  study  the  Temper  of  Mind,  which  introduced 
them. 

10.  G.  D.  I  hope,  what  I  have  preached  yesterday, 
about  improving  a  Space  to  Repent,  is  what  the  Flock  will 
fare  the  better  for, 

11.  G.  D.  What  shall  be  done,  for  the  raising  of 
Sammy s  Mind,  above  the  debasing  Meannesses  of  Play ! 

12.  G.  D.  My  Brother  languishing  at  Roxbury,  and 
my  Nephew  lying  dangerously  and  dubiously  sick,  at  Ded- 
ham,  call  for  my  most  earnest  Cries  to  Heaven,  and  other 
Cares  on  their  behalf. 

13.  G.  D.  What  a  surprising  Opportunity  to  do  good 
unto  many,  have  I  thrown  into  my  hands  this  day,  by  the 
Desire  of  a  poor  Man,i  who  procures  my  preaching  on  a 
Text  that  he  has  chosen  to  hear  handled  before  his  Death, 
which  is  to  be  this  Afternoon. 

My  Glorious  Lord  graciously  carried  me  thro'  the  hard 
Service  before  me,  in  a  very  vast  Assembly. 

(V.)  The  Sermon  is  immediately  desired  and  expected 
in  the  Way  of  the  Press.  I  give  it  unto  the  Bookseller 
under  this  Title.  The  Valley  of  Hinnom.  The  Terrors  of 
HELL  demonstrated,  and  the  Methods  of  Escaping  the  Ter- 
rible Miseries  in  the  punishment  of  the  Wicked  there,  declared; 
In  a  SERMON ,  preached  in  the  Hearing  and  at  the  Request, 
of  a  Man  under  a  Sentence  of  Death  for  a  Murder;  Just 
before  the  Execution  of  the  sentence,  and  upon  a  Text  by  him- 

1  Jeremiah  Fenwick,  of  Boston,  who  had  in  November,  1716,  killed  one  Ralph 
Moxtershed,  a  ropemaker.  Sewell  gives  the  name  Phenix. 


460         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

self  assigned  for  the  Sermon  to  insist  upon.  At  Boston, 
13  d.  IV  m.  1717.  To  which  there  is  his  Dying  Speech 
annexed.^ 

14.  G.  D.  Deeply  engaged,  in  Writing  many  Letters 
to  England,  of  a  public  Importance,  I  am  Contriving  many 
and  special  Services  for  the  Public. 

15.  G.  D.     More  Objects  for  Compassion  in  the  Prison. 
1$  d.  4  w.  Satureday.    This  Day,  I  sett  apart  for  Prayer 

with  Fasting  in  Secret  before  the  Lord. 

I  had  many  Concerns  to  spread  before  the  Lord  in  my 
Supplications. 

Particularly  the  deplorable  State  of  the  new  South 
Church  in  this  Town. 

But,  what  I  most  of  all  designed  and  pursued,  was,  the 
Accomplishment  of  JoeVs  Prophecy. 

Whereof  I  have  expressed  my  Sentiments,  on,  18  J.  3  m., 
a  month  ago. 

*  16.  G.  D.  I  would  not  only  resolve  the  Frames  and 
Acts,  which  belong  to  a  Life  of  Piety,  but  still  as  I  take 
up  the  Resolutions,  I  would  pitch  upon  particular  Times, 
wherein  I  will  express  those  Frames  and  exert  those  Acts, 
and  so  make  sure  of  obtaining  my  Purposes. 

17.  G.  D.  And  I  will  mightily  insist  upon  the  like 
Advice  to  the  Flock,  that  so  the  Exhortations  to  Piety  may 
not  be  lost  upon  them. 

18.  G.  D.  Nancy's  Health  calls  for  a  timous  Consider- 
ation. 

19.  G.  D.  With  what  Solemnity  must  I  call  upon  my 
Kinsman,  T.  W[alter]  to  make  a  right  and  a  great  Use,  of 
his  Dehverance  from  the  Jawes  of  Death,  which  the  God, 
who  hears  Prayer,  has  lately  given  ? 

20.  G.  D.  The  miserable  Condition  and  Contention, 
of  the  People  in  the  South-part  of  the  Town,  very  much 
takes  up  of  my  Time  and  Thought  for  them. 

•  Printed  by  J.  Allen  for  Robert  Starke,  171 7. 


J  u  N  E  ,    I  7  I  7  461 

21.  G.  D.  Our  excellent  Govemour  who  has  delivered 
the  Countrey  from  a  Flood  of  Corruption,  which  was  intro- 
duced by  the  selling  Places,  is  to  be  encouraged,  and  a 
course  must  be  taken,  that  he  may  be  vindicated  from  the 
Aspersions  of  a  cursed  Crue  in  this  Place,  who  traduce  him 
as  guilty  of  that  Iniquity. 

22.  G.  D.  Some  in  our  Church,  fallen  into  Sin,  must 
be  recovered. 

*  23.  G.  D.  I  am  defective,  I  am  not  enough  explicit 
and  enlarged.  In  the  Morning,  to  lay  the  Plan  of  the 
Work  to  be  done  in  the  Day  for  God ;  In  the  Evening,  to 
reflect  particularly,  upon  all  the  Passages  of  the  Day. 
Mend. 

24.  G.  D.  By  doing  more  about  my  Sermons,  in  the 
former  part  of  the  Week,  I  shall  render  myself  more  useful 
to  the  Flock,  on  many  Accounts,  as  well  as  in  the  Study 
of  my  Sermons. 

25.  G.  D.  My  Children  must  be  obliged  oftener  to 
wait  upon  their  two  aged  Grandfathers,  with  dutiful  Visits. 
They  may  help  to  sweeten  and  prolong  the  Lives  of  their 
Grandfathers,  and  also  receive  efficacious  Instructions  from 
them. 

26.  G.  D.  I  have  a  very  wicked  Brother-in-Law,  whom 
tis  high  time  for  me  to  think  of  more  effectual  Methods 
for  the  reclaiming  of. 

27.  G.  D.  Diverse  ungospellized  Plantations,  destitute 
of  Ministers,  must  be  exceedingly  cared  for. 

28.  G.  D.  Some  Care  must  be  taken  that  the  Loss  of 
Time  at  Funerals  in  this  Town,  may  be  prevented  and 
redressed.  I  will  present  a  Memorial  to  the  select  Men, 
on  this  Affair. 

29.  G.  D.     Some  in  great  Affliction  to  be  visited. 

30.  G.  D.  My  SAVIOUR  sais,  a  Corn  of  Wheat,  if  it 
dy,  it  hringeth  forth  much  Fruit.  In  all  my  Essays  to  do 
Good,  I  still  find  a  Sentence  of  Death  written  upon  what 


462         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

I  have  undertaken,  before  it  comes  to  any  Thing.  Where- 
fore, when  I  see  a  Sentence  of  Death  on  any  of  my  Essays, 
I  would  entertain  it,  without  froward  and  sinful  Discourage- 
ments, and  have  a  lively  Faith  awakened  and  exercised  in 
my  Soul,  for  a  good  Issue  of  all. 

How  strangely  does  the  glorious  Lord  continue  to  make 
use  of  me!  I  gave  to  the  Bookseller  my  Essay  upon,  TJie 
valley  of  Hinnom.  I  was  desirous  at  the  same  time,  to 
have  had  him  taken  another  Discourse  for  the  Cure  of 
Ungoverned  Anger.  He  declined  it,  and  I  was  easy;  my 
Discourse  must  ly  by  under  a  Sentence  of  Death;  my 
Labour  be  buried. 

(VI.)  But  in  five  Dayes  time,  the  Bookseller  sells  off 
an  Impression  of  near  a  thousand  which  he  printed  of  the 
former  Essay ;  and  now  he  comes  to  me  for  the  Latter. 
So  it  comes  abroad,  for  the  service  of  Piety  under  this  Title. 
Febrifugium.  An  Essay  for  the  Cure  of  ungoverned  Anger, 
In  a  Sermon  preached  at  the  Proposal,  and  on  the  Occasion 
of  a  Man  under  a  Sentence  of  Death,  for  a  Murder  committed 
by  him  in  his  Anger,  At  Boston,  23  d.  iii  m.  1717.* 

July.  I.  G.  D.  A  severe  Expostulation,  with  such  of 
the  Flock,  as  by  neglecting  to  approach  the  Table  of  the 
Lord,  plainly  declare  themselves  yett  Minors  in  Christianity. 

2.  G.  D.     My  dear  Nibby,  draws  near  her  Time. 

3.  G.  D.  I  have  a  Kinsman,  to  be  advised  against  the 
prevailing  of  Slothfulness,  and  the  Neglecting  of  his  Busi- 
ness, which  threatens  to  grow  upon  him. 

3  J.  V  w.  Wednesday.  This  Day,  being  the  Commence- 
ment, as  they  call  it ;  a  Time  of  much  Resort  unto  Cambridge, 
and  sorrily  enough  thrown  away,  I  chose  to  spend  this  Time 
at  home,  and  I  sett  apart  a  good  Part  of  it,  for  Prayer  with 
Fasting  before  the  Lord. 

And  besides  the  usual  Matter  of  Supplications,  there  were  espe- 
cially three  Errands,  which  I  now  went  unto  Heaven  upon. 
*  Printed  by  J.  Allen,  1717. 


J  u  L  Y  ,    I  7  I  7  463 

One,  that  the  Spirit  of  God  may  be  poured  out  upon  all  Flesh, 
according  to  His  Promise ;  and  the  Kingdome  of  God  introduced 
with  a  fresh  and  large  Rain  of  the  Gifts  which  refreshed  the  Heritage 
of  the  Lord  in  the  primitive  Times. 

For  this,  I  have  now  besought  the  Lord  thrice. 

Another,  that  our  CoUedge,  which  is  on  many  Accounts  in  a  very 
neglected  and  unhappy  Condition,  and  has  been  betray'd  by  vile 
Practices,  may  be  restored  unto  better  Circumstances,  and  be  such 
a  Nursery  of  Industry,  and  Piety,  and  all  Erudition,  as  that  our 
Churches  may  therein  see  the  Compassion  of  the  Lord  unto  them. 

A  Third ;  that  my  dear  Nibby,  may  be  carried  well  to  and  thro' 
her  Time,  and  see  a  gracious  Deliverance. 

4.  G.  D.  Care  to  be  taken  for  the  Recommendation 
of  some  fitt  Persons  to  the  Governour,  for  pubhc  Places, 
who  may  be  hkely  to  be  Blessings  in  their  Stations. 

5.  G.  D.  This  Day,  I  prosecute  several  Designs  among 
the  Commissioners  for  the  Indian  Affairs,  that  may  be  for 
the  public  Interest. 

6.  G.  D.  A  poor  man  in  our  Church,  must  be  recom- 
mended unto  Charity. 

*  7.  G.  D.  I  propose  a  sensible  Improvement  in  Piety, 
by  my  Perusal  of  Mons'r.  Placettes,  La  Morale  Chretienne 
abregee.^ 

8.  G.  D.  A  Sermon  upon  Secret  Sorrows,  may  be  of 
marvellous  use  unto  the  Flock. 

9.  G.  D.  My  two  youngest  Children,  of  their  own 
Accord,  incline  to  learning  the  French  Tongue ;  and  visit 
a  master  for  it.     I  would  cherish  the  Inclination. 

10.  G.  D.  A  Kinsman,  of  whom  I  have  hitherto  taken 
little  Cognisance,  appears  to  me,  capable  of  Service  in  our 
Eastern  Plantations.  I  would  propose  and  pursue  the 
Matter. 

11.  G.  D.  I  have  in  view,  a  sensible  Service  for  the 
Kingdome  of  God ;  by  forming  for  some  Students,  who 
have  taken  their  Degree,  a  Method  of  Studies  which  may 

*Jean  La  Placette  (1639-1718). 


464         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

prepare  them  for  great  Service  in  the  World ;  and  keeping 
them  under  my  Inspection  in  my  Neighbourhood ;  and 
having  them  to  attend  upon  me,  with  frequent,  perhaps, 
daily  AppHcations.  This  Design  requires  a  Uttle  further 
Cultivation ;  and  the  Direction  of  Heaven  must  be  asked 
for  it. 

11  d.  V  m.  Thursday.  This  Day,  was  kept  as  a  Day  of 
Prayer  thro'  the  Province.  The  Drought  threatning  of  us, 
was  the  principal  Occasion. 

I  was  graciously  assisted.  But  this  Day  releases  me, 
from  a  secret  Fast,  this  week ;  with  which  I  should  else 
have  prepared  for  the  Communion. 

12.  G.  D.  I  begin  to  have  something  in  View  for  poor 
Barmudas;   which  I  would  prosecute. 

13.  G.  D.  A  poor  man  languishing  of  a  Consumption, 
must  be  visited,  assisted,  comforted. 

*  14.  G.  D.  Examining  my  Love  to  GOD,  I  find,  I  have 
an  imspeakable  Delight  in  Obedience  to  Him,  yea,  in  sacri- 
ficing to  Him. 

Yett,  I  find,  there  are  some  Exercises  of  Communion  with  GOD, 
wherein  I  take  not  so  much  Delight,  as  I  ought  to  do.  Especially, 
secret  Prayer. 

Examining  my  Love  to  my  Neighbour,  I  find,  I  am  afraid  of  doing 
him  the  least  Wrong ;  afraid  of  doing  him  the  least  Harm ;  ready 
with  Alacrity  to  do  him  all  the  good  Offices  imaginable,  Yett,  I  find 
a  secret  and  sudden  Inclination  to  be  pleased,  when  I  see  God  re- 
venging my  Cause  upon  a  personal  Enemy  with  bringing  them  into 
humbling  Circumstances. 

Examining  my  Faith  in  my  Saviour,  I  find,  my  Mind  so  sensible 
of  His  Glories,  that  I  desire  nothing  so  much  as  to  live  unto  Him. 

Yett,  I  find,  a  Suspicion  sometimes  working  in  my  Mind,  whether 
His  Great  Sacrifice  be  a  sufficient  Security  for  me. 

Examining  my  Repentance  of  Sin,  I  find  an  hearty  Sorrow  for 
my  Offences  unto  the  Glorious  GOD,  and  an  hearty  Design  to  avoid 
every  Thing,  which  the  Light  of  God  in  me  shall  condemn  as  an  evil 
Thing. 

Yett,  I  find  that  the  odious  and  horrid  Nature  of  Sin,  appears 


JULY,    I  7  I  7  465 

not  unto  me,  so  livelily,  and  so  frightfully,  and  so  efficaciously,  as  it 
ought  to  do. 

15.  G.  D.  Such  Things  prosecuted  in  the  pubHc  Pray- 
ers, may  serve  the  Cause  of  Piety  in  the  People  to  whom  I 
am  to  Minister. 

16.  G.  D.  Concert  with  Sammy s  Master,  Methods  for 
his  further  Improvement. 

Lett  him,  and  his  Brother  Cresy,  read  a  Book  lately 
published.  The  Young  Mans  call  to  his  Brethren. 

17.  G.  D.  A  Kinsman,  who  is  a  Sailor,  must  come  into 
very  more  particular  Care,  for  the  Animation  of  Piety  in  him. 

And  I  would  send  some  Instruments  of  Piety,  to  his 
Relatives. 

18.  G.  D.  The  main  Intention  of  my  Studies,  wherein 
my  Spirit  is  deeply  and  strongly  engaged,  is,  to  awaken 
the  Zeal  of  an  Union  for  all  good  Men  upon  the  Indis- 
putable Maxims  of  the  everlasting  Gospel. 

I  must  sett  myself  with  frequent  Meditations,  to  find 
out  witty  Inventions,  beyond  all  that  I  have  hitherto  used, 
for  the  Service  of  this  Intention. 

19.  G.  D.  By  some  of  the  young  Men  learning  to 
read  well  my  Notes  of  my  Sermons  I  may  be  yett  more 
useful  to  their  Societies. 

20.  G.  D.  Go  to  the  Prison,  and  find  out  special 
Objects  for  Charity  and  Compassion. 

*  21.  G.  D.  Suppose  that  a  Child  of  my  singular  Love 
and  Hope,  should  so  fall  into  Sin,  and  be  after  wondrous 
Means  of  Recovery,  yett  so  abandoned  of  God,  and  so 
ensnared  in  Vice,  that  there  may  [be]  terrible  Cause  to 
fear  lest  he  prove  a  Cast-away ;  If  the  Glorious  GOD  should 
order  such  a  Trial  for  me,  what  should  be  my  Behaviour 
under  it? 

First,  I  must  watch  over  my  Spirit  that  the  Grief  and  Wrath 
arising  on  such  Occasion  may  not  proceed  from  the  Vexation  of  my 

II  -30 


466         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

missing  the  Reputation  and  Satisfaction  which  a  Child  of  more  hon- 
ourable Behaviour  might  bring  unto  me.  Here  self  would  operate. 
Perhaps,  I  have  carried  the  Supposal,  beyond  any  real  Occasion  for 
it.  Yett,  my  GOD  would  have  me  come  up  to  all  the  Piety,  which 
the  Supposal  would  call  for.^ 

Secondly.  I  must  adore  the  divine  Sovereignty ;  and  endeav- 
our an  unmurmuring  Acquiescence  in  the  Thing  that  is  appointed 
for  me. 

Thirdly.  I  must  poenitently  see  my  own  Sins  chastised  in  what 
shall  thus  befal  me,  and  humbly  accept  the  Punishment  of  my 
Iniquity. 

Fourthly.  Yea,  I  must  mourn  for  the  Sins  of  my  Child,  as  for 
my  own  ;  and  walk  softly  before  the  Lord. 

Fifthly.  Yett  I  must  not  give  over  Crying  and  Weeping  to  the 
Lord,  and  using  the  Methods  which  are  effectual  for  the  Disposses- 
sion of  an  Evil  Spirit. 

GOD  will  anon  say  to  me.  Concerning  thy  Sin,  I  have  heard  thee. 

2  2.  G.  D.  Would  not  the  call  of  our  Saviour  over  the 
Grave  of  the  dead  Lazarus,  agreeably  insisted  on,  be  a 
proper  Engine,  with  which  I  might  hope,  that  the  Spirit 
of  Grace  may  cause  many  sinful  Ones  in  the  Flock,  to  come 
forth  from  their  evil  Circumstances? 

23.  G.  D.  My  Son  Increase!  I  am  distress'd  for  him : 
I  hear,  I  fear,  what  is  amiss  concerning  him ;  Snares  which 
threaten  him. 

With  what  Plainness,  with  what  Vigour,  but  yett  with 
what  Prudence,  must  I  dispense  and  repeat  my  Admoni- 
tions to  him! 

I  take  him  into  my  Library ;  there  I  renew  my  Impor- 
tunities ;  I  obtain  from  him  Expressions  of  Repentance,  and 
fitt  Answers  to  the  Demands  of  Piety.  I  pray  with  him 
there,  and  make  him  see  and  feel  my  Agonies  for  him. 

I  give  him  fresh  Directions  for  his  Evening-hours. 

Methinks,  I  hear  the  glorious  One  saying  to  me,  Con- 
cerning thy  Son  I  have  heard  thee! 

24.  G.  D.     I  have  a  transcendently  wicked  Brother-in- 

*  The  last  two  sentences  are  written  in  the  margin. 


JULY,    I  7  I  7  467 

Law,  to  whom  I  owe  a  Duty.     I  must  advise  with  some 
wise  Friends,  about  the  doing  of  it. 

25.  G.  D.  I  would  make  a  fresh  Essay,  to  draw  up 
in  a  plain  and  brief  manner  the  Points  of  Religion  and 
Liberty,  which  the  several  Parties  of  them,  who  agree  in 
opposing  the  Plotts  to  make  the  Nations  miserable,  may 
and  should  unite  upon. 

26.  G.  D.  I  design  to  make  an  handsome  Treat  at  my 
House,  for  two  excellent  Governours :  Our  own,  and  him 
at  Connecticot;  that  so  I  may  strengthen  my  Opportunities 
to  do  Good,  to  them  and  by  them. 

27.  G.  D.  Several  bereaved  Families,  to  be  visited  and 
comforted. 

*  28.  G.  D.  The  Acts  wherein  the  Love  of  God  in  the. 
Soul  is  expressed  and  exerted,  I  not  only  make  Enquiry 
whether  I  have  experience  of  them  or  not,  but  I  put  it 
out  of  Doubt,  by  my  doing  of  them. 

This  [is]  the  more  seasonable,  because  this  Morning  I 
sitt  down  at  the  Lord's-Table,  with  the  Old  South  Church. 

29.  G.  D.  The  Flock  must  be  advised  withal,  about 
an  Assistent,  in  the  work  of  the  Ministry,  which  Providence 
now  sends  into  our  View. 

30.  G.  D.  The  last  Night,  my  dear  Daughter  Abigail, 
is  delivered  of  a  Daughter.^  I  am  to  quicken  the  Consort 
of  her  Praises  with  my  own,  to  the  Prayer-hearing  Lord, 
who  has  most  graciously  appeared  on  this  Occasion,  with 
some  singular  Circumstances  of  His  fatherly  Goodness. 
As  a  Grandfather,  I  would  ask  Blessings  for  the  new-born 
Infant;  and  have  my  Concern  to  express  all  the  Piety, 
Gravity,  and  Expectation  of  approaching  Death,  which 
such  a  Relation  calls  me  to. 

31.  G.  D.  A  Brother-in-Law,  wants  the  Assistences  in 
his  Affaires,  which  I  may  give  him,  and  make  them  an 
Handle  for  doing  more  Good  unto  him. 

•Catherine  Willard,  baptized  August  4. 


468         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

August.  I.  G.  D.  I  have  now  in  a  more  brief  and 
plain  Essay,  drawn  up  an  Instrument  of  Union,  which 
may  render  the  several  Parties  of  Protestants,  more  capable 
of  holding  and  acting  together,  as  true  Eleutherians  against 
the  common  Enemy :  A  Bojid  of  Peace,  in  the  Incontestible 
Maxims  of  Piety  and  Liberty,  upon  which  all  that  come 
into  the  Unity  of  the  Spirit  ought  to  look  upon  themselves,  as 
bound  Charitably  to  bear  with  one  another  in  their  Differ- 
ences about  more  Disputable  Matters,  and  help  one  another 
only  in  the  right  and  sweet  Methods  of  Illumination  for  the 
gradual  Cure  of  them,  and  firmly  stand  by  one  another,  in 
the  most  glorious  Cause  that  ever  was  asserted  in  the  World. 
I  purpose  to  be  at  the  Expence  of  publishing  this  Instrument, 
and  sending  it  abroad,  and  seeing  how  it  may  operate. 

2.  G.  D.  I  would  send  some  Instruments  of  Instruc- 
tion, for  the  Assistence  of  one  who  is  labouring  among  our 
Eastern  Indians. 

3.  G.  D.  I  am  desired  to  enquire  after  a  poor  prodigal 
Son  of  a  Scotch  Minister,  and  to  do  him  good  OflQces. 

*  4.  G.  D.  This  being  the  Day,  on  which  the  first  of 
my  Grand-children  is  Baptised,  the  Exercises  of  piety 
proper  for  a  Grandfather,  will  be  this  Morning  seasonable 
for  me.  Wherefore,  I  now,  first,  give  Thanks  to  the  glorious 
GOD,  with  much  Admiration  of  His  Goodness,  from  whence 
having  obtained  Help,  I  am  continued  unto  this  Day : 

And,  secondly,  give  up  unto  the  Lord,  my  whole  Off- 
spring ;  particularly,  the  new-bom :  entreating  that  she 
may  be  the  Lord's. 

And,  thirdly,  rejoice  in  the  Favour  of  God,  that  the 
immediate  Parents  are  His  Children ;  with  Resolutions  to 
animate  them,  that  their  Offspring  may  be  brought  up 
for  Him. 

5.  G.  D.  And  on  this  Occasion,  I  thought,  a  Sermon 
of.  Conspicuous  Blessings  to  [be]  obtained  of  God,  for  the 
Children  of  His  Covenant  and  of  His  People,  might  con- 


AUGUST,     1717  469 

spicuously  serve  the  Interests  of  Piety  in  the  Flock,  both 
the  old  and  the  young. 

6.  G.  D.  My  dear  Sammy;  I  must  consult  with  his 
Master,  about  Employments  for  him,  at  the  School ;  His 
Ingenuity  making  him  to  dispatch  his  ordinary  Task  there, 
sooner  than  his  Companions. 

But,  oh!  what  shall  I  do,  effectually  to  sett  him  a 
Praying ! 

7.  G.  D.  A  Kinsman  going  to  Sea,  and  one  that  has 
formerly  mett  with  grievous  Difficulties  and  uncommon 
Dangers,  at  Sea,  should  now  be  much  advised  by  me  about 
getting  into  good  Terms  with  Heaven. 

8.  G.  D.  Having  prgepared  my,  Sure  Foundation 
for  Union,  I  now  send  it  unto  such  hands  in  London,  as  I 
may  hope  will  disperse  it  thro'  the  Nation. 

9.  G.  D.  Advise  with  a  Gentleman  capable  of  such 
Services,  about  redressing  and  preventing  some  of  our 
public  Inconveniencies. 

10.  G.  D.  I  hear  of  a  Jew  in  this  place.  I  would 
seek  some  Conversation  with  him. 

10  d.  6  m.  Satureday.  This  Day  I  sett  apart  for  more 
special  Communion  with  Heaven ;  mourning  exceedingly  for 
that  Mark  which  I  have  of  the  divine  Displeasure  upon  me, 
in  my  having  so  little  of  that  Blessedness  granted  unto  me. 

In  the  morning,  I  found  myself  raised  unto  such  Annihilations  of 
myself  before  the  glorious  GOD,  and  such  Compliances  with  His 
Will,  as  were  very  comfortable  to  me. 

I  presented  before  the  Lord  my  usual  Matters  of  Supplication. 

And,  my  fresh  Essay  for  Union. 

My  Purpose  about  a  Collegium  Precatis  in  my  neighbourhood. 

My  design  of  Conversing  with  a  Jew,  in  this  Place. 

But  especially,  a  Return  of  the  Showers  which  first  introduced 
and  propagated  Christianity  in  the  World. 

*  II.  G.  D.  My  Mind  wants  a  better  preparation  for 
my  approaching  Dissolution,  and  for  all  the  Encounters 


470         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

which  in  the  mean  time  I  may  be  call'd  unto.  Now  that 
I  may  be  prepared  for  these  things,  it  is  requisite,  that  I 
have  a  clear  Idea  and  a  strong  Perswasion,  of  that  World, 
into  which  I  am  to  go,  at  my  Departure  out  of  this.  For 
this  purpose,  I  would  now  apply  myself  to  more  fixed  and 
frequent  and  thorough  Meditations  on  the  heavenly  World. 
And  I  would  particularly,  every  Night  fall  asleep,  in  the 
midst  of  such  Meditations.  Every  now  and  then  also,  take 
a  Walk  in  my  Garden  for  them.  Never  be  satisfied,  until 
I  see,  what  it  is  to  be  there. 

12.  G.  D.  To  entertain  the  Flock,  with  a  Discourse  on 
the  enlivening  Voice  of  our  SAVIOUR,  over  the  Grave  of 
the  dead  Lazarus,  may  be  an  useful  Action.  Who  can  tell, 
how  far  He  may  breathe  in  it? 

13.  G.  D.  I  will  putt  Sammy  upon  the  Translating  of 
some  Things  into  Latin,  which  may  prove  of  use,  not  unto 
him  only,  but  also  unto  many  others. 

14.  G.  D.  Some  Advice  to  be  given  unto  the  Minister 
of  Newtown,  about  giving  himself  to  reading,  and  ordering 
his  Studies.  1 

15.  G.  D.  A  Lecture  upon  the  purged  Floor,  may  very 
sensibly  suit  and  serve  the  public  Edification. 

16.  G.  D.  Write  unto  our  Agent,  what  may  encourage 
and  animate,  his  Agency  for  the  Countrey. 

17.  G.  D.  A  Person  in  my  Neighbourhood,  having  his 
Affaires  brought  under  grievous  Difficulties,  and  some  evil 
Instruments  having  made  some  disadvantageous  Representa- 
tions of  him  to  his  Friends  in  England,  I  will  of  my  own 
Accord,  write  home  unto  his  Friends  on  his  Behalf. 

How  strangely  does  the  Providence  of  my  SAVIOUR 
still  employ  me  to  serve  His  Kingdome,  and  bring  forth  of 
the  Fruit  by  which  He  may  be  glorified!  The  Things  my 
Heart  has  been  most  sett  upon,  have  a  Sentence  of  Death 

*John  Cotton  (1693-1757),  son  of  Rev.  Roland  Cotton,  had  been  ordained 
at  Newton,  November  3,  1714. 


AUGUST,     1717  471 

upon  them.  Such  Things  as  I  have  least  projected,  are 
what  my  Sovereign  Lord  will  putt  Respect  upon. 

A  well-disposed  Gentlewoman  among  my  Neighbours, 
died  the  last  week.^  On  the  Satureday,  under  a  strong 
Impression  on  my  Mind,  I  laid  aside  what  I  intended  of 
the  Sabbath.  I  finished  another  Discourse,  the  Beginning 
whereof  I  had  lying  by  me.  I  thought,  it  would  afford 
me  an  Opportunity  to  introduce  a  short,  but  just  mention 
of  the  Departed  Gentlewoman.  I  enjoy'd  a  precious  Pres- 
ence of  the  Lord  with  me,  in  my  public  Ministrations.  The 
Husband  of  the  Deceased  presently  asked  me  for  a  Copy 
of  the  Sermon,  so  its  published  under  this  Title. 

(VII.)  Anastasius.  The  Resurrection  of  LAZARUS  im- 
proved; In  a  brief  Essay,  on  what  our  great  SA  VIOUR  will 
do,  for  the  Dead  Bodies  of  His  People  hereafter;  and  for  their 
Dead  Spirits  now,  in  order  to  it,  Preached  upon  the  Inter- 
ment of  a  well-Esteemed  Neighbour. 

*  18.  G.  D.  My  secret  Prayers,  must  be  so  regulated, 
as  to  afford  more  of  Room,  for  the  New  Matter,  which  I 
would  still  with  affectuous  Meditations  prepare  for  them. 

19.  G.  D.  I  would  so  contrive  the  short  Meditation 
with  which  I  preface  my  Morning-prayers  in  my  Study, 
that  by  entring  the  Minutes  thereof  in  my  Papers,  I  may 
prepare  a  Stock  of  rich  Materials,  to  entertain  my  Auditory. 

20.  G.  D.  I  grow  more  and  more  soUicitous,  for  the 
Welfare  of  my  dear  Sammy,  And  I  shall  soUicitously  pur- 
sue it  in  several  Articles. 

21.  G.  D.  Certain  Hints  of  Piety,  may  be  seasonable 
and  serviceable,  to  my  desireable  Daughter-in-Law. 

22.  G.  D.  A  vast  Service  might  be  done  for  the  Planta- 
tions to  the  South-ward  of  us,  if  there  could  be  obtained  a 
couple  of  itinerant  Ministers  for  them.  I  would,  by  the  first 
Opportunity,  importunately  write  home  to  Scotland,  upon  it. 

'  Sewall  (m.  135)  mentions  the  death  of  a  Mrs.  Bant.  John  Bant,  a  ship 
captain,  is  frequently  mentioned  by  him. 


472         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

23.  G.  D.  The  Master  of  our  Schole  needs  to  be 
advised,  about  a  good  Conduct,  that  the  Scholars  may 
love  him,  and  may  profit  under  him.  I  would  join  with 
my  Father,  in  w'riting  to  him. 

24.  G.  D.  A  poor  Man  rescued  lately  from  Death  and 
Hell,  I  would  earnestly  take  him  into  my  Hands,  and  do 
what  I  can,  that  of  a  great  Sinner  he  may  become  a  true 
Convert. 

*  25.  G.  D.  If  any  froward  and  foolish  Person  become 
disaffected  unto  me,  and  abusive  and  injurious,  I  would 
more  than  ever  consider  him  as  a  Preacher  of  Repentance 
and  Piety,  that  God  sends  unto  me,  and  I  would  sett  myself 
to  consider  what  Improvements  in  Repentance  and  Piety 
God  by  that  Person  calls  me  to.  And  all  my  Prejudices 
against  that  Person  shall  be  swallow 'd  up  in  the  grateful 
Sense  of  that  Good,  whereof  God  makes  him  the  Instrument. 

26.  G.  D.  The  Life  of  men  is  full  of  Labour ;  and  it  is 
generally  a  Labour  in  Vain.  A  Discourse  offering  to  my 
Flock  those  Maxims,  the  Pursuance  whereof  will  rescue 
them  from  the  Unhappiness  of  Losing  all  their  Labour, 
may  be  of  excellent  Use  unto  them. 

27.  G.  D.  The  Good  of  my  Children  may  be  con- 
sulted, by  my  pubhshing  for  them,  as  well  as  for  others, 
the  Sermon  lately  preached  on  the  Baptism  of  my  Grand- 
chHd. 

(VIII.)  The  Father  of  that  Child  putts  himself  to  the 
Expence  of  publishing  that  Sermon ;  which  now  comes 
abroad  under  this  Title ;  The  Tribe  of  ASHER.  A  brief 
Essay  on  the  Conspicuous  Blessings,  with  which  the  People  of 
GOD,  and  their  Offspring,  are  known  to  be  the  Blessed  of  the 
Lord.     A  Sermon  preached,  on  the  Baptism  of  a  Grandchild.^ 

28.  G.  D.  That  my  Kinsman  T.  W[alterl  may  be  well- 
improved  and  well-station 'd,  for  service  in  the  Church  of 
God,  my  Cares  are  particularly  called  for. 

'  Printed,  without  a  printer's  name,  171 7. 


SEPTEMBER,     1717  473 

29.  G.  D,  A  Congregation  of  Dissenters  is  forming  at 
N.  York;  I  must  endeavour  in  several  Ways  to  assist  them. 
Letters  must  be  written  unto  Haverhill. 

30.  G.  D.  A  foolish  and  profane  Custom,  of  a  Mock- 
Baptism,  in  the  launching  of  a  Vessel,  I  would  rebuke  it ; 
and  prevail  with  our  Builders,  to  disswade  their  Masters 
from  it. 

31.  G.  D.  A  Minister  in  distress  for  an  Employment. 
My  Cares  must  be  employ'd  for  him. 

September.  *  i.  G.  D.  That  so  I  may  more  effectu- 
ally have  the  Kingdome  of  God  sett  up  within  me,  I  would 
exquisitely  study  the  full  Meaning  of  that  Righteousness 
and  Peace  and  Joy,  in  which  it  consisteth.  And  by  lively 
Meditations  thereupon,  obtain  the  Experience  of  them. 

2.  G.  D.  And  then  entertain  the  Flock  with  the  Effects 
of  my  Meditations,  and  Experiences. 

3.  G.  D.  Entertain  Sammy  betimes,  with  the  first 
Rudiments  of  Geography  and  Astronomy,  as  well  as  His- 
tory ;  and  so  raise  his  Mind  above  the  silher  Diversions  of 
Childhood. 

4.  G.  D.  My  Kinsman  at  Newtown  must  be  assisted 
in  managing  some  ecclesiastical  Difficulties  arisen  upon  him. 

5.  G.  D.  Some  Towns  groaning  under  wicked  Officers, 
may  be  delivered,  by  my  Representations  to  the  Governour. 

6.  G.  D.     If  it  be  possible,  procure  a  Cabinet,  for  —  ^ 

7.  G.  D.  A  poor  Man,  come  from  Ireland,  wants  to 
be  Employ'd,  as  a  Schole-master. 

J  d.  "J  m.  Satureday.  I  sett  apart  this  Day,  as  usually; 
and  upon  such  Occasions  as  have  lately  most  employ'd  my 
Supplications. 

And  I  made  it  a  Day  of  Sacrifices  as  well  as  of  Supplica- 
tions. 

My  Mind  was  this  Day  raised  unto  such  Expressions  of 
Love  to  GOD,  and  such  Communions  with  the  heavenly 

1  An  unfinished  entry. 


474         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

World,  that  I  am  sure  I  am  alive ;  I  am  sure  I  begin  to  live ; 
And  so,  I  am  sure,  the  Sentence  of  Death  once  passed  on 
me  is  taken  off ;  and  the  Life  begun  in  me,  will  never  dy. 

*  8.  G.  D.  Oh !  For  a  wise,  a  meek,  an  humble,  and 
a  patient  Conduct,  under  the  Venome  and  Mahce  which 
the  disaffected  Rulers  of  our  Colledge,  treat  me  withal! 

My  Resolutions  are  — 

9.  G.  D,  A  Sermon  on  the  Reproaches  of  a  guilty  Con- 
science, concluding  with  advice  to  such  as  are  sensible  of 
them ;  how  serviceable  may  it  be  to  my  Auditory ! 

10.  G.  D.  O!  My  Son  Increase,  my  Son,  my  Son! 
Sammy s  writing. 

11.  G.  D.  My  aged  Father  is  ill;  His  Comfort  and 
Releef,  must  be  studied  every  Way  in  the  World. 

12.  G.  D.  The  Church  dX  Newtown,  wants  the  Assist- 
ences  of  a  Council. 

The  Church  at  Haver  Ml,  torn  all  to  peeces.^ 

13.  G.  D.     Now,  for  Letters  to  the  East-Indies! 

14.  G.  D.  A  very  miserable  Object  in  the  Prison  must 
be  visited  and  releeved. 

*  15.  G.  D.  My  Sentiments  about  the  angelical  Min- 
istry, have  been  more  clear  and  full  and  strong,  than  many 
other  Men's. 

But  I  feel  so  much  of  it,  in  the  Conduct  of  the  divine 
Providence  toward  myself ;  and  the  vast  Consequence  of  it 
appears  to  me  in  such  a  lively  Manner,  that  I  must  more 
than  ever  heretofore  consider  it  in  my  Supplications  unto 

'  Rev.  Joshua  Gardner  died  March  21,  17 15-16,  and  the  church  at  Haver- 
hill could  not  agree  upon  a  successor.     Various  candidates  came  before  it  — 

Jonathan  Gushing,  Robert  Stanton, Fiske  —  and  finally  Joseph  Parsons,  of 

Lebanon,  the  same  to  whom  Mather  wrote  in  January,  171 7,  (p.  426, 
supra).  He  did  not  succeed  in  winning  the  suffrages  of  the  people,  and  the 
church  remained  without  a  pastor  until  February,  1717-18,  when  Samuel 
Gheckley  was  unanimously  called,  but  declined  to  accept.  The  congregation 
turned  to  John  Brown  of  Little  Gambridge  (now  Brighton),  who  was  ordained 
May  13,  1719.  His  wife,  Joanna,  was  daughter  of  Rev.  Rowland  Gotton 
of  Sandwich,  and  thus  this  minister  came  to  be  entitled  to  Mather's  care  eis 
a  relative.     Chase,  History  of  Haverhill,  247. 


SEPTEMBER,     I  T  I  J  475 

God,  and  in  my  Endeavours  to  regulate  my  whole  Conver- 
sation in  Methods  of  Piety,  proper  to  prepare  me  for  the 
Enjoyment  of  it. 

Some  singular  Methods,  must,  as  soon  as  I  can,  be 
thought  upon. 

1 6.  G.  D.  Our  Church  is  now  in  a  mighty  Motion, 
towards  inviting  unto  the  Assistence,  and  Succession,  in 
the  Work  of  the  Ministry  among  us,  a  desireable  Person, 
offered  by  Heaven  unto  us.  I  must  serve  the  Flock,  in 
this  important  Matter,  with  all  the  Discretion  and  Industry, 
I  can. 

17.  G.  D.  Diverse  beautifying  Ornaments  for  his  Mind, 
must  I  now  recommend  unto  the  Studies  of  my  dear  Sammy, 
instead  of  his  more  useless  Diversions. 

18.  G.  D.  A  very  wicked  and  froward  Relative,  having 
Sickness  in  his  Family,  I  must  visit  them,  and  overcome 
Evil  with  Good. 

iS  d.  7  w.  Wednesday.  This  Day  I  travelled  unto  New- 
town; where  a  Council  of  Five  Churches,  chose  me  their 
Moderator.  And  with  a  very  gracious  and  precious  Assist- 
ence of  Heaven,  I  was  carried  thro'  the  Service  imposed 
on  me ;  not  only  in  the  Dispatch  of  the  Result,  in  which 
the  whole  Council  united,  but  also  in  the  public  Speeches 
which  the  Occasion  called  for. 

In  the  Evening  I  returned,  with  a  good  Hand  of  God 
upon  me. 

19.  G.  D.    Yesterday. 

20.  G.  D.  I  have  now  something  in  View  for  Bar- 
mudaz. 

Gett  the  Story  of  the  Difficulties  and  Dehverances 
attending  the  Ship  from  Ireland. 

21.  G.  D.  More  of  the  poor  Men  from  Ireland,  want 
Employment. 

*  22.  G.  D.  I  behold  myself  in  the  Condition  of  one 
that  is  nailed  unto  a  Cross.    A  Man  that  is  crucified,  endures 


476         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

very  uneasy  Circumstances,  and  has  all  possible  Indignities 
heaped  upon  him,  and  finds  himself  stript  of  everything 
he  had  in  the  World.  I  five,  or  I  may  rather  say,  I  dy 
daily,  in  a  continual  Expectation  of  all  these  Things;  I 
actually  suffer  much  and  am  in  a  Condition  that  obliges 
me  to  look  for  more,  of  these  Things.  My  Spirit  is  recon- 
ciled unto  this  Condition ;  tis  welcome  to  me,  in  regard  of 
the  glorious  Designs  which  my  SAVIOUR  has,  in  ordering 
for  me  such  a  Conformity  unto  Himself. 

Am  I  not  now  crucified  with  my  SAVIOUR  ?  But  now, 
—  Oh !  the  Wondrous  Consequences ! 

23.  G.  D.  The  Flock  whereof  I  am  the  Servant,  have 
in  view,  a  desireable  Person,  for  an  Assistent  and  Successor 
in  our  public  Sacrifices.  The  best  Service  I  can  do  the 
Flock,  is  to  lead  in  their  Motions ;  and  particularly,  to 
begin  with  a  public  Day  of  Prayer  on  the  Occasion. 

24.  G.  D.  Heap  a  great  Library  on  my  little  Samuel. 
Nibhy  is  in  a  difficult  and  a  dechning  State  of  Health. 

25.  G.  D.  My  aged  Parent,  is  to  be  served  with  all 
possible  Tenderness  and  Discretion  in  the  Afifair  now  before 
the  Church. 

2$  d.  VII  m.  Wednesday.  A  public  Fast,  at  the  Old 
South-Church,  to  seek  the  divine  Direction,  for  the  inviting 
of  another  Minister.     I  preached  at  it. 

And  yett  had  strength,  with  the  divine  Assistence,  to 
preach  the  Lecture  the  day  following. 

26.  G.  D.  Barmudaz,  I  hope,  I  have  now  provided  for 
thee! 

27.  G.  D.  Speak  to  the  Ministers,  concerning  Days 
of  Prayer,  for  a  Spirit  of  Piety  to  be  poured  out  upon  our 
Children. 

28.  G.  D.  Some  very  poor  Ministers  in  Ireland;  some- 
thing must  be  done  for  them. 

*  29.  G.  D.  O  Thanks  be  to  my  gracious  Redeemer! 
I  find,  that  I  grow  in  skill  and  strength  for  Sacrifices  on 


OCTOBER,     1717  477 

all  Occasions:  and  when  any  Exercise  of  Patience  occurs 
to  me,  I  presently  sett  myself  to  form  those  Acts  of  Resigna- 
tion to  the  will  of  God  which  are  proper  for  the  Occasions: 
The  Love  to  the  Glorious  GOD,  which  I  express  in  prefer- 
ring His  Will  to  my  own,  soon  fills  me  with  Joy.  But,  O 
what  a  joyful  Thought  have  I  lately  had  shott  into  my 
Mind ;  //  the  Will  of  the  great  God  he  mine,  shall  not  His 
Power  he  so  too? 

30.  G.  D.  I  am  still  at  Work  for  the  Flock,  in  that 
important  Matter,  which  is  now  in  Motion  among  them. 

October,  i.  G.  D.  A  strange  Providence  of  GOD,  has 
brought  into  my  Family  a  new  Servant;  A  Negro  Boy  of 
promising  Circumstances.  Oh!  Lett  me  use  all  possible 
Projections  and  Endeavours,  to  make  him  a  Servant  of  the 
Lord.     That  this  may  be  kept  in  Mind,  I  call  him,  Obadiah. 

2.  G.  D.  In  the  Management  of  what  is  now  adoing 
in  our  Church,  I  must  peculiarly  study,  for  the  Repose, 
Comfort,  and  Satisfaction  of  my  aged  Parent. 

2  d.  8  m.  Wednesday.  The  old  North  Church,  kept  a 
Day  of  Prayer,  for  Direction,  in  the  Choice  of  an  Assistant 
and  Successor  for  the  evangelical  Ministry.  I  began  the 
Day  with  a  Prayer.  In  the  Afternoon  I  preached  a  long 
Sermon.  I  enjoy'd  very  great  Assistences  of  Heaven  in 
the  Services  of  the  Day.    We  had  a  vast  Auditory. ^ 

*  "  7  (f.  8  w.  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Brethren  of  the  Church.  In  consideration 
of  the  great  Age  to  which  our  venerable  Pastor  is  arrived  by  the  good  Hand  of 
God  upon  him,  and  his  many  services  to  the  Public,  whereof  we  have  a  grateful 
Remembrance;  and  from  our  Desire  to  have  his  life  prolonged,  and  rendered 
comfortable,  and  that  we  may  enjoy  his  public  labours  in  such  a  way  as  may  be 
most  easy  to  him :  the  Church  is  disposed  to  proceed,  as  God  shall  please  to  make 
our  way  plain  for  it,  to  provide  a  further  supply  for  the  public  services  of  the 
Gospel,  in  a  more  constant  way  among  us,  by  a  well-qualified  Person ;  and  this 
in  order  to  a  Settlement  in  the  pastoral  Charge,  when  upon  mature  Satisfaction, 
there  shall  be  judged  the  most  proper  Season  for  it : 

"Voted,  with  much  Unanimity,  the  Church  propose  to  meet  on  the  next 
Munday,  at  ten  o'clock  in  the  Forenoon,  to  proceed  upon  what  has  been  there 
proposed  as  may  be  judged  convenient. 

"Voted  with  a  general  Concurrence,  John  Clark,  Thomas  Hutchinson,  Adam 
Winthrop,  Edward  Hutchinson,  Esquires,  and  Mr.  John  Ruck,  Mr.  John  Frizzell, 


478         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

3.  G.  D.  Obtain  a  clear  and  full,  and  well  attested 
Account  of  some  remarkable  Providences,  which  are  of  a 
late  Occurrence. 

4.  G.  D.  I  would  animate  our  Societies  of  young 
People,  by  preaching  another  Sermon  to  them. 

5.  G.  D.  One  fallen  into  Sin,  must  be  wisely  laboured 
with. 

A  Student  of  the  Colledge  Hes  in  the  Town  sick,  like  to  dy. 
*  6.   G.  D.     The  Points,  wherein  I  am  to  be  sacrificed 
wholly,  (oflfered  in  my  Sermon  to  day.) 

7.  G.  D.  Treat  the  Flock,  with  a  short  Course  of  Ser- 
mons, on,  I.  Thess.  v.  23. 

8.  G.  D.  I  am  very  defective  in  the  Degree  of  exqui- 
site and  assiduous  Cares,  which  I  should  use  for  the  Educa- 
tion of  my  desireable  Samuel.  Take  it  into  the  strongest 
Consideration. 

9.  G.  D.  What,  what  shall  be  done  for  my  languishing 
Brother-in-Law  at  Roxhury? 

g  d.  S  m.  Wednesday.  A  Minister  ordained  at  Cam- 
bridge.^ A  great  Part  of  the  Work  was  by  a  singular  Provi- 
dence devolved  upon  me ;  the  Prayer  before  the  Sermon ; 
and,  the  giving  of  the  Fellowship  of  the  Churches.  Wherein 
I  enjoy'd  the  special  Assistences  of  Heaven,  and  bore  my 
Testimonies  for  Truth  and  Piety,  in  a  very  great  Assembly. 

10.  G.  D.  I  hope,  I  have  also  provided  now  a  Min- 
ister for  our  Eastern  Plantations. 

11.  G.  D.     Revive  the  Charity-Schole  for  Negro's. 

12.  G.  D.  I  want  a  little  Book,  to  lodge  in  the  hands 
of  the  afflicted,  when  I  visit  them.  I  will  now  take  some 
care  for  such  an  one. 

The  gracious  GOD,  oh!    the  Praises  due  to  Sovereign 

Mr.  Samuel  Greenwood,  were  desired  to  accept  the  care  of  a  Committee  for  the 
Church  as  formerly,  for  a  Year  from  this  Time."  CoUott  Mather's  MS.  Records  of 
tlie  Second  Church,  in. 

'  Rev.  Nathaniel  Appleton,  chosen  to  fill  the  vacancy  caused  by  the  death 
of  Rev.  William  Brattle.     See  Paige,  History  of  Cambridge,  289. 


OCTOBER,     1717  479 

Grace!  continues  unto  the  most  unworthy  Sinner  in  the 
World,  Opportunities  to  do  Good,  yea,  and  bring  forth 
Fruit  that  shall  remain,  after  he  has  left  the  World. 

(IX.)  A  Society  of  young  Men  in  our  Neighbourhood, 
requested  a  Sermon  from  me ;  which  they  are  willing  to 
offer  unto  the  Public,  in  the  Way  of  the  Press.  But  my 
Essay  upon  the  Golden  Rule,  having  lain  by  unpublished 
by  the  Follies  of  the  Bookseller,  the  same  young  Men  are 
willing  to  add  that  unto  the  former.  So  they  come  forth 
together,  and  make  a  bound  Book,  under  this  Title.  Piety 
AND  Eqihty  united.  In  Two  Essays.  I.  The  Desires  oj 
Piety;  Breathing  after  the  Blessings,  which  our  Great  Saviour 
and  High-Priest  has  to  bestow  upon  His  People.  II.  The 
Measures  of  Equity;  In  the  Golden  Rule,  to  he  observed  by 
all  People  in  their  Dealings  with  one  another.^ 

*  13.  G.  D.  A  Thought  visits  my  Mind,  which  I  hope, 
will  grow  upon  me,  and  have  blessed  Consequences.  The 
holy  Spirit  of  GOD  who  inspired  His  Chosen  Servants  to 
write  the  Oracles  He  has  given  us  in  the  Scriptures,  made 
heavenly  Impressions  on  the  Minds  of  the  Writers,  which 
raised  Heavenly  Affections  in  them.  When  I  take  a  Pas- 
sage of  the  Bible  under  my  Consideration,  I  will  nicely 
observe,  what  Affection  of  Piety  appears  in  the  Passage, 
and  press  after  the  raising  of  the  same  Affection  in  myself, 
and  not  count  that  I  have  the  full  Meaning  of  the  Text 
until  I  have  done  so.  I  would  also,  when  I  would  more 
particularly  propose  to  have  my  Mind  suitably  affected, 
fly  to  some  agreeable  Paragraph  of  the  Scripture,  with 
Essays  to  raise  in  my  own  Soul,  the  Affections  which  I 
may  apprehend  it  written  withal. 

This  Course  in  the  Singing  of  Psalms,  will  make  a  Mel- 
ody in  my  Heart  unto  the  Lord.  And  I  would  for  so  sanc- 
tifying a  Purpose  employ  the  Book  Psalms,  with  a  singular 
Application. 

*  Printed  by  J.  Allen,  for  R.  Starke,  171 7. 


480         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

This  Design  must  be  pursued.  It  will  be  elsewhere 
more  largely  spoken  to. 

14.  G.  D.  Our  Church  is  this  Day  defeated,  of  what 
they  had  in  View,  for  the  Choice  of  an  excellent  ^linister. 
On  this  occasion,  I  make  a  Speech  unto  the  Church,  as  well- 
contrived  as  I  can,  to  prevent  the  Devices  of  Satan,  from 
operating  among  our  People.^ 

15.  CD.  Such  [is]  my  Distress  for  my  Son  Increase, 
that  I  think,  I  must  sett  apart  three  Days,  {Beseech  the 
Lord  thrice!)  with  extraordinary  Supplications,  that  he  may 
not  go  on  in  a  Course  of  Impiety.  But  first,  before  I  come 
to  such  a  critical  Proceedure,  lett  me  repeat  my  more  usual 
Methods  of  bringing  the  Child  home  unto  GOD. 

16.  G.  D.  A  furious,  venemous,  rancorous  ]\Ian,  has, 
for  no  Reason  in  the  world,  insulted  me,  with  a  base  Libel 
written  to  me,  full  of  Slanders.  I  call  in  such  injurious  and 
abusive  Wretches,  for  the  same  Kindnesses  that  I  show  to 
my  Relatives.  I  would  first,  bury  with  Patience  and  in 
Silence,  the  Indignities  which  this  false  Man  has  offered 
me.  I  would  forgive  and  forgett  his  Follies,  and  pray  for 
him,  and  be  willing  to  do  him  and  his  any  Good,  and  over- 
come Evil  with  Good.  I  would  rejoice  in  the  Conformity  to 
my  SAVIOUR,  which  my  Usages  from  this  Man  bring  me  to 
and  study  an  Imitation  of  His  Meekness.  I  would  humble 
myself  before  the  holy  GOD,  for  the  Occasions  which  He 
sees  in  me,  that  there  should  be  sent  such  Messengers  to  buf- 
fet me.  And  receive  such  Informations  for  my  Conduct, 
from  the  Malice  of  disaffected  Men,  as  may  be  an  excellent 
Fruit  of  the  Things,  which  are  for  the  present  Grievous,  that 
I  may  have  Cause  to  bless  them,  and  bless  God  for  them. 

Think,  what  my  SAVIOUR  means,  in  these  Things; 
and  what  Satan  means ;  and  accordingly  take  my  Measures. 

'"  14  d.  8  w.  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Church.  Upon  a  due  Consideration,  the 
Church  agree  to  delay  the  Proceedings  proposed  a  Week  ago,  until  a  more  con- 
venient Opportunity."    CoU&n  Mother's  MS.  Records  of  the  Second  Church,  iii. 


OCTOBER,     1717  481 

17.  G.  D.  Tho'  Satan  by  frequent  Assaults  upon  me, 
designs  and  labours  to  discourage  my  unceasing  Projections 
to  serve  the  Kingdome  of  God ;  for  I  am  satisfied,  I  should 
not  suffer  what  I  do  from  him,  and  his  Instruments,  if  my 
continual  Contrivances  to  do  Good  were  not  such  as  they 
are :  Yett,  I  will  in  this  way  make  myself  much  more  vile ; 
and  be  stedfast  and  immoveable,  alwayes  abounding  in  the 
work  of  the  Lord  :  beleeving  a  good  Issue  of  all. 

What  I  now  think  of,  is;  how  to  render  the  Condition 
of  the  poor  Pyrates,  who  are  coming  on  their  Trial,  service- 
able unto  the  Interests  of  Piety  in  the  World. 

18.  G.  D.  Some  further  Views  I  have,  of  encouraging 
some,  to  do  good  abroad. 

I  also  provide  a  Schole-master  for  Bridgwater,  who  [is  to] 
be  anon  an  Assistent,  and  a  Successor  to  my  aged  Friend 
there,  ^ 

19.  G.  D.  Judge  Sewal  this  day  loses  his  Wife;  and 
I  do  the  Part  of  a  Comforter  to  the  Mourners.  ^ 

*  20.  G.  D.  By  reading  the  Maniiductio  of  my  dear 
Franckius,  I  hope,  greatly  to  improve  in  the  Piety,  which 
I  had  so  much  in  View,  a  week  ago. 

21.  G.  D.  I  would  entertain  the  Flock,  with  a  Dis- 
course agreeable  to  the  sad  Occasion  given,  in  a  Number 
of  wicked  Pirates,  who  are  speedily  to  be  destroyed  among 
us.  A  Discourse  on  the  Folly,  of  getting  Riches,  and  not 
by  Right. 

22.  G.  D.  The  State  of  my  dear  Consort's  Health,  calls 
for  my  wisest  Conduct. 

But,  oh !  Lett  me  also,  and  above  all,  help  her  forward 
and  upward  all  I  can,  to  those  Attainments  in  the  royal 
Priesthood,  wherein  the  Life  of  my  own  Spirit  lies. 

23.  G.  D.     To  some  Relatives  at  Salisbury,  hitherto 

*  The  "  aged  friend  "  was  Rev.  James  Keith,  now  in  his  seventy-fifth  year. 
He  died  July  23,  17 19. 

^  Sewall,  Diary,  iii.  143,  144.    He  makes  no  mention,  however,  of  Mather's 
sermon,  although  he  doubtless  defrayed  the  cost  of  printing, 
n  -31 


482         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

not  much  thought  upon,  I  would  no[w]  apply  myself  with 
agreeable  Books  of  Piety. 

24.  G.  D.  The  Transplantation  of  great  Numbers  of 
good  People  from  Ireland  hither,  is  a  Concern,  whereto  I 
would  give  my  helping  Hand. 

25.  G.  D.  In  our  New  South  church,  there  is  now  a 
Door  opened,  for  bringing  their  Confusions  to  a  Period. 

26.  G.  D.    The  condemned  Prisoners ! 

*  27.  G.  D.  To  assist  the  Designs  of  Piety,  in  Con- 
versing with  the  Word  of  GOD,  lett  me  read,  Franzius.^ 

(X.)  A  Sermon  which  I  preached  yesterday,  at  our 
Old-South  Church,  (a  sensible  Providence  of  my  Glorious 
Lord  leading  me  to  it)  is  desired  for  the  Press ;  and  I  imme- 
diately send  it  thither,  under  this  Title.  The  Valley  of 
Baca.  The  Divine  Sovereignty  displayed  and  adored;  more 
particularly  in  Bereaving  Dispensations  of  the  Divine  Provi- 
dence. A  Sermon  preached  on  the  Death  of  Mrs.  Hannah 
Sewal ;  the  Religious  and  Honourable  Consort  of  Samuel 
Sewal  Esqy  which  befell  us  on,  ig  d.  VIII  m.  1717.  In 
the  Sixtieth  year  of  her  Age.^ 

28.  G.  D.  Lett  me  watch  exceedingly  against  ill  Im- 
pressions on  my  Mind,  from  the  Temptations  which  any 
foolish  and  froward  People  in  the  Flock,  may  cause  unto  me. 

29.  G.  D.  My  dear  Samuel,  is  dangerously  sick  of  a 
Feavour.  Oh!  what  a  Sacrifice  am  I  now  call'd  unto! 
But  the  Life  of  the  hopeful  Child,  how  must  it  be  wrestled 
for!  And  his  future  Improvement  in  aU  that  is  good,  if 
he  recover,  studied  for! 

•Wolfgang  Frantz  (1564-1628),  whose  Traclaliis  delnlerprelationc  Sacrae  Scrip- 
turae  was  held  in  high  repute. 

'Printed  by  B.  Green,  1717.  On  this  day  the  Church  Records  contain  the 
following  entry :  "Sarah  Gould  (formerly  Cock)  appearing  before  the  Church  with 
poenitent  acknowledgements  of  the  Crimes  for  which  a  Censure  was  passed 
upon  her,  near  twenty  years  ago,  and  with  Testimonies  of  a  Behaviour  becoming 
a  poenitent,  and  of  the  Readiness  of  the  Church  in  Hull  to  receive  her  into  their 
Fellowship,  the  Church  agreed  she  should  be  released  from  her  Censure,  and  be 
dismissed  unto  the  Church  at  Hull,  where  she  now  resides."     See  Vol.  i.  244  «. 


NOVEMBER,     I  J  I  J  483 

30.  G.  D.  New  Relatives  at  Salem,  have  I  done 
enough  yett  for  their  best  Interests? 

31.  G.  D.  Some  Representatives  in  our  General  As- 
sembly must  be  talk'd  unto. 

November,  i.  G.  D.  I,  with  some  others,  were  to  have 
bore  our  Part,  the  next  week,  in  ordaining  a  Minister  at 
Brooklyn.  A  very  strange  Providence,  by  some  very  trivial 
Accidents,  leads  us  to  a  Knowledge  of  some  very  disquah- 
fying  Circumstances,  in  the  Person  to  be  ordained.  We 
are  distressed;  But  upon  Enquiry  into  Things,  we  find  that 
we  cannot  proceed ;  and  signify  so  much  unto  the  Church 
accordingly.  1 

But  our  Duty  to  the  Church,  and  the  young  Man,  and 
my  own  unto  myself  (in  the  deepest  Humiliation  for  my 
own  Miscarriages)  on  this  Occasion!    What  is  it? 

2.  G.  D.  Obtain  a  Reprieve,  and  if  it  may  be,  a  Par- 
don, for  one  of  the  Pyrates,  who  is  not  only  more  poenitent, 
but  also  more  innocent  than  the  rest. 

2  d.  g  m.  Satureday.  I  sett  apart  this  Day,  for  Prayer 
with  Fasting,  on  the  usual  Occasions.  The  Humiliations 
befalling  the  young  Preacher  at  Brooklyn,  in  the  inflicting 
whereof  the  holy  and  sovereign  Lord,  makes  me  a  prin- 
cipal Instrument,  gave  me  singular  Calls  to  humble  myself 
before  the  Lord,  for  those  Miscarriages,  which  render  me 
also,  worthy  to  be  rejected  from  serving  of  Him. 

*  3.  G.  D.  One  Trial  is  no  sooner  over  with  me,  but 
another  comes  on ;   I  am  for  ought  I  know,  as  tempted  a 

'June  27,  1716,  the  town  of  Brookline  voted  to  refray  the  cost  of  James 
Allen's  entertainment  on  the  sabbath  days  out  of  the  town  treasury.  He  gave 
such  satisfaction  that  in  December  he  was  chosen  to  be  the  settled  minister. 
Some  further  negotiations  between  him  and  the  town  intervened,  and  it  was  not 
until  October,  1717,  that  an  appropriation  was  made  to  pay  for  his  ordination, 
and  November  13  was  named  for  the  occasion.  The  action  was  delayed  for  a 
year,  as  he  was  not  placed  in  full  charge  of  the  church  until  November  5,  1718. 
See  p.  566  infra.  The  nature  of  his  disability  cannot  be  determined;  but  his 
death  in  1747  is  said  to  have  been  hastened  by  the  effects  of  the  "great 
awakening  of  1735."  Muddy  River  and  Brookline  Records,  107,  109;  Lyon,  First 
Parish  in  Brookline,  13. 


484         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

Man,  as  any  in  the  World.  I  have  on  this  Time,  a  strong 
Impression  on  my  Mind,  that  some  very  trying  and  grievous 
Thing  is  near  unto  me.  The  Lord  praepare  me,  by  furnish- 
ing me,  with  a  great  Strength  for  Sacrificing.  I  never  can 
be  safe,  until  the  Love  of  God  shall  so  far  cause  my  Will 
to  be  swallowed  up  in  His,  that  I  can  take  part  with  GOD 
against  myself,  and  entertain  any  Condition  which  He  shall 
order  for  me  with  a  sweet  Acquiescence  in  the  Pleasure 
that  He  takes  to  perform  the  Thing  that  is  appointed  for 
me ;  and  then  to  look  upon  such  a  Disposition  as  a  greater 
Favour  of  GOD,  than  any  Thing  that  it  pleases  Him  to 
Deny  unto  me. 

4.  G.  D.  Have  I  not  in  view,  a  Person  who  may  prove, 
(if  God  please,  and  in  His  Time,)  a  wondrous  Blessing  to 
the  Flock,  whereof  I  am  the  Servant?  ^  One,  whose  Im- 
provement in  the  Church  of  GOD,  has  had  formerly  with 
me,  a  Sentence  of  Death  written  upon  it!  Oh!  Lett  me 
pray  for  him ;  and  give  the  Flock  an  Opportunity  of  hear- 
ing him ! 

5.  G.  D.  The  Evil  that  I  greatly  feared,  is  come  upon 
me.  I  am  within  these  few  hours,  astonished  with  an  In- 
formation, that  an  Harlot  big  with  a  Bastard,  accuses  my 
poor  Son  Cresy^  and  layes  her  Belly  to  him.  Oh!  Dread- 
ful Case !  Oh,  Sorrow  beyond  any  that  I  have  mett  withal ! 
what  shall  I  do  now  for  the  foolish  Youth!  what  for  my 
afflicted  and  abased  Family?  My  God,  look  mercifully 
upon  me. 

The  most  sensible  Judges  upon  the  strictest  Enquiry, 
beleeve  the  youth  to  be  Innocent.  But  yett,  oh!  ye 
Humiliations !  ^ 

6.  G.  D.  Send  unto  my  Brother  in  England,  something 
that  may  excite  him,  and  assist  him,  to  great  Services. 

7.  G.  D.    One  Mr  De  la  Phillonniere,  a  French  Jesuite, 

'  In  the  margin  are  written  the  letters  "T.  W.,"  that  is,  Walter. 
*  This  paragraph  is  written  in  the  margin. 


NOVEMBER,     1717  485 

becoming  a  Protestant  and  a  Refugee,  appears  to  me,  from 
what  I  just  now  read  of  his,  a  Person  to  whom  I  may  do 
much  good,  under  some  Temptations  which  I  see  scandahze 
him;  and  by  whom,  as  by  one  many  ways  qualified,  I 
may  do  great  Services  for  the  Kingdome  of  GOD.  I  there- 
fore now  write  largely  unto  him ;  and  send  unto  him,  our 
Malachi,  and  some  other  Composures.  ^ 

7  d.  IX  m.  Thursday.  My  Lecture  this  Day  (which 
proves  a  dismal  stormy  Time,)  I  have  under  a  gracious 
Direction  of  Providence,  changed  for  an  Opportunity  to 
preach  in  the  room  of  him  the  next  Week,  who  preaches  for 
me  to  Day. 

This  Day  I  sett  apart  for  the  Devotions  of  Prayer, 
with  Fasting,  in  Secret  before  the  Lord. 

I  considered  the  Sins  of  my  Son,  as  being  my  own ;  and  as  also 
calling  to  Remembrance  the  Sins  of  my  former  Years ;  For  all  which 
I  renewed  my  Repentance,  with  all  Abasement  of  Soul,  in  the  Sight 
of  GOD.  And  I  have  some  lively  Symptoms  of  their  being  pardoned. 
Especially,  in  my  living  to  God,  I  have  Tokens  for  Good,  that  the 
Sentence  of  Death  upon  me  is  taken  o£f. 

I  carried  the  Case  of  my  sinful  Son  before  the  Lord :  And  arrived 
unto  an  holy  Acquiescence  of  Mind,  in  the  Will  of  the  glorious  GOD, 
whatever  it  may  be  concerning  him;  Resolving  that  if  after  all,  he 
do  not  prove  a  Lover  of  GOD,  my  Love  shall  be  utterly  taken  from 
him.  God  help'd  me  in  the  sacrificing  Stroke,  to  go  as  far  as  any  of 
His  children  commonly  go  in  the  present  State  of  Mortality. 

But  my  grand  Concern  was,  for  the  conversion  of  the  young  Man 
unto  serious  Piety,  and  the  effectual  Embitterment  of  all  Sin  unto 
him,  and  of  such  evil  Company  as  has  been  a  Snare  unto  him. 

For  this  Purpose,  I  not  only  applied  my  proper  Discourses  unto 
him,  with  Directions  for  the  spending  of  his  Time,  while  he  must 
remain  confined  and  retired  with  me,  until  the  Storm  shall  be  blown 
over:  but  I  also  cried  unto  GOD  for  him,  with  all  possible  Impor- 
tunity, that  the  almighty  Arm  of  Heaven  may  be  bare,  for  the  chang- 
ing of  his  Heart,  and  the  holy  Spirit  entirely  renewing  of  him.  And 
if  this  blessed  End  might  be  obtained,  I  was  reconciled  unto  the  holy 
Ones  taking  such  a  dreadful  Way,  as  is  now  taken  for  it. 

'  See  p.  563  infra. 


486         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

I  also  pray'd  with  the  poor  Youth  in  my  Study,  as  affectuously 
as  I  could. 

And  I  afterwards  called  my  Consort  also,  to  join  with  me,  in  my 
Supplications. 

Adding,  our  Petitions  for  a  good  Issue  of  the  prodigious  Difl&- 
culties,  which  this  Affair  has  brought  upon  us. 

I  purpose,  in  this  Way  to  beseech  the  Lord  thrice,  as  soon  as  I  can. 

8.  G.  D.  Several  Services  there  are  to  be  consulted 
among  our  Ministers. 

Am  not  I  as  tempted  a  Man  as  lives  in  the  World.  Some 
that  know  very  much  of  me,  do  think  so. 

Behold,  a  new  Trial!  My  dear,  pleasant,  hopeful  Son 
Samuel,  is  relapsed  into  the  Feavour,  from  which  we  hoped, 
he  was  recovered ;   and  lies  in  threatning  Circumstances. 

But  still,  my  Gracious  GOD  helps  me  to  make  my 
Sacrifices.  I  acknowledge  Him;  I  glorify  Him,  with  the 
profoundest  Resignation. 

9.  G.  D.  A  poor  and  sick  Family  in  my  Neighbour- 
hood, must  be  releeved. 

This  Day,  my  Uttle  Son's  Feavour  goes  off,  with  a 
critical  Bleeding, 

What  shall  I  render  to  the  Lord! 

*  10.  G.  D.  My  GOD  humbles  me  exceedingly  in  the 
Circumstances  of  my  poor  son  Increase.  My  Concern  and 
Study  must  now  be,  above  all  things  to  gett  my  Spirit 
conformed  unto  the  Humiliations,  and  ly  low  in  the  Dust 
before  the  Lord ;  and  above  all,  the  Extinction  of  my  Will 
must  be  brought  unto  as  much  Perfection,  as  may  be  here 
arriv'd  unto. 

II.  G.  D.  A  dreadful  Feavour  is  gott  into  the  Towti, 
and  the  other  Churches  in  the  Town,  have  been  dreadfully 
wounded  by  the  Death  of  desireable  Men,  whom  this 
Feavour  has  carried  off.  My  poor  Flock  is  yett  spared ; 
the'  Sickness  upon  some  has  threatened  it.  I  would  en- 
deavour to  make  the  Voice  of  GOD  in  this  work  of  His 


NOVEMBER,     1717  487 

Providence,  as  intelligible  and  effectual  to  the  Flock,  as 
I  can. 

But  I  would  also  employ  the  most  fervent  Intercessions, 
that  the  Flock  may  be  spared,  and  the  destroying  Angel 
have  no  Commission  to  make  any  Spoil  upon  it. 

II  J.  IX  m.  Mtmday.  In  pursuance  of  my  purpose  to 
Beseech  the  Lord  thrice,  on  the  distressing  Occasion,  which 
caused  me  the  last  Thursday  to  be  so  Employ'd  as  I  was, 
I  sett  apart  this  Day,  for  Prayer  with  Fasting,  that  my 
poor  Son  Increase  might  be  effectually  brought  home  unto 
GOD,  and  that  we  may  also  see  a  good  Issue  of  the  Trouble 
which  threatens  Ruine  unto  him. 

Now,  as  well  as  then,  I  pray'd  with  the  poor  Youth  in 
my  Study. 

And  anon  associated  my  Consort  with  me  in  my  Suppli- 
cations. 

I  think,  my  weeping  Faith  is  arrived  unto  this  Assurance, 
my  God  will  hear  me. 

12.  G.  D.  Among  other  Methods  of  bringing  my  Son 
Increase  home  unto  GOD,  I  would  ever  now  and  then 
assign  him,  a  proper  Sermon  to  be  read  by  him,  and  oblige 
him  to  turn  the  principal  Points  of  the  Sermon  into  a  Prayer, 
which  I  will  have  to  be  written  by  him  in  his  reserved 
Memorials. 

13.  G.  D.  I  have  a  Sister-in-Law,  in  England,  Mrs. 
Clark,  of  whom  I  have  never  taken  yett  so  much  Notice, 
as  I  think  now  to  do,  in  sending  some  agreeable  Instru- 
ments of  Piety  unto  her. 

14.  G.  D.  Now  I  see  the  Design  and  Conduct  of  the 
divine  Providence,  in  disposing  of  me,  to  change  my  Lec- 
tures. 

My  Honourable  Friend,  M[ajor]   G[eneral]   Winthrop,^ 

*Wait  Still  Winthrop  (1643-1717)  died  November  6.  He  was,  says  Sewall, 
"for  Parentage,  Piety,  Prudence,  Philosophy,  Love  to  New  England  ways  and 
people  very  eminent."  Diary,  iii.  146.  Sewall's  tribute  will  be  found  in  Letter 
Book,  II.  86. 


488         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

is  to  be  interr'd  this  Day.  A  service  to  Religion  may  be 
done,  as  well  as  what  may  be  for  the  good  of  the  Countrey, 
by  my  preaching  a  Sermon  this  Day,  which  may  celebrate 
the  Glories  of  my  SAVIOUR,  who  has  the  Keys  of  Hades 
and  of  Death  in  His  glorious  Hands,  and  also  bear  a  due 
Testimony  unto  the  Character  of  one  who  has  been  such  a 
Lover  and  Servant  of  his  Countrey,  as  my  departed  Friend, 
in  the  Hearing  of  the  General  Assembly  now  sitting. 

I  enjoy'd  a  gracious  Presence  of  God  with  me,  in  the 
Work  before  me. 

(XI.)  And  my  Sermon  being  immediately  desired  by 
the  only  Son  i  of  the  Deceased,  I  give  it,  under  this  Title ; 
HADES  Look'd  into.  The  Power  of  our  Great  SAVIOUR 
over  the  Invisible  World,  afid  the  Gates  of  Death  which  lead 
into  that  World;  Considered  in  a  Sermon  preached  at  the 
Funeral  of  the  Honourable  WAIT  WINTHROP  Esqr.  who 
expired,  y  d.  IX  m.  ijij.  In  the  LXXVI  year  of  his 
Age.^ 

15.  G.  D.  There  is  good  this  Day  to  be  done,  on  a 
very  solemn  Occasion. 

Six  Pirates  were  this  Day  executed.  I  took  a  long  and 
sad  Walk  with  them,  from  the  Prison,  to  the  Place  of  Execu- 
tion. I  successively  bestowed  the  best  Instructions  I  could, 
upon  each  of  them.  Arriving  to  the  Tree  of  Death,  I 
pray'd  with  them,  and  with  the  vast  Assembly  of  Spec- 
tators, as  pertinently  and  as  profitably  as  I  could. 

16.  G.  D.  Some  lately  recovered  from  the  Jaws  of 
Death,  and  especially  one  Gentleman,  for  whom  GOD  has 
remarkably  heard  us,  must  be  address 'd  by  me,  as  pun- 
gently  and  cogently  as  may  be,  that  they  may  be  confirmed 
in  Resolutions  for  the  Service  of  GOD. 

16  d.  TX  m.  Satureday.  I  have  now  besought  the  Lord 
Thrice,  on  the  distressing  Affair  of  my  Son  Increase. 

'John  Winthrop,  F.  R.  S.  (1681-1747). 
'Printed  by  T.  Crump,  1717. 


NOVEMBER,     I  J  I  7  489 

I  repeated  the  Exercises  of  the  two  former  Days,  with 
agreeable  Varieties. 

And  now,  /  mil  hear  what  God  the  Lord  will  say. 

I  am  ready  for  the  Will  of  God.  My  God,  I  am  ready 
for  it. 

I  am  now  perswaded,  My  God  will  hear  me. 

*  17.  G.  D.  No  Apology  can  be  made  for  me,  if  I  be 
not  now, 

A  Man  always  abstaining  from  all  Appearance  of  Evil. 

A  Man  ever  proposing  to  serve  and  please  the  glorious  GOD. 

A  Man  full  of  continual  Projections  to  do  good  unto  all  that  I  am 
concerned  withal. 

A  man  full  of  Meekness  under  Provocations,  and  watchful  against 
all  ungoverned  Anger. 

A  Man  full  of  Patience  imder  Calamities,  and  of  a  Spirit  sweetly 
reconciled  unto  Humiliations. 

A  Man  forever  studious  in  my  Dealings  with  my  Neighbours,  to 
do  as  I  would  be  done  unto,  and  forever  afraid  of  harbouring  the  least 
evil  Frame  towards  any  Man  in  the  World. 

And  a  Man,  Repairing  still  to  my  SAVIOUR  for  all  that  is  good, 
with  perpetual  Studies  to  be  in  all  Goodness  conformed  unto  Him. 

Finally,  a  Man  dead  unto  the  World,  and  having  my  own  Will 
entirely  swallowed  up  in  the  Will  of  GOD. 

18.  G.  D.  The  Flock  ought  to  be  better  advised,  about. 
Sending  for  the  Elders,  to  the  sick,  and  not  expecting  them 
to  come  without  sending  for. 

19.  G.  D.  Alas,  I  have  this  Day,  an  heartbreaking 
Intimation,  that  my  God  has  not  heard  me,  in  the  main  Point 
of  my  late  Supplications ;  tho'  I  am  heard  with  regard  unto 
one  remarkable  Distress  in  the  Case  upon  me.  My  poor 
Son,  has  made  a  worse  Exhibition  of  himself  unto  me  this 
Day,  than  I  have  ever  yett  mett  withal.  O  my  God,  what 
shall  I  do?  what  shall  I  do?  I  will  not  yett  utterly  cast 
off  the  wretched  Child.  But  I  will  still  follow  thee  with 
Supplications,  for  what  nothing  but  an  almighty  Arm  can 
accomphsh.     There  may  [be]  yett  unknown  Reserves  of 


490         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

Mercy,  when  the  work  of  Repentance  on  me,  intended  in 
my  Trials,  is  accomphshed. 

20.  G.  D.  Study  to  overcome  evil  with  good,  unto  one 
who  has  greatly  wronged  me.^ 

21.  G.  D.  May  not  I  do  well  to  give  the  Bookseller, 
something  that  may  render  the  Condition  of  the  Pirates, 
lately  executed,  profitable? 

The  people  of  Bridgwater  publishing  a  Sermon  of  their 
aged  Pastor,  I  wrote  a  Preface  to  it,  whereto  my  Father 
also  signs ;  containing  some  things  that  may  be  of  lasting 
Use  to  the  People  there.^ 

22.  G.  D.  The  Ministers  used  much  conduct  in  the 
affair  of  Brooklyn. 

23.  G.  D.  Not  only  am  I  to  dispense  my  own  Releefs 
to  the  Poor,  but  the  Season  arrives  for  my  pubUc  Hints 
unto  the  Liberal  of  the  Flock,  to  do  what  is  to  be  done 
for  the  Poor,  against  the  approaching  Winter. 

*  24.  G.  D.  The  good  Providence  of  my  SAVIOUR 
has  brought  me  the  Devout  Spencr^s  Treatise,  De  Natura 
et  Gratia:.^  By  a  serious  Perusal  whereof,  I  hope,  to  make 
desireable  Improvements  in  Piety. 

My  dear  Sammy  again  fallen  sick  of  a  Feavour. 

25.  G.  D.  Some  Affairs  of  Discipline  in  the  Church 
must  be  wisely  managed. 

Late  Instances  of  Mortality  in  the  Church  must  be 
improved  for  the  Animation  of  Piety,  in  the  Survivers. 

Endeavours  must  be  used,  that  the  Loss  of  the  Church 
may  be  recruited. 

26.  G.  D.  The  sick  State  of  my  dear  Sammy,  must 
quicken  my  Resolutions,  upon  the  more  exquisite  Methods 
of  prosecuting  his  Cultivation,  first  in  Piety,  and  then  in 

■  On  this  day  he  took  part  in  the  ordination  of  Rev.  Thomas  Foxcroft,  as 
pastor  of  the  First  Church.     Sewall,  Diary,  iii.  148. 

'  Two  sermons  were  thus  printed,  Bridgcwatcr's  Monitor,  by  James  Keith  and 
Samuel  Danforth,  preached  August  14,  upon  entering  the  new  meeting  house. 

*  Philipp  Jakob  Spener  (1635-1705),  the  "father  of  pietism." 


NOVEMBER,     I  J  I  J  491 

all  useful  Accomplishments,  if  God  will  graciously  spare 
him  to  me. 

(XII.)  I  had  sometimes  made  a  Prayer,  that  the  Condi- 
tion of  the  late  Pirates,  might  be  so  ordered,  as  to  furnish 
me  with  some  special  Opportunities,  to  do  Service  for  the 
Kingdome  of  GOD.  After  the  Execution  of  the  Criminals,  I 
had  some  Thoughts  of  writing  down  the  Conference  I  had 
with  them  in  the  way  from  the  Prison  to  the  Gallows: 
adding  the  strange  Story  of  their  Capture,  and  the  Sermon 
I  preached  unto  my  Flock  on  their  Occasion.  But  my 
Thoughts  were  so  feeble  and  flitting,  that  I  laid  them  aside. 
However,  I  resumed  them ;  and  remaining  still  entirely  at 
a  Loss  what  to  do,  I  betook  myself  unto  the  Lott.  I  wrote 
on  one  Bitt  of  Paper,  Proceed,  on  another.  Forbear;  and 
after  a  solemn  Invocation  of  the  glorious  Lord,  I  drew  the 
Lott ;  which  fell  to  be  Proceed.  I  sett  myself  to  the  Work, 
and  in  a  few  Hours  I  made  a  strange  Dispatch  of  it.  The 
Bookseller  for  whom  I  intended  the  Work,  declined  it ; 
which  caused  me  to  wonder  at  my  Direction  to  Proceed. 
But  some  other  Booksellers,  from  whom  I  least  expected 
it,  without  any  offer  of  Mine  to  them,  accepted  it,  and 
print  no  less  than  twelve  hundred  of  them ;  and  the  Cause 
of  Piety,  is  likely  to  be  more  than  a  little  served.  The 
Book  is  entituled ;  Instructions  to  the  Living  from  the 
Condition  of  the  Dead.  A  brief  Relation  of  Remarkables, 
in  the  Fate  of  more  than  one  hundred  Pirates,  that  were  ship- 
wrecked on  the  Coast  of  New  England ;  and  in  the  Death  of 
Six  who  after  a  fair  Trial,  were  convicted  and  condemned  at 
Boston,  and  were  Executed,  15  d.  ix  m.  itl^.  With  an 
Account  of  the  Discourse  had  with  them  on  the  way  to  their 
Execution.     And  a  SERMON  preached  on  their  occasion.^ 

27.  G.  D.  I  have  a  poor  Brother-in-Law  out  of  Employ, 
and  froward  enough  ;  What  shall  I  do  for  him  ? 

28.  G.  D.     I  entertain  serious  Thoughts  of  reprinting 

*  Printed  by  John  Allen  for  Nicholas  Boone,  171 7. 


492  DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

here,  the  Account  I  have  lately  received  of  some  Jewish 
Children  at  Berlin,  strangely  converted  unto  our  SAVIOUR ; 
adding  some  Remarks  thereupon,  to  serve  the  Cause  of 
Piety.  What  if  I  should  annex  to  it  as  a  Present  unto  the 
Jewish  Nation,  my  brief  Confutation  of  Judaism,  in  my 
Book  of.  Things  to  he  thought  upon?    I'l  advise. 

28  d.  9  m.  Thursday.  Twas  a  Day  of  Thanksgiving 
thro'  the  Province.  I  enjoy'd  very  gracious  Assistences 
from  Heaven,  in  the  Work  of  the  Day ;  and  preached  both 
parts  of  the  Day. 

29.  G.  D.  I  would  send  my  Account  of  the  Jewish 
Children  at  Berlin  unto  the  Master  of  our  Grammar-Schole, 
with  my  Desire  that  it  be  readd  publickly  unto  the  Chil- 
dren in  the  Schole,  and  that  he  make  suitable  Remarks 
thereupon  unto  them. 

30.  G.  D.  A  poor  Woman  under  both  Guilt  and  Want, 
must  receive  sundry  Kindnesses  from  me. 

Because  of  the  Day  sett  apart  for  Exercise  of  Piety 
two  days  ago  and  my  Labours  thereupon,  I  do  not  sett 
apart  this  Day  for  a  secret  Fast,  as  else  I  should  have  done. 

December.  *  i.  G.  D.  Most  certainly  there  is  no  Con- 
sideration in  the  World,  more  sanctifying  and  more  ani- 
mating, unto  all  the  Tempers  and  Actions  of  Piety,  than 
that,  Gal.  11.  20.  The  Son  of  GOD  has  loved  me.  I  would 
as  far  as  tis  possible,  gett  into  the  way  of  entertaining  this 
Consideration  upon  all  Occasions,  and  experiencing  the 
holy  Efficacy  of  it  on  me.  I  need  not  quaestion  the  Love 
of  my  SAVIOUR  to  me,  if  I  entertain  the  Beleef  of  it,  upon 
this  Intention ;  to  render  all  Sin  odious  unto  me,  and  to 
quicken  myself  in  pleasing  of  God  and  in  doing  of  Good. 
But  if  I  entertain  this  Beleef,  how  wondrous  will  be  the 
Force  of  it,  when  I  apply  it,  unto  the  Services,  whereto  I 
am  called ;  unto  the  Sufferings  which  are  dispensed  unto 
me ;  unto  the  Relations  wherein  GOD  shall  station  me ; 
and  unto  all  the  Enjoyments  which  are  bestow'd  upon  me! 


DECEMBER,     1717  493 

I  purpose  very  much  to  exercise  myself  unto  this  Godh- 
ness;  and  anon  to  entertain  the  People  of  GOD  with  a 
Treatise  upon  it. 

2.  G.  D.  And  can  I  entertain  the  Flock,  on  a  better, 
or  more  useful  Subject ! 

3.  G.  D.  I  must  use  many  Methods  of  Instructing, 
inclining,  enriching  my  restored  Samuel.  Among  the  rest, 
I  would  putt  him  upon  composing  of  Prayers  out  of  Books 
of  Piety,  which  I  would  putt  into  his  Hands. 

4.  G.  D.  A  Brother-in-Law  at  Charlestown,  in  a  feeble 
State  of  Health,  must  be  visited,  and  assisted. 

5.  G.  D.  Writing  Letters  to  Scotland,  I  would  prose- 
cute several  public  Services;  especially,  those  designed  in 
our  Malachi. 

6.  G.  D.  Procure  two  Things  among  the  Christian 
Indians,  at  Martha^s  Vineyard,  First,  a  Tutor,  to  bring  up 
Indians  for  the  Ministry ;  Secondly,  a  Visitor  for  the  Schools, 
to  see  that  their  Ends  be  answered. 

7.  G.  D.  One  who  lived  many  years  in  my  Family, 
is,  in  regard  of  a  sick  Husband,  and  on  other  Accounts,  in 
a  very  poor  and  sad  Condition. 

*8.  G.  D.  The  Proposal  made  a  week  ago,  about  my 
Keeping  myself  in  the  Love  of  GOD,  and  acting  under  the 
Influence  of  a  Perswasion,  that  my  SA  VIOUR  has  loved  me, 
(than  which  there  can  be  nothing  more  sanctifying,  or  more 
comfortable)  I  have  now  digested  into  a  clear  and  plain 
way  of  proceeding;  and  I  hope,  to  live  in  a  continual  Con- 
formity unto  it. 

It  is  done  in  the  Sermon,  which  I  this  day  deliver  to 
the  People  of  GOD. 

9.  G.  D.  Mortality  has  lately  taken  off  some  that 
belong  to  the  Flock.  I  must  be  concerned,  that  the  Flock 
may  be  recruited,  with  the  Addition  of  such  as  may  fill  up 
the  Room  of  those  that  are  taken  off. 

10.  G.  D.     My  Duty  to  my  Family,  will  oblige  me  to 


494         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

hasten  the  Settlement  of  Affaires,  relating  to  the  Adminis- 
tration, upon  which  I  entred  a  year  and  half  ago. 

11.  G.  D.  More  must  be  done  for  my  Brother-in-Law 
at  Roxbury. 

And  for  some  Relatives  in  England. 

12.  G.  D.  I  incline  to  think,  that  the  Reprinting  of 
the  strange  Relation  which  we  have  of  the  Jewish  Children 
at  Berlin,  with  some  Remarks  upon  it,  may  sensibly  serve 
the  Kingdome  of  GOD.  And,  what  if  I  should  therewithal 
reprint,  my  Address  to  the  Jewish  Nation,  which  is  in  my 
Book,  of.  Things  to  he  more  thought  upon. 

(XIII.)  I  do  accordingly  give  these  things  unto  the 
Bookseller,  under  this  Title ;  Faith  Encouraged.  A  brief 
Relation  of  a  Strange  Impression  from  Heaven,  upon  the 
Minds  of  some  Jewish  Children  at  the  City  of  Berlin,  {in  the 
Upper  Saxony.)  And  an  Improvement  made  of  so  marvellous 
an  Occurrence.^ 

13.  G.  D.  I  will  sett  myself  to  think,  how  the  Meetings 
of  the  Ministers  in  this  Town,  may  be  made  serviceable 
unto  many  precious  and  glorious  purposes. 

And  move  them,  to  take  the  Point  into  consideration. 

14.  G.  D.  Some  young  Scotchmen  recommended  unto 
my  Care  and  Love,  I  would  make  special  Objects  of  my 
Care  and  Love. 

*  15.  G.  D.  That  part  of  the  divine  Image,  which 
lies,  in  a  right  Frame  of  Love  towards  our  Neighbour;  is 
what  I  resume  into  my  Consideration,  for  a  more  special 
and  exquisite  Cultivation  of  it. 

For  this  Purpose,  I  would  speedily  draw  up  the  Maxims 
of  Love,  by  which  I  would  be  entirely  governed,  in  my  whole 
Conversation ;  and  gett  my  Mind  exactly  formed  according 
to  them. 

16.  G.  D.  And  can  I  do  my  Flock  a  greater  Service, 
than  by  the  Communication  thereof  unto  them ! 

»  Printed  by  J.  Allen  for  T.  Fleet,  1718. 


DECEMBER,     X  T  1  ^  495 

17.  G.  D.  There  is  a  Projection  relating  to  my  poor 
Son  Increase,  that  may  have  a  Tendency,  not  only  to  his 
temporal  Prosperity  in  the  World ;  but  also  to  his  Preser- 
vation from  various  Temptations,  to  which  he  may  be 
obnoxious. 

18.  G.  D.  A  Relative  going  to  sea,  comes  under  my 
fresh  Cares  for  his  Welfare. 

19.  G.  D.  GOD  speaks  to  the  Place,  the  Voice  of  the 
Lord  cries  to  the  City,  in  the  Sickness  which  has  carried 
off  many  pious  and  some  useful  Persons ;  and  is  yett  smit- 
ing and  wasting,  (more  in  some  neighbouring  Towns  than 
in  this.)  To  render  the  Voice  of  Heaven  articulate  and 
intelligible,  and  also  to  obtain  from  Heaven  a  Return  of 
Health  unto  the  Town,  and  serve  many  good  Purposes,  my 
Lecture  is  this  day  turned  into  a  Day  of  SuppHcations.^ 

20.  G.  D.  There  is  a  young  Gentleman  of  a  Great 
Estate  who  is  lately  recovered  from  sickness,  which  brought 
him  to  the  very  Gates  of  Death.  He  seems  much  affected 
with  the  Goodness  of  GOD  unto  him  in  his  Recovery,  and 
inclined  unto  the  making  of  suitable  Returns.  I  would  cul- 
tivate an  Acquaintance  with  him ;  and  therein  move  him  to 
such  Things  as  may  be  of  great  Consequence  for  the  Service 
of  GOD,  and  the  Comfort  of  others  as  well  as  his  own. 

21.  G.  D,  An  Hopeful  Child  at  the  Colledge  is  become 
an  Orphan  ;  and  his  Mother  a  very  poor  Widow.  I  would 
endeavour  to  procure  a  Subsistence  for  him. 

*22.  G.  D.  The  Aspect  that  some  Occurrences  have 
upon  me,  tells  me,  that  I  have  not  sufficiently  repented  of 
some  former  Iniquities.  The  Language  of  the  Occurrences 
is,  that  I  ought  to  renew  the  Repentance  due  to  the  Occa- 
sions, with  the  most  frequent  and  bitter  Exercises.  Per- 
haps, in  my  doing  so,  very  much  of  the  End,  which  may 
be  intended  in  some  very  grievous  Dispensations  will  be 
attained. 

'  Sewall,  Diary,  ni.  155. 


496         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

My  GOD,  Help  me,  Help  me,  to  conform  unto  thy 
Dispensations,  and  ly  in  the  Dust  before  thee : 

23.  G.  D.  One  good  way  for  me  to  do  good  in  the  Flock, 
will  be  to  supply  the  private  Meetings,  with  proper  Instru- 
ments of  Piety,  to  be  readd  in  them. 

I  have  lately  preached  six  Sermons  on  the  Thessalonian 
Benediction,  wherein  real  and  vital  Piety  is  described  and 
assisted.^  These  Essays  on,  The  best  oj  Blessings,  are  so 
written,  as  to  be  ready  for  the  Press,  if  they  should  be 
called  for.  But  this  I  cannot  look  for.  However,  I  have 
Thoughts  of  depositing  the  Treatise  in  the  Hands  of  one, 
who  reads  to  a  religious  Society;  that  by  its  being  readd 
there,  it  may  serve  the  Cause  of  Piety. 

24.  G.  D.  For  the  more  effectual  Formation  of  my  Son 
Samuel,  and  to  furnish  him  with  uncommon  Erudition,  but 
especially  with  Religion,  I  would  speedily  sett  apart  some 
time,  to  invent,  and  project,  and  form  certain  Proposals  of 
a  Method  which  may  be  for  that  Purpose  proceeded  in. 

25.  G.  D.  A  Relative,  whom  I  have  not  yett  thought 
upon,  I  would  employ  singular  Cares  to  render  a  pious  and 
an  useful  Person, 

26.  G.  D.  I  am  sollicitous  about  the  Gospellizing  of 
paganizing  Tiverton.  I  light  on  a  proposal  for  it ;  moving 
that  Elder  Ministers  may  in  their  Turn  visit  the  Place, 
(wherein  I  also,  if  I  live  till  a  good  Season  for  it,  may  be 
willing  to  take  my  Turn,)  and  a  younger  supply  their  vacant 
Places,  until  the  Gospel  be  received  with  them. 

27.  G.  D.  There  are  certain  Books,  lately  published 
beyond-Sea,  which  if  they  were  more  common  in  this  Coun- 
trey,  might  have  an  happy  Influence  upon  us.  I  would 
prevail  with  an  honest  and  a  wealthy  Man  here  to  send 
for  some  Numbers  of  them,  and  scatter  them  about  the 
Countrey. 

28.  G.  D.    A  young  Minister,  who  has  lately  refused 

'  I  Thess.  V.  23. 


DECEMBER,     1  T  I  'J  497 

Motions  and  Offers  from  our  Ch[urch]  of  E[ngland]  has 
therein  rendred  himself  worthy  of  all  possible  Cares  to  be 
used  for  his  Promotion  and  Encouragement. 

28  d.  ID  m.  Satureday.  This  Day  I  sett  apart,  as  I  use  to 
do,  before  the  Administration  of  the  Eucharist ;  for  the 
Exercises  of  Prayer  with  Fasting  before  the  Lord. 

The  Occasions  and  the  Exercises,  were  what  were  usual. 

But  there  was  nothing  that  my  Cries  to  Heaven  did  more 
insist  upon,  than  this ;  that  the  glorious  GOD  would  pitty 
His  poor  Creature  Man,  and  not  cast  off  Mankind  for- 
ever ;  but  visit  the  World,  with  the  sweet  Influences  of  the 
Saviour,  who  is  God  become  a  Man ;  and  rescue  the  miser- 
able Children  of  Men,  out  of  their  Ignorance,  and  Cor- 
ruption, and  Slavery,  and  most  miserable  Circumstances 
and  graciously  please  to  dwell  with  them  and  in  them,  and 
make  them  His  holy  Temples. 

From  this  I  argued,  how  particularly  ought  I  to  prosecute 
such  Desires  for  my  own  Children,  and  most  particularly  for 
my  ungodly  Son !  Certainly  I  am  now  prepared  for  some 
Success  in  my  Petitions. 

*  29.  G.  D.  The  distinguishing  Acts  of  true,  real,  vital 
Piety,  are  so  curiously  described  in  my  Spener's  Treatise 
De  Natura  et  Gratia,  that  I  cannot  but  repeat  my  Proposal, 
in  the  Perusal  of  this  Treatise,  to  gett  such  Acts  continually 
formed  in  my  own  Soul,  as  I  go  along.  Will  anything  tend 
more  to  render  me  a  finished  Christian. 

But  I  propose  also  to  employ  my  Studies  on  that  Sub- 
ject, a  Meetness  for  the  Inheritance  of  the  Saints  in  Light. 
And  in  so  doing,  to  gett  my  own  Soul  raised  up  unto  every 
Article. 

30.  G.  D.  And  what  better,  what  fitter,  what  more 
useful  Subject  can  I  entertain  the  Flock  withal ! 

31.  G.  D.  Good  may  be  done  in  my  Family  by  much 
inculcating  the  Grace  of  Dependence  on  the  fatherly  Provi- 
dence of  God  for  a  Subsistence  in  the  World,  and  Patience 

n  -32 


498         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

under   Disappointments    of    our    Expectations    from    the 
world.  ^ 

January.  [17 17-18.]  i.  G.  D.  It  being  a  tolerable  Day 
for  such  a  Walk,  I  this  Day  go  over  to  Charlesto-mi,  and 
visit  some  aged  Relatives,  who  in  all  Probability  are  not 
far  from  the  eternal  World ;  and  endeavour  in  my  Confer- 
ences with  them,  to  prepare  them  for  that  World. 

2.  G.  D.  What  shall  I  do  for  the  Welfare  of  the  Col- 
ledge  at  New-haven  ?  I  am  inclinable  to  write  unto  a  wealthy 
East-India  Merchant  at  London,'^  who  may  be  disposed  on 
several  Accounts,  to  do  for  that  Society,  and  Colony ;  and 
solicit  his  Bounties  unto  such  an  Interest. 

3.  G.  D.  Our  Governour  must  be  talked  withal,  on 
several  important  Affairs. 

4.  G.  D.  A  very  poor  and  a  very  old  Man  in  my 
Neighbourhood  must  be  looked  after. 

*  5.  G.  D.  This  Morning  I  sett  myself  to  consider, 
What  are  the  principal  Articles  of  Adversity,  which  I  have 
afflicting  of  me.  Now  every  Affliction  is  an  Invasion  upon 
some  Enjoyment.  Wherefore  on  each  Point  wherein  I  am 
Exercised,  I  thought,  What  is  the  Enjoyment  whereof  I  am 
called  now  to  make  a  Sacrifice?  Accordingly,  I  applied 
myself  unto  the  Acts  of  Sacrificing  thereupon.  I  found  a 
sensible  Improvement  in  Piety. 

6.  G.  D.  Lett  my  Flock  be  entertained,  with  a  Dis- 
course on  Patience.    Many  have  great  Occasion  for  it. 

Read  Mr.  Baxte/s  Gildas  Salvianus  again,  to  animate  a 
due  Care  for  the  Souls  of  the  Flock. 

7.  G.  D.  One  thing  I  will  do  for  my  Son  Samuel,  shall 
be,  to  teach  him  the  Way  of  reading  the  Scriptures  that  may 
prove  of  the  most  impressive  and  eternal  Advantage  unto 
him.     I  will  oblige  him  to  take  certain  Portions  of  the  Scrip- 

*  This  paragraph  is  written  in  Greek  characters. 

'  Elihu  Yale.  Mather's  letter  to  him  is  in  Quincy,  History  0}  Harvard  Uni- 
versUy,  i.  524. 


JANUARY,     1717-18  499 

tures,  and  write  what  Maxims  and  Lessons  of  Piety,  he  can 
find  in  them,  and  add,  what  Wishes  and  Prayers,  he  would 
form  thereupon. 

8.  G.  D.    Entertain  my  aged  Parent,  with  Dr.  Spener. 

9.  G.  D.  Writing  to  the  West  of  £«g/aw^,  I  have  in  view, 
several  Services  for  the  Kingdome  of  God. 

10.  G.  D.  Encourage  the  new  Lieut.  Govemour  of 
Hampshire,^  to  such  Things  as  may  be  for  the  Peace  and 
Good  of  his  Province. 

11.  G.  D.  A  family  in  my  Neighbourhood,  fallen  into 
wretched  Circumstances  of  Sin  and  Strife;  can't  I  recover 
them  into  better  Circumstances? 

*  12.  G.  D.  I  draw  up  three  Resolutions,  that  I  may 
keep  clear  of  damnable  Idolatries ;  and  that  I  may  not 
come  into  the  multiplied  Sorrows  of  them  that  hasten  after 
another  GOD. 

They  are  to  be  seen,  at  the  End  of  my  Sermon,  on 
Psal,  XVI.  4. 

13.  G.  D.  And,  oh!  what  more  important  Service  can 
I  do  for  my  Flock,  in  the  fulfilling  of  my  Ministry,  than  to 
warn  them  of  the  Idolatries,  daily  committed,  but  rarely 
considered. 

14.  G.  D.  Sammy  is  united  with  a  Society  of  sober  and 
pious  Lads,  who  meet  for  Exercises  of  Religion.  I  will 
allow  them  the  Use  of  my  Library,  for  the  Place  of  their 
Meeting ;  and  give  them  Directions,  and  Entertainments. 

15.  G.  D.  The  Gentlewoman  which  my  Father  has 
married,^  is,  upon  the  Death  of  a  Kinsman,  very  much  dis- 
composed. I  will  do  the  best  I  can,  to  assist  and  strengthen 
in  her  the  Dispositions  of  Sacrificing. 

But,  Oh !  What  a  Stroke  of  Sacrificing  am  I  putt  upon ! 
My  dear,  amiable  valuable  Consort,  is  arrested  with  the 

*  John  Wentworth  (1671-1730). 

^  Anna  Lake,  daughter  of  Captain  Thomas  Lake,  and  widow  of  Rev.  John 
Cotton  of  Hampton. 


500         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

Fever,  which  has  made  such  an  horrible  Slaughter  both  in 
Town  and  Countrey. 

God  calls  me,  to  Repentance  for  my  Miscarriages,  and 
Submission  to  His  Will  in  whatever  shall  be  the  Thing 
appointed  for  me,  and  earnest  Supphcations  for  the  Life  of 
the  dearest  EnjojTnent  I  have  in  the  World,  and  holy  Con- 
trivances that  in  her  Soul  as  well  as  my  own,  this  Visita- 
tion may  produce  the  Improvements  in  Piety,  by  which  the 
Errand  of  it  shall  be  answered. 

1 6.  G.  D.  Something  extraordinary  must  be  done  by  me, 
(tho'  under  as  much  covert  as  may  be,)  to  preserv^e  the  To\\ti 
from  going  into  a  dreadful  Day  of  Temptation,  which  the 
Contentions  and  Confusions  in  the  South  part  of  it,  seem  to 
threaten  and  hasten  upon  it, 

17.  G.  D.  I  am  this  week  entertained,  with  surprising 
Advice,  concerning  the  Jew,  with  and  for  whom  we  were  so 
much  concerned,  three  and  twenty  years  ago.  A  matter 
for  some  revived  and  renewed  Supphcations. 

18.  G.  D.  I  have  now  a  Charity-Scholc  erected  for  the 
Instruction  of  Negros  and  Indians,  whereof  I  am  at  the  sole 
Expence.     God  prosper  it. 

*i9.  G.  D.  WTtiat  Improvement  in  Piety,  shall  I  make, 
of  the  Sickness  and  Fever,  which  my  dear  Consort  now 
labours  of? 

Being  thus  tried  unto  the  uttermost,  I  would  even  in  this 
Point  also,  do  the  Part  of  a  Sacrificer. 

My  Conversation  with  her,  shall  have  in  it,  a  yt\X  more 
shining  Sanctity ;  and  very  much  turn  upon  those  Things 
wherein  we  shaU  both  of  us  be  brought  nearer  to  GOD, 
and  grow  in  our  Obedience  and  Conformity  to  Him,  and 
Communion  with  Him. 

Even  for  the  most  free  and  most  mean  Part  of  our  Con- 
versation, it  shall  still  be,  not  only  with  an  Eye  to  the  Indul- 
gence of  Heaven,  but  also  with  explicit  Regards  to  some 
good  End,  which  Heaven  will  be  pleased  withal. 


JANUARY,     1717-18  501 

20.  G.  D.  Our  Church  having  lost  by  Sickness  within  a 
few  Months,  many  more  than  twenty  of  our  Communicants, 
I  would  make  my  Remonstrances  unto  the  Church,  and  the 
rest  of  the  Neighbours  on  this  occasion ;  unto  the  Church, 
for  due  Improvements  in  Piety ;  unto  the  rest,  that  in  the 
Ways  of  Piety  they  recruit  the  Losses  of  the  Church. 

21.  G.  D.  In  pursuance  of  what  I  was  thinking  two 
Days  ago,  I  would  strengthen  my  Resolution,  that  I  will  not 
ordinarily  come  and  stay  any  number  of  Minutes,  where  my 
Consort  is,  without  speaking  of  some  valuable  Thing,  which 
it  may  be  worth  her  whUe  to  remember,  or  consider.  And 
I  will  desire  her,  to  call  upon  me,  for  the  Performance  of 
this  Resolution. 

22.  G.  D.  There  are  diverse  Points  of  Consequence,  that 
I  should  mention  to  my  Son-in-Law,  Mr.  W[illard],  relating 
and  conducing  to  his  Welfare. 

23.  G.  D.  I  entertain  Thoughts  about  the  forming  of  a 
Society  here,  upon  the  design  of  cultivating  and  propagating 
the  Maxims  in  the  Reign  whereof  there  is  to  come  on  the 
Kingdome  of  GOD. 

I  might  have  mentioned  it,  that  yesterday, 

22  d.  'XI  m.  Wednesday,  was  kept,  a  Day  of  Prayer  with 
Fasting,  by  the  Ministers  of  the  Town,  with  some  other 
Christians,  at  the  House  of  Judge  Sewal;  occasion'd  by  the 
late  Humiliations  on  his  Family. 

I  preached  at  his  Desire  on  Psal.  lxxxex.  8. 

It  was  a  good  Day;  And  perhaps  it  may  supersede, 
what  I  would  else  have  attended  in  my  Study,  on  the  next 
Satureday.i 

24.  G.  D.  An  unknown  Hand,  on  the  last  Lord's-day 
convey'd  into  one  of  the  Boxes  at  our  Collection,  the  Sum  of 
Ten  Pounds ;  with  a  Letter  unto  me,  to  distribute  it  unto 
the  Ministers  in  the  Proportions  which  it  mentions. 

This  gives  me  an  Opportunity,  in  writing  unto  the  Min- 
*  Sewall,  Diary,  ni.  162. 


S02         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

isters  to  animate  their  Diligence  in  the  Discharge  of  their 
Ministry  as  well  as  their  Dependence  on  the  Faithfulness  of 
our  Saviour  in  the  Care  of  His  Providence  for  them. 

25.  G.  D.  Several  Miserables  I  have  in  View,  to  be 
cared  for. 

*  26.  G.  D.  My  Spirit  getts  on  somewhat  comfortably 
unto  the  Frames  and  Acts,  which  discover  the  Life  of  GOD 
beginning  there. 

I  particularly  find,  that  when  some  afflictive  Thing  is  approach- 
ing me,  I  have  a  secret  and  serene  Satisfaction  arising  in  my  Mind, 
from  the  View  it  gives  me,  of  an  Opportunity  for  the  Sacrifices  with 
which  the  great  GOD  will  be  now  gratified  and  glorified.  My  Sacri- 
fices will  be  acceptable  to  GOD,  because  of  what  his  CHRIST  has 
done,  and  will  do,  to  make  them  so.  I  am  glad  beyond  all  Expression, 
when  I  can  come  to  any  Thing,  which  I  think  will  be  well-pleasing  to 
GOD,  and  will  find  Acceptance  with  Him,  who  is  infinitely  worthy 
of  my  dearest  LOVE.  The  Adversity  which  putts  me  upon  the  Sac- 
rificing of  the  Enjoyments  for  which  I  have  a  Kindness,  furnishes 
me  with  an  Opportunity  therein  to  do  that,  which  the  great  God  will 
with  Pleasure  look  down  upon.  And  now,  that  Grace  of  GOD,  which 
enables  me  to  make  Sacrifices  of  all  my  desired  and  valued  Enjoy- 
ments, and  acquiesce  in  His  wise,  just,  sovereign  Will,  which  denies 
them  to  me,  becomes  to  me  a  better  Thing  than  any  of  the  Enjoy- 
ments, which  are  thus  made  my  Sacrifices.  Indeed  sometimes  the 
sacrificing  Stroke  must  be  upon  power  wherein  I  cannot  have  the 
Enjoyments  witheld  from  me,  without  the  great  GOD  leaving  of 
them  to  Sin,  in  whom  I  am  to  lose  my  Comforts.  But  here,  while  I 
retain  the  Horror  of  Sin,  which  causes  me  to  deprecate  it  wonderfully, 
and  say,  oh!  lett  such  a  Cup  as  this  pass  from  me  I  Yett  even  here 
also,  I  do  in  an  holy  Darkness  annihilate  my  Will  before  the  Lord; 
and  Conclude,  0  my  God,  I  submitl  unto  thy  Will  forevermorel 

But  then,  in  Projections  for  advancing  the  Kingdome  of  GOD, 
in  my  Heart  and  Life,  I  shall  invent  yett  a  more  copious  Way  of 
proceeding. 

27.  G.  D.  I  entertain  the  Flock,  with  as  moving  a  Dis- 
course as  I  can,  of  the  Numbers  taken  from  us,  wherein 
we  are  a  People  consumed  by  the  Anger  of  GOD.  I  putt 
them  upon  an  Examination  of  what  may  have  provoked 


JANUARY,     1717-18  503 

this  Anger  in  several  Articles.  I  propose  methods  for  di- 
verting this  Anger.  I  press  for  the  doing  of  what  may  be 
done  for  the  Repairing  of  our  Breaches ;  especially,  in  Peoples 
joining  themselves  to  the  Church  after  a  due  Preparation 
for  it. 

28.  G.  D.  Exquisite  Methods  are  contriving  with  me, 
that  my  dear  Consort  may  recover  out  of  her  Sickness,  with 
unspeakable  Advantage  to  the  Interests  of  Piety,  in  her 
Heart  and  Life. 

29.  G.  D.  The  Widow,  of  my  transcendently  wicked 
Brother-in-Law,  who  has  just  now  died  very  suddenly,  must 
be  visited  and  instructed. 

30.  G.  D.  It  has  been  a  Time,  wherein  Sickness  has 
made  many  Visits  and  Ruines,  both  in  City  and  Countrey ; 
Many  noted  People  are  taken  off;  and  the  Sickness  is 
taking  still  its  Round  thro  the  Land.  Many  have  been 
restored ;  and  [those]  preserved  also  have  had  their  Health, 
a  matter  of  great  Concern  unto  them.  A  Sermon  at  the 
Lecture,  on  the  Blessings  of  an  Healed  Soul,  might  be  very 
seasonable,  and  very  serviceable. 

This  Day  I  preach  the  Sermon,  to  a  great  Assembly, 
with  a  great  Assistence  and  Acceptance. 

31.  G.  D.  My,  Faith  Encouraged,  being  published,  in 
which  the  strange  Conversion  of  the  Jewish  Children  at 
Berlin,  is  accompanied  with  an  Address  unto  the  Jewish 
Nation;  I  propose  to  send  it,  unto  as  many  of  the  Jews,  in 
several  Places  and  Countrey s  as  I  can. 

How  strangely  does  the  sovereign  Grace  of  GOD  still 
favour  me,  the  vilest  of  Men,  in  regard  of  the  Fruits,  which 
He  enables  me  to  bring  forth  for  the  Service  of  His  King- 
dome  !  And  it  is  a  little  surprising  unto  me,  to  see  how  in 
the  Things  which  I  have  most  of  all  projected,  I  am  still 
disappointed ;  but  the  Things,  wherein  there  has  been  the 
least  of  my  own  Projection,  are  those  which  the  holy  One 
employs  to  do  Good  among  His  People. 


504         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

(XIV.)  This  Day  there  come  some  young  Gentlemen  to 
me,  desiring  the  Notes  of  the  Sermon  I  preached  yesterday, 
for  Pubhcation ;  as,  what  may  be  very  seasonably  diffused 
thro'  the  Land,  at  such  a  Time  as  is  now  upon  us.  I  give 
it  under  this  Title.  Raphael.  The  Blessings  of  an 
HEALED  SOUL  considered:  In  a  very  brief  and  plain 
Essay,  made  at  a  Time,  when  Sickness  had  been  making  many 
Visits,  with  an  uncommon  Mortality,  especially  upon  more 
noted  People  both  in  City  and  Countrey. 

February,  i.  G.  D.  There  are  some  distracted  Crea- 
tures, for  whom  I  would  consult  with  the  Physicians. 

I  would  move  some  Physicians,  to  unite  in  setting  up  a 
Cold-Bath,  by  which  the  difficult  and  even  desperate  Cases 
of  many  poor  Miserable  might  be  releeved. 

*  2.  G.  D.  I  entreat  of  my  discreet  Consort,  that  she 
would  plainly  discover  it  unto  me,  if  she  see  in  me  any 
Thing  that  needs  to  be  mended,  or  that  she  would  have  to 
be  otherwise.     As  yett  she  tells  me  of  nothing. 

An  Healed  Soul,  is  the  grand  Thing  that  I  am  to  Labour 
for. 

I  doubt,  I  have  one  Distemper  hanging  about  me,  in  my 
being  too  ready  to  take  up  an  Apprehension  of  Peoples 
being  generally  Disaffected  unto  me,  (Tho'  I  must  be  blind 
indeed,  if  I  do  not  see  enough  of  that !)  because  I  meet  with 
very  odd,  absurd,  and  froward  Usage  from  some  of  the 
People.  I  must  beware  of  Jealousies  that  shall  be  Injuries. 
I  must  watch  against  the  Entertainment  of  too  much  Leaven 
in  my  Spirit  against  a  People,  whose  Behaviour  towards  me, 
is  very  unrighteous  and  ungrateful.  I  must  enjoy  a  sweet 
Satisfaction  of  Mind,  if  I  find  myself  conformed  unto  Him, 
who  was  despised  and  rejected  of  Men.  I  must  beware  of 
speaking  unadvisedly  with  my  Lips. 

3.  G.  D.  An  evil  Instrument  or  two,  is  doing  Mischief 
in  the  Church,  which  with  the  Exercise  of  a  little  Wisdome, 
and  Patience,  and  Meekness,  I  hope  to  putt  a  stop  to. 


FEBRUARY,     1717-18  505 

4.  G.  D.  Oh!  What  Return  of  Obedience  and  Grati- 
tude shall  I  make  unto  the  Lord,  in  a  well-ordered  Family, 
for  His  Mercy  in  restoring  unto  it,  so  rich  a  Blessing  as  I 
and  all  of  us  enjoy  in  my  Consort.  I  will  contrive  some 
special  Thing. 

5.  G.  D.  A  good  Providence  orders  it,  that  my  aged 
Parent  shows  me,  what  he  intends  for  his  last  Will  and 
Testament.  This  gives  me  an  Opportunity  to  do  Service 
for  him,  and  for  others,  by  proposing  some  very  necessary 
Alterations. 

6.  G.  D.  There  are  some  Things  to  be  proposed  for  the 
Quieting  of  the  raging  FoUies  in  the  South-part  of  the 
Town. 

7.  G.  D.  By  Encouraging  of  Mr.  Prence  ^  to  accept 
the  Invitation  of  the  Old  South  Church,  I  may  have  a 
Companion  with  whom  I  may  unite,  more  than  any  one 
upon  Earth  in  doing  services  for  the  Kingdome  of  GOD. 

8.  G.  D.  A  religious  Woman  under  total  Blindness, 
meeting  with  uncivil  and  indecent  Usage  from  froward 
Relatives,  is  exposed  unto  grievous  Difficulties.  I  must 
contrive  what  may  be  done  for  her. 

*  9.  G.  D.  Looking  over  a  Catalogue  of  the  Books,  pub- 
lished, whereof  the  Grace  of  GOD  has  made  poor  me  the 
Writer,  I  must  in  the  first  place  loathe  and  judge  myself 
exceedingly  before  the  Lord,  for  the  sinful  Corruptions,  and 
especially  the  selfish  Intentions,  which  have  defiled  all  these 
Publications.  And  I  must  exceedingly  watch  against  all 
Vanity  of  Mind,  even  the  least  Motion  that  way,  from  the 
Number  of  the  PubHcations,  which  amounts  to  near  two 
hundred  and  fourscore,  so  I  must  admire  the  Goodness  and 
Mercy  of  a  sovereign  GOD,  who  has  herein  distinguished  the 
Chief  of  Sinners,  and  might  have  employ'd  any  one  else,  as 
well  as  this  Vilest  of  Men,  in  this  Variety  of  Services.  But 
then  how  exceedingly  must  I  labour,  that  my  Publications 

'  Thomas  Prince. 


5o6         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

may  not  be  my  Condemnations ;  and  that  there  may  there- 
fore be  as  much  Piety  in  my  Practice  as  in  my  Paper !  For 
which  Purpose,  I  would  in  a  deliberate  Perusal  of  the  Cata- 
logue, upon  each  of  the  Titles  form  such  Wishes  of  Piety, 
as  they  would  naturally  lead  me  to,  and  send  them  up  in 
Prayers  and  Cries  unto  the  Lord ! 

10.  G.  D,  A  Catalogue  must  be  taken  of  such  as  may 
be  hopefully  prepared  for  the  Communion  of  the  Church ; 
and  they  must  be  severally  called  upon. 

11.  G.  D.  Temptations  to  be  wisely  encountred  and 
improved. 

The  Course  of  my  Ministry  Tms  Year. 

14  d.  12  m.  [February.]  I7i6[-i7].  Thursday.  On  Isa.  XXVI.  20. 
The  Chambers,  entred  by  the  People  of  God,  at  their  Death.  (A 
Funeral  Sermon,  for  a  Minister  of  the  TowTi  who  died  Yesterday. 
Preached  in  the  Room  of  his  Collegue.) 

17  <f.  12  m.  On,  Eccl.  IX.  10.  On  the  Vigor  and  the  Dispatch, 
wherewith  we  are  to  do  the  Work  which  God  has  assign 'd  us  to  do; 
because  it  cannot  be  done  after  we  are  gone  to  the  Grave.  (Occa- 
sion'd  by  the  Death  of  two  noted  Ministers,  who  ly  dead,  one  of  Boston, 
t'other  of  Cambridge.) 

24.  d.  12  m.  Never  such  a  Snow,  in  the  Memory  of  Man !  And  so 
much  falHng  this  Day,  as  well  as  fallen  two  Dayes  ago,  that  very 
many,  of  our  Assemblies  had  no  Sacrifices.  This  Day,  I  preached  on, 
2.  Sam.  XXIII.  20.  The  Mystery  of  Benajah  killing  a  Lion  in  a 
Pitt,  in  a  Time  of  Snow. 

28  d.  12  m.  Thursday.  The  Lecture  ;  on  Psal.  CXLVII.  18.  The 
melting  Efficacy  in  the  Word  of  God  suiting  the  great  Thaws  now 
looked  for. 

171 7.     Two  Lord's-dayes,  to  my  Sorrow,  were  intermitted. 

17  d.  I  m.  [March.]  On,  Rev.  II.  19.  The  Happiness  of  the 
Christian,  whose  last  Works  are  his  best  Works.  (To  awaken  my  own 
Attention  unto  the  Calls  of  GOD,  in  my  own  Age  and  Health.) 

24  d.  I  m.  On  Cant.  VIII.  6.  The  Love  in  the  Heart  of  the 
Beleever  to  His  lovely  SAVIOUR,  strong  and  glorious.  (And  I 
administred  the  Eucharist.) 

31  d.  I  m.  On  Luk.  XIV.  23.  The  Compelling  of  people  to  come 
unto  our  Saviour  and  His  Religion. 


FEBRUARY,     1717-18  507 

"J  d.  2  m.  [April.]  On,  Prov.  XII.  12.  The  Root  of  the  Righteous, 
in  the  LOVE  of  GOD. 

11  d.  2  m.  Thursday.  The  Lecture.  On,  Rev.  XIV.  7.  The 
Everlasting  MAXIMS  of  PIETY.  Finishing  what  I  began  on  a 
former  Lecture. 

14  d.  2  m.  On,  Job.  XXIX.  3.  The  Light  of  GOD,  by  which  we 
may  walk  thro'  darkness. 

21  d.  2  m.  On,  Psal.  CXIX.  92.  The  Delights  in  the  Word  of 
GOD,  by  seeking  whereof,  our  Perishing  in  our  Affliction,  may  be 
prevented. 

28  d.  2  tn.  A.  M.  At  the  New  South  Church,  on  Psal.  CXIX.  25. 
P.  M.  At  the  Old  North  Church,  on  2.  King,  XXII,  19,  The  Proofs 
and  fruits  of  a  Tender-Heart. 

5  (/.  3  m.  [May.]  On,  Joh.  VI.  21.  Our  Immediate  arriving  to  the 
best  of  Circumstances,  by  receiving  of  our  SAVIOUR,  and  obtaining 
His  gracious  Presence  with  us. 

12  rf.  3  m.  On,  Isa.  LXIV.  7.  Few  people  in  earnest,  about  the 
grand  Business  of  Religion. 

19  d.  3  m.  On,  Col.  III.  ii.  CHRIST,  the  true  Christians  all. 
(And  I  administred  the  Eucharist.) 

21  d.  ;^m.  Tuesday.  A  Fast  at  Roxbury,  on  the  behalf  of  their 
sick  Pastor.    On  Lam.  III.  57. 

23  d.  3  m.  Thursday.  The  Lecture;  On  Eccl.  VII.  9.  The 
Follies  and  Mischiefs  of  ungoverned  Anger.  On  the  Occasion  of  a 
poor  Man  under  the  Sentence  of  Death,  (now  in  the  Auditory,)  for 
a  Murder  committed  by  him  in  his  Anger. 

26  d.  3  m.  On  Job.  XV.  21.  The  dreadful  Sound  in  the  Ears  of 
a  wicked  Man. 

2  rf.  4  w.  [June.]  On  Eccl.  IX.  12.  Man's  not  knowing  his  Time. 
On  the  Occasion  of  several  sudden  Deaths,  and  some  of  them  very 
tragical  ones,  the  Week  before. 

gd.^m.  On,  Rev.  II.  21.  The  Improvement,  that  should  be 
made  of,  a  Space  to  Repent. 

This  being  the  last  Lords-day  of  a  poor  condemned  Malefactor 
appearing  in  any  of  our  Assemblies.     A  vast  Auditory ! 

13  d.  4  m.  Thursday.  The  Lecture,  devolved  on  me,  by  the 
Desire  of  the  poor  condemned  Malefactor ;  who  is  to  dy  this  Day ; 
and  has  desired  me  to  preach,  on,  Matth.  X.  28.  The  Terrors  of 
HELL.  The  gracious  Lord,  mightily  assisted  me,  in  addressing  a 
vast  Auditory. 

16  d.  4  w.    On,  Prov.  XL  11.     Men  of  a  right  Character  Bless- 


5o8         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

ings  to  the  public,  and  in  all  Societies.  (Our  Governour  this  day 
beginning  to  appear  in  our  Assemblies.) 

23  d.  4  m.  On,  Isa.  LV.  8.  The  Divine  Dispensations  full  of 
glorious  Transcendencies. 

30  d.  4  m.  On,  Joh.  XI.  29.  An  immediate  Compliance,  with  the 
Calls  of  our  Saviour. 

"J  d.  s  m.  [July.]  On,  Joh.  XII.  26.  Who  the  true  Servants  of 
our  SAVIOUR  and  what  the  Honours,  which  He  will  bestow  upon 
them. 

II  d.  5  w.  Thursday.  A  general  Fast.  On,  i.  King  VIII.  38. 
The  Course  to  be  taken  under  Secret  Sorrows. 

14  d.  5  m.  On,  Cant.  II.  3.  The  comfortable  Shade,  and  the 
agreeable  Fruit,  wherewith  we  are  accommodated  in  our  SAVIOUR. 
(And  I  administred  the  Eucharist.) 

21  d.  5  m.  On,  I.  Pet.  III.  13.  CHRIST,  the  good  One,  and  the 
good  of  being  His  Followers,  in  His  Goodness. 

28  d.  5  m.  On,  Cant.  VIII.  6.  At  the  Old  South-Church. 
(Where  I  also  enjoy'd  the  Benefit  of  the  Eucharist.) 

4  d.  6  m.  [August.]  On,  Isa.  LXI.  9.  Conspicuous  Blessings, 
bestow'd  by  GOD,  on  the  Children  of  His  People,  and  of  His  Covenant. 
(My  first  Grandchild,  being  this  Day  Baptised.) 

lid.  6m.  On,  Joh.  XL  43,  44.  The  Resurrection  of  Lazarus, 
applied  unto  the  Intentions  of  Peoples  being  Raised  from  a  State  of 
Sin,  to  live  unto  GOD,  by  the  enUvening  Voice  of  our  SAVIOUR. 

1$  d.  6  m.  Thursday.  The  Lecture.  On  Luk.  III.  17.  The 
purged  Floor. 

18  d.  6  m.  On,  Rev.  III.  19.  The  Rebukes  and  Chast'nings  of  the 
Lord,  on  the  Objects  of  His  Love. 

I  d.  y  m.  [September.]  On,  Isa.  LXV.  23.  That  Case,  what  is  to 
be  done  that  so  our  Labour  in  this  world,  may  not  be  a  Labour  in  Vain, 
and  all  thrown  away. 

Sd.ym.  On,  Isa.  XXXIII.  17.  A  Sight  of  our  SAVIOUR,  as 
a  glorious  King  in  His  Beauty.     (And  I  administred  the  Eucharist.) 

i$d.  7  w.  On,  Job.  XXVII.  6.  The  Reproaches  of  Conscience; 
the  Good,  and  the  Way  of  a  Deliverance  from  them. 

22  d.  7  m.  On,  Psal.  LXXXIX.  15.  The  Blessedness  of  a  People 
who  know  the  joyful  Sound  of  the  Gospel.  (Our  People  having  a 
strong  Motion  among  them,  to  provide  an  Assistent  and  Successor, 
in  the  work  of  the  evangehcal  Ministry.) 

2$d.  7  w.  Wednesday.  A  Fast,  at  the  Old  South  Church,  to  ask 
the  Direction  of  Heaven,  about  their  Choice  of  another  Minister.    I 


FEBRUARY,     1717-18  509 

preached  on  Joh.  VI.  11.  Our  Saviour  distributing  Bread,  by  the 
Hands  of  His  Disciples. 

26  d.  7  m.  Thursday.  The  Lecture.  On,  Joh.  IV.  6.  An  undue 
Satisfaction  in  temporal  Enjoyments. 

29  d.  7  m.  On,  Amos.  VIII.  11.  A  Famine  of  Hearing  the  Word 
of  God.  Advice  to  them  who  see  the  Reverse  of  it.  On  the  same 
Occasion,  that  the  last  Lord's-day. 

2  d.  8  m.  [October.]  Wednesday.  A  Fast  at  Old  North-Church,  to 
seek  Direction  about  CaUing  a  Minister.  On  Joh.  X.  ii.  The  good 
SJiepherd. 

6d.8m.  On,  i.  Thess.  V.  23.  Being  sanctified  wholly,  by  the 
God  of  Peace. 

13  d.  8  m.     On,  i.  Thess.  V.  23.     Being  prceserved  Blameless. 

20  d.  8  m.  On,  i.  Thess.  V.  23.  The  Spirit  Sanctified,  and  pre- 
served Blameless. 

27J.  8w.  A.  M.  At  the  Old  South.  On  Job.  IX.  12.  The 
Sovereignty  of  GOD,  particularly  in  taking  away.  A  funeral  Sermon 
for  Mrs.  Sewal. 

P.  M.  At  the  Old  North ;  on  Jer.  XVII.  11.  Getting  Riches,  and 
not  by  Right.  That  the  Condition  of  the  six  condemned  Pirates  may 
be  rendred  profitable. 

3  J.  9  m.  [November.]  On  Cant.  V.  i.  The  Provision,  whereto 
our  SAVIOUR  invites  His  beloved  Friends,  in  His  Institutions. 
(And   administred  the  Eucharist.) 

10  d.  gm.  On  i.  Thess.  V.  23.  The  Soul  Sanctified,  and  pre- 
served blameless. 

14  d.  9  m.  Thursday.  The  Lecture.  On  Rev.  1. 18.  The  Power  of 
our  SAVIOUR  over  Hades.  (A  funeral  Sermon  for  Major  General 
Winthrop.) 

ly  d.  gm.  On  Prov.  I.  31.  Wicked  People  dreadfully  punished  in 
their  own  Wickedness.     (On  the  Death  of  the  Pirates,  two  days  ago.) 

24  d.  9  m.  On,  Eccl.  IX.  5.  The  Knowledge  which  the  Living 
have,  that  they  shall  Dy :  And  what  sort  of  Knowledge  it  should  be. 
(A  Funeral-sermon  for  a  Sister-in-Law.) 

28  d.  9  m.  Thursday.  A  general  Thanksgiving.  On  Heb.  XIII. 
15.  Offering  the  Sacrifice  of  Praise  to  God  continually  by  our  SAV- 
IOUR.    Both  Parts  of  the  Day. 

I  d.  10  m.  [December.]  On,  i.  Thess.  V.  23.  The  Body  sanctified, 
and  preserved  blameless. 

8d.iom.  On,  i.  Thess.  V.  23.  Powerful  Considerations  to 
animate  blameless  Holiness,  the  Coming  of  our  Saviour,  the  Eye  of 


5IO         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

our  Saviour,  and  the  Love  of  our  Saviour.  The  sixth  and  finishing 
Sermon  on  the  Thessalonian  Blessing. 

15  d.  low.  On,  Rom.  XIV.  7,  8.  Our  being  the  Lords;  and 
therefore  both  Living  to  Him,  and  Dying  to  Him.  (A  Funeral-sermon 
for  Col.  Hutchinson}) 

igd.  low.  Thursday.  The  Lecture  was  turned  into  a  Day  of 
Prayer  with  the  Inhabitants  of  Boston;  on  the  [torn]  of  our  late  Losses 
by  Mortality,  and  the  Sickness  yett  visiting  and  threatning  of  us. 

1  preached  both  parts  of  the  Day  on  Job.  XXI.  Sorrows  dis- 
tributed in  the  Anger  of  GOD. 

22  d.  10  m.  On  Psal.  CXIX.  107.  What  is  to  be  done  by  those 
who  are  afflicted  very  much,  that  they  may  be  quickened  imder  it. 

2g  d.  10  m.  On,  Cant.  i.  4.  Desires  to  be  drawn  to  and  by 
our  SAVIOUR ;  and  Resolves  to  run  after  Him ;  and  the  Chambers 
wherein  He  gives  a  kind  Reception  to  those  who  have  such  Desires 
and  Resolves.     (And  I  administred  the  Eucharist.) 

5  rf.  II  w.  [January.]  On,  Jam.  V.  7.  The  Patience,  to  be  exer- 
cised by  the  Christian  in  a  Course  of  Christianity 

12  d.  II  m.  On,  Psal.  XVI.  4.  The  Idolatries  being  committed, 
but  rarely  considered.    And  the  Sorrows  in  the  Consequences. 

igd.  II  m.  On  Psal.  LVII.  7.  An  Heart  fixed,  in  a  due  watch 
against  wandring  Thoughts  in  Devotions;  and  in  a  due  Preparation 
for  troublesome  Events  and  Changes.  (Not  knowing  how  GOD  may 
deal  with  me,  or  mine,  in  the  Sickness  now  come  into  my  Family.) 

2-]  d.  II  m.  On  Psal.  XC.  7.  A  People  consuming  by  the  Anger 
of  GOD.  Entertaining  the  Church,  with  Reflections  on  the  Lessening 
of  our  Numbers,  by  Mortality ;  twenty-four  of  our  Comunicants 
having  died  in  a  few  Months ;   and  half  of  these  our  Brethren. 

2  d.  12  m.  [February.]  On,  Psal.  LVII.  7.  An  Heart  fixed  in 
RESOLUTIONS  for  the  Service  of  GOD.  Earnestly  bespeaking  it, 
and  finishing  what  I  began  a  fortnight  ago. 

gd.  12  m.  On  Isa.  XXVI.  9.  The  Desires  of  GOD,  which  in  a 
dark  Time,  the  Soul  should  be  filled  withal. 

To  Sir  William  Ashurst.  a.a.s. 

^d.lm.  [March.]  17 16-17. 
Sir,  —  Four  Winter  Months  have  rolled  away,  since  my  last ; 
wherein  I  applied  myself  to  answer  the  Commands  which  I  had 
received,  with  much  Satisfaction,  to  exhibit  some  Account  of  our, 
'  Colonel  Eiisha  Hutchinson. 


FEBRUARY,     1717-18  5II 

Biblia  Americana,  and  of  my  Prayers  and  Hopes  concerning  a  Work 
of  that  Importance. 

I  am  unhappy,  if  the  Packett  have  not  arrived.  But  in  some 
E.\pectation  that  it  has,  I  now  grow  so  much  in  my  encroaching 
Boldness  upon  you,  as  to  add  this  unto  it.  The  Opus  EcclesicB,  which 
is  now  waiting  for  the  Light,  is  a  Work,  wherein  all  sorts  of  Persons 
will  fitnd  themselves  accommodated  with  Entertainments,  which,  if 
they  have  been  agreeable  and  acceptable  in  a  separate  Exhibition, 
how  much  more  will  common  sense  tell  any  man,  they  must  be  so  in 
a  refining  Amassment  of  them!  In  these  Varieties,  none  of  all  the 
Readers,  will  be  more  gratified,  and  edified,  then  the  more  curious 
Philosopher,  who  is  on  all  Occasions  here  treated  with  such  Things, 
as  would  be  for  the  Palats  of  a  Christian  Virtuoso.  I  may  without 
Vanity  be  of  the  Opinion,  that  if  two  or  three  able  and  (if  there  be 
such)  honest  Booksellers,  exhibiting  the  new  Offer,  and  making  their 
Proposals,  would  soon  find  Subscriptions  enough  to  encourage  their 
procedure  with  the  Work.  My  own  Countrey  subscribe  for  at  least 
one  hundred,  Scotland  and  Ireland,  as  well  as  many  parts  of  England, 
offer  me  to  subscribe,  as  soon  as  they  shall  know  where  and  how. 
And  therefore,  will  your  Honour  forgive  my  rudeness,  if  I  presume  to 
say ;  that  should  a  Person  of  your  great  Esteem  and  Figure,  prevail 
with  two  or  three  more  Persons  of  Quality,  to  appear  as  Patrons  and 
Favourers  of  a  Work,  so  evidently  Calculated  for  the  Service,  of  the 
Interests,  which  the  best  of  men  have  been  valued  for  serving  of; 
and  thereby  obtain  the  Monuments  and  Memorials  of  their  generous 
Goodness  which  would  be  therefore  due  to  them,  and  rais'd  for  them ; 
the  thing  desired,  would  be  soon  accomplished. 

I  am  dismissed  from  any  Expectation  of  much  Encouragement, 
from  the  Dissenters.  And  the  Truth  is,  I  have  dismissed  and  even 
divorced  myself  in  a  great  measure  from  every  Party,  but  one  which 
is  now  going  to  be  formed ;  and  in  the  Formation  whereof,  the  mean 
hand  that  now  writes,  has  a  Prospect  of  being  somewhat  concerned. 
My  Correspondence  with  the  most  illustrious  Frederician  University 
in  the  Lower  Saxony,  where  the  most  glorious  Design  that  ever  was 
managed  in  the  World,  is  now  imder  a  notable  Prosecution,  has  been 
a  Circumstance  of  great  Use  to  me,  in  this  grand  Intention.  Your 
Honour  shall  give  me  leave,  to  think,  that  you  are  of  it ;  and  indeed 
all  good  men  are  so,  tho'  sometimes  they  are  not  aware  of  their  being 
so.  Those  Distresses  upon  the  Nations,  which  may  perhaps  for  a 
while  retard  the  Publication  of  our  B.  A.  will  doubtless  be  so  hott, 
as  ere  long  to  melt  all  good  Men  down,  into  a  Compliance,  with  the 


512         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

Sentiments,  in  an  Instrument,  which  I  now  humbly  tender  to  your 
Acceptance  and  which  is  getting  into  the  Heart  of  distracted  France, 
as  well  as  of  Germany. 

Sir,  I  may  not  break  oflf,  without  a  Word  upon  the  evangelical 
Affairs  among  our  Indians.  After  I  had  ineffectually  soUicited  the 
Governor  of  N.  Y.^  who  was  too  much  encumbred  with  High-church, 
to  do  the  Good  he  wished  for;  The  Ministers  on  Long-Island  have 
promised  me,  to  do  their  best  for  Christianizing  the  Pagan  Indians 
there,  whose  Children  are  now  generally  in  English  Families.  And 
for  their  Assistence  in  that  work,  I  have  prepared  for  them,  an  Essay 
which  is  enclosed  in  this  Packett.  But  the  same  Essay,  is  like  to 
have  a  much  more  extensive  Usefulness ;  not  only  for  the  Indians  in 
the  Eastern  as  well  as  the  Southern  Parts  of  Massachuset-Vvo\\nct, 
but  also  in  many  of  our  Families,  where  we  have  Negro's  as  well  as 
Indians ;   and  perhaps  in  some  other  Countreys. 

In  the  Packett,  you  find  it  accompanied  with  some  other  small 
Things,  which  are  humbly  tendered  unto  your  excellent  Lady.  My 
Wife  by  whom  a  good  God  has  made  me  one  of  the  happiest  of  men, 
has  the  Honour  to  be  known  to  her ;  and  the  Book  entituled,  Utilia, 
consisting  of  Sermons  on  Subjects,  which  were  at  her  Desire  preached 
upon,  she  tis  that  with  her  most  humble  Service,  presents  that  Book 
to  your  Lady's  Acceptance. 

That  the  Blessing  of  our  glorious  Lord,  may  rest  upon  your 
Person  and  your  honourable  Family,  is  the  hearty  Prayer  of.  Your 
Honours,  most  sincere  servant 

To  Rev.  Thomas  Prince.  m.h.s. 

Satureday  Morn.  26  d.  VIII  m.  [October.]  1717. 
Sir,  —  Having  first  repeted  my  Thanks  to  you,  for  your  Good- 
ness, in  the  hopes  you  have  given  us,  of  your  Assistence  for  the  public 
Sacrifices  in  our  Church  on  the  Morrow  in  the  Forenoon ;  I  take  the 
Freedom  to  request,  that  it  may  be  rather  before  than  after  Nine 
o'clock  in  the  Morning,  that  you  lett  our  Patriarch'^  have  the  sight 
of  you;  and  this,  (not  only  because,  Aspeclus  viri  boni  delectat,  but 
also)  because  I  would  have  him  to  be  wholly  out  of  the  Pain ;  which 
my  Absence  always  gives  him. 

I  have  nothing  further  to  add,  but  only  a  matter  of  deep  Con- 
templation.    A  late  Candidate  for  the  place,  from  whence  you  lately 
received  a  Letter,  hoping  you  were  in  good  Health,  does,  as  I  under- 
•  Robert  Hunter.  '  Increase  Mather. 


I  7  I  7-1  8  513 

stand,  express  a  great  Aversion  for  a  Compliance  with  an  Invitation 
thither,  on  this  account,  that  they  are  a  People  so  peculiar  and  irregu- 
lar in  their  Principles  about  ecclesiastical  Matters,  that  he  (who  is 
for  the  true,  old,  N.  E.  Principles,)  could  never  be  easy  with  them, 
in  the  ecclesiastical  Circumstances  they  would  impose  upon  him. 

The  Glorious  Lord  will  give  you  His  Direction,  and  the  Blessings 
of  the  XXV  Psalm,  I  am  well-assured.    I  am  Syr,  Your  Brother  and 

Co.  Mather. 


n-33 


THE  LVlTH  YEAR  OF  MY  LIFE. 

12  d.  XII  m.  [February.]  171 7  [-18.]  Wednesday.  Entring 
this  Day  upon  the  unexpected  as  well  as  undeserved  fifty- 
sixth  Year,  and  I  really  beleeve,  the  last,  of  my  Life,  I 
sett  apart  the  Day  for  Devotions,  with  Fasting,  before  the 
Lord. 

It  was  with  me  a  Time  full  of  most  bitter  Contritions 
and  Confusions,  in  a  Review  of  the  Sins,  which  my  wretched 
Life  has  been  filled  withal :  and  unspeakable  Agonies  in  the 
Flights  I  made  unto  the  infinite  Mercy  of  God,  and  infinite 
Merit  in  the  Sacrifice  of  my  SAVIOUR,  for  a  Pardon :  and 
importunate  Supplications  for  the  Grace  to  be  a  more  dili- 
gent Servant  of  the  Lord  and  of  His  People,  in  the  small 
Remainder  of  Time  that  may  be  yett  allow'd  me. 

But  these  were  follow'd  with  my  Thanksgivings  to  the 
glorious  Lord,  for  His  many  and  marvellous  Favours  to  me, 
all  my  Dayes  until  this  very  Day ;  and  for  those  Wonders 
of  Goodness,  which  at  this  day  I  am  surrounded  withal. 

I  made  the  best  Preparations  I  could  this  Day,  on  more 
Accounts  than  one,  for  my  dying  Hour. 

G.  D.  I  hope,  I  putt  my  Parent  in  the  best  Way,  to 
provide  well,  for  my  widow  Sister  and  her  Orphan. 

So  dead  am  I  grown  to  this  World,  and  so  willing  to  dis- 
appear unto  it,  and  so  dispos'd  wholly  to  be  swallow'd  up 
in  God ;  that  among  other  Effects  of  this  Frame,  I  am 
inclined  wholly  to  destroy  all  these  Memorials  of  my  Life, 
and  proceed  no  further  in  Writing  of  them.  As  I  am  deter- 
mined, that  I  will  never  have  my  Picture  drawTi ;  and  I 
repent,  that  I  have  heretofore  satt  for  some  Draughts  of  it ; 


FEBRUARY,     1717-18  515 

So  I  would  go  on  in  daily  Projections  to  do  good,  but  am 
content  that  they  be  observed  and  remembred  by  the  glori- 
ous God  alone. 

But  when  I  consider,  that  my  writing  down  of  my  Good 
Devised,  contributes  unto  the  more  effectual  Execution  of 
my  Purposes,  and  that  it  is  possible,  my  Son  may  learn  how 
to  do  good,  from  the  Things  that  are  suggested  in  his  poor 
Father's  Memorials,  I  am  inclined  still  to  do,  as  I  use  to  do. 

13.  G.  D.  One  of  the  best  Things  that  can  be  done  for 
my  poor  Countrey  is,  to  extinguish  as  far  as  tis  possible, 
that  cursed,  and  senseless  Party-Spirit,  which  is  now  among 
us,  in  a  most  abominable  Operation.  Lett  me  contrive  to 
do  all  that  I  or  others  can  towards  the  Extinction  of  so 
comprehensive  a  Mischief. 

I  procure  an  Interview  with  a  Number  of  the  Assembly 
this  Evening  on  that  Intention. 

14.  G.  D.  A  Method  for  introducing  the  Gospel,  into 
miserable  Tiverton,  I  have  now  brought  into  its  Operation. 
It  may  produce  no  little  Travel  and  Labour  to  me,  in  the 
Prosecution  of  it.  But 

15.  G.  D.  A  poor  young  Man  of  the  Neighbourhood  in 
danger  of  Distruction  calls  for  my  Consideration. 

*  16.  G.  D.  In  working  about  my  o^vn  Salvation,  my 
Work  must  be,  to  gett  my  Soul  cured  of  all  the  Maladies, 
which  by  my  Departure  from  God,  I  am  fallen  into.  The 
Blessings  of  an  healed  Soul,  not  only  fitt  me  for,  and  bring 
me  to,  the  Blessedness  of  the  heavenly  World,  but  also  are 
the  very  Blessedness.  I  would  therefore  successively  con- 
sider the  several  Maladies  of  my  Soul,  and  what  is  lacking 
in  the  divine  Image,  which  is  begun  to  be  restored  in  it. 
And  so  enquire  after  the  Methods  of  a  Cure  for  them. 

The  first  of  my  Maladies,  which  I  do  this  Morning  take 
notice  of,  is ;  My  Barrenness  in  regard  of  those  exquisite 
Inventions,  which  Wisdome  would  find  out,  for  the  Sersice 
of  GOD  in  all  my  several  Relations,  and  particularly  for  an 


5l6         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

Improvement  of  Piety  in  my  own  Heart  and  Life.  I  am 
strangely  dull,  stupid,  senseless  when  I  come  to  consider 
the  Quaestion,  Whal  shall  I  do  for  God?  I  bewayle  this  Dis- 
temper before  the  Lord ;  I  look  up  to  my  Saviour,  as  the 
Lord  my  Healer;  I  resolve  to  compel  my  mind  unto  close 
Thinking  on  the  noble  Quaestion,  and  at  the  same  Time, 
resign  my  Mind  unto  the  Conduct  of  Him,  without  whom  I 
am  not  sufficient  for  so  much  as  one  good  Thought,  or  for 
any  thing  in  the  World. 

17.  G.  D.  The  Widows  of  the  Flock  are  numerous; 
They  make  about  a  fifth  Part  of  our  Communicants.  A 
Sermon  full  of  Counsils  and  Comforts,  unto  that  part  of 
the  Flock,  is  what  I  am  now  giving  to  them.  And,  I  hope, 
God  will  also  enable  me  to  publish  it,  that  it  may  be 
lodged  with  them. 

18.  G.  D.  Among  my  Returns  of  Gratitude  and  Obedi- 
ence unto  Heaven,  for  the  Restoration  of  my  invaluable 
Consort,  I  would  use  an  effectual  Care,  that  all  our  domestic 
Business  be  over  before  the  Satureday  Evening,  and  that  the 
whole  Evening  be  devoted  unto  Exercises  of  Piety,  with 
more  Care  than  ever  yett  has  been  used  with  us. 

19.  G.  D.  I  would  invite  my  afflicted  Brother-in-law, 
Mr.  Walter,  (who  has  been  a  year  laid  by  from  his  public 
Preaching,)  that  he  would  come  and  sojourn  some  Weeks  at 
my  House,  to  be  under  the  Cure  of  some  Physicians  in  my 
Neighbourhood. 

20.  G.  D.  I  am  this  Day  writing  Letters  to  the  East- 
Indies,  in  my  Correspondence  with  the  Danish  Missionaries 
at  Malabar.  And  I  project  the  Proposal  of  several  Things 
imto  them,  which  may  be  of  the  greatest  Consequence. 

21.  G.  D.  I  have  Opportunity  to  do  another  Service,  by 
the  Instrumentality  of  some  in  our  Neighbourhood. 

On  the  Lord's-Day,  I  preached  a  Sermon  unto  the 
WIDOWS  of  the  Flock.  It  proved  so  acceptable  to  them, 
that  a  Number  of  them  join  to  bear  the  Expence  of  the 


FEBRUARY,     1717-18  5x7 

Publication.  I  hope  it  will  prove  a  sensible  Service  to  the 
Cause  of  Piety,  among  the  many  Widows  in  Israel,  who  are 
greatly  multiplied,  and  exposed  unto  grievous  Temptations. 

(I.)  I  give  it  unto  them,  and  unto  their  Tribe  through- 
out the  Countrey,  under  this  Title  :  MARAH  spoken  to.  An 
Essay  to  do  Good  unto  the  Widow;  Dispensing  those  Lessons 
of  Piety  which  are  the  Portion  assigned  for  the  Widow,  in  the 
House  and  Word  of  God.^ 

22.  G.  D.  A  poor  Family,  under  long  AflEliction  by  Sick- 
ness, calls  for  my  Consideration. 

22  d.  12  m.  Satureday.  This  Day  I  sett  apart,  for  Prayer 
with  Fasting,  as  I  use  to  do,  in  my  Approaches  to  the  holy 
Table. 

I  exceedingly  humbled  myself  before  the  Lord,  for  the 
manifold  Wickedness  of  my  Heart  and  Life.  And  I  made 
a  fresh  Flight  unto  the  pardoning  Mercy  of  God,  and  the 
atoning  Sacrifice  of  my  Saviour.  Not  without  Hope,  that 
my  Transgression  is  forgiven,  and  my  Sin  is  covered;  and 
that  I  have  a  Token  of  my  being  released  from  the  Sentence 
of  Death  upon  me,  in  my  Living  unto  God. 

There  were  many  special  Matters  of  SuppHcation  this 
day  carried  unto  the  Lord. 

Especially,  a  Smile  of  GOD  upon  what  is  doing  for  Him 
at  Glaucha,  and  at  Malabar. 

*  23.  G.  D.  Sloth,  wicked  Sloth,  cursed  Sloth,  is  the 
Distemper,  which  I  cannot  but  in  the  first  Place  think  upon, 
when  I  come  to  consider  the  Maladies  of  my  Soul.  Have  I 
found  thee,  O  mine  Enemy!  There  does  not  a  Day  pass  over 
me,  but  I  ly  down  mourning  at  Night  for  the  Mischiefs  that 
I  have  suffered  from  this  hateful  Enemy. 

But  what  shall  be  done  for  the  Cure  of  this  evil  Disease ! 

First  with  a  repenting  Soul,  I  fly  to  my  SAVIOUR,  and 
with  Faith  and  Hope,  all  the  Ardours  of  the  greatest  Impor- 
tunacy  I  cry  unto  Him,  that  He  would  be  my  Healer. 

*  Printed  by  T.  Crump,  and  contains  a  preface  by  Increase  Mather. 


5l8         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

And  then,  I  will  consider  with  as  powerful  and  impressive 
Thoughts  as  I  can,  those  Things,  which  may  animate  my 
Diligence.  Particularly  read  Mr.  Baxter,  what  he  writes 
upon  Idleness,  in  his,  Christian  Directory. 

24.  G.  D.  I  will  take  a  Catalogue  of  such  as  are  now, 
to  be  invited  into  our  Communion  as  prepared  for  it ;  (that 
so  our  Losses  may  be  recruited :)  and  both  pubUckly  and 
privately  pursue  the  Invitation. 

25.  G.  D.  I  would  in  family  Sacrifices,  make  a  very 
thankful  Acknowledgment  of  the  divine  Goodness  and 
Mercy,  which  has  restored  my  Consort  unto  me.  But  I 
would  particularly  propose,  that  all  the  Ministers  in  the 
City,  meet  at  my  House,  to  give  Thanks  wath  me,  and  then 
to  taste  the  Bread  of  my  Table :  or,  some  way  assist  me  in 
my  Thanksgivings. 

26.  G.  D.  Our  Church  now  pursuing  a  strong  Motion, 
towards  the  Inviting  of  my  Kinsman  T.  W  [alter]  unto  the 
Assistence  and  Succession  of  the  Ministry  here,  I  have 
opening  to  me,  a  thousand  Occasions  of  being  useful  to  him. 

27.  G.  D.  Supphcations  for  the  Public,  are  one  way  of 
my  being  serviceable  unto  it ;  with  Admonition  unto  my 
Flock  how  to  manage  their  Supplications. 

This  Day,  being  a  Day  of  Prayer  thro'  the  Province,  it 
gives  me  an  Opportunity  for  them. 

28.  G.  D.  There  is  extreme  Danger  of  Boston  going  into 
much  Temptation,  and  Contention,  and  Confusion.  The 
Ministers  of  the  Town  must  be  seasonably  advertised  of  the 
Danger. 

March,  i.  G.  D.  An  hopeful  Youth,  who  is  a  poor 
Orphan,  at  the  Colledge,  I  must  subscribe,  and  procure 
Subscriptions,  for  to  subsist  him  there. 

*2.  G.  D.  Another  Distemper,  which  troubles  my  Soul, 
is  that  of,  sudden  Anger. 

Now  for  the  Cure  of  this  Malady,  and  that  I  may  grow 
in  the  Wisdome  of  Meekness  I  would,  first,  make  my  Flight 


MARCH,     1717-18  519 

unto  my  SAVIOUR;  that  all  my  frovvard  Follies  may  be 
pardoned,  and  that  He  would  bestow  upon  me,  the  Meek- 
ness, whereof  He  has  given  such  a  glorious  Pattern. 

And  then,  I  would  mightily  inculcate  upon  myself  the 
Maxims,  for  my  Government  under  Provocations  to  Anger, 
which  I  drew  up,  19  d.  IH  m.  1717.^ 

3.  G.  D.  It  looks,  as  if  our  poor  Church  were  dreadfully 
under  the  Wrath  of  God ;  and  as  if  it  were  in  danger  of 
going  into  Confusions  that  are  not  without  Horror  to  be 
thought  upon.  All  the  Brethren  of  the  Church,  except  four 
or  five  Gentlemen,  who  must  always  be  the  Rulers  of  aU, 
are  fond  of  Inviting  Mr.  Walter  unto  the  Assistence  and 
Succession  in  the  Ministry. 

Last  October,  an  excellent  Gift  of  our  Ascended  Lord,  who 
was  tendered  unto  the  Church,  and  much  desired  by  the 
most  of  our  People,  was  thrown  away  to  please  these  Gentle- 
men. There  is  now  a  more  general  Desire,  and  a  very 
vehement  One,  for  this  Person,  who  is  one  of  rich  and  rare 
Accomplishments,  and  such  another  cannot  presently  be 
hoped  for.  But  from  I  know  not  what  Principle,  these 
Gentlemen  clog  all  our  Motions ;  and  Roxbury  is  like  to 
sieze  upon  him.  On  this,  besides  the  Loss  we  are  like  to 
suffer,  the  Ferment  of  the  People  is  like  to  rise  unto  a  pro- 
digious Heighth,  and  we  are  like  to  be  the  most  miserable 
Church  in  the  Land.  Oh !  the  Wisdome !  Oh !  the  Patience ! 
Oh !  the  Prayerf ulness,  which  I  am  on  this  Occasion  call'd 
unto! 

I  am  afraid.  Sin  lies  upon  us,  in  the  Neglect  of  the  holy 
Discipline,  whereof  some  objects  have  not  been  duely 
considered. 

4.  G.  D.  There  are  affairs  of  great  Importance  to 
Creases  carriage  and  comfort,  which  I  am  this  Day  to 
advise  him  upon. 

5.  G.  D.     Something  is  to  be  done,  that  the  domestic 

*  See  p.  454,  supra. 


520         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

Circumstances  of  my  aged  Parent  may  be  very  easy  to  him. 
There  is  nothing  more  in  my  Wishes,  than  to  be  the  Helper 
of  his  Joy. 

6.  G.  D.  Sending  to  the  East-Indies,  I  would  send 
several  Pieces  of  Gold,  for  the  Support  of  the  Charity-Schole 
at  Malabar. 

7.  G.  D.  I  would  committ  some  Numbers  of  my 
RaphaeVs,  into  the  hands  of  pious  Physicians,  entreating 
them  to  bestow  them  upon  their  Patients,  as  they  find  them 
to  recover  of  their  Maladies ;  that  so  corporal  and  spiritual 
Heahng  may  go  together. 

7  J.  I  m.  [March?[  Friday.  Tis  with  me  a  Day  of  strange 
Occurences.  I  have  a  strong  Impression  on  my  Mind, 
impelling  me,  to  sett  apart  this  Day,  for  Prayer  with  Fast- 
ing, with  a  singular  Eye  to  the  Ministry  of  the  holy  Angels, 
for  the  Enjoyment  whereof  I  have  more  than  ordinary 
Occasion  to  be  sollicitous. 

I  begun  the  Day  with  forming  due  Thoughts  of  the  glorious 
Object,  unto  whom  I  am  to  address  my  Prayers,  and  of  the  devout 
Manner  wherein  I  am  to  do  it ;  and  with  Confessions  of  my  Inability 
to  do  anything,  and  Contritions  for  the  miserable  Defects  and  Errors, 
which  have  attended  my  former  Days  of  Supplications,  and  Cries  to 
Heaven  for  Assistences  and  Influences  from  Above. 

After  this,  and  after  suitable  and  affectuous  Meditations  on  the 
ANGELS  of  GOD,  I  did  on  my  Knees,  glorify  Him,  as  the  Creator 
of  those  wonderful  Creatures ;  and  if  the  Multitude  of  the  heavenly 
Host,  were  composed  of  Creatures,  who  were  so  full  of  Power  and  of 
Wisdome,  and  of  Goodness,  and  of  holy  Love  to  God,  (for  which  I 
loved  them  and  would  exceedingly  and  perpetually  do  so,  tho'  they 
should  be  employ'd,  as  the  Inflicters  of  the  saddest  Things  upon  me !) 
I  argued  how  glorious  must  be  the  infinite  GOD,  their  Maker  before 
whom  they  are  but  Shadows,  and  very  Nothings.  I  considered  my 
admirable  SAVIOUR,  the  Son  of  GOD  incarnate  in  my  blessed  JESUS, 
as  now  on  the  Throne  of  God,  as  having  all  these  mighty  ANGELS 
under  His  Dominion ;  and  I  resolved  upon  paying  an  Obedience,  as 
far  as  I  can,  like  unto  theirs,  unto  this  glorious  Lord.  I  considered, 
the  Ministry  of  the  mighty  Angels,  as  extended  unto  Societies  of 


MARCH,     lyiy^lS  521 

men  in  general,  and  unto  all  Individuals  among  the  elect  Heirs  of 
Salvation  in  particular;  and  I  gave  Thanks  to  the  Lord,  for  His 
Benefits  therein  done  unto  the  sinful  Children  of  Men.  But,  then, 
I  considered  the  Praises  which  the  holy  ANGELS  rendred  unto  the 
infiriite  GOD.  I  was  glad,  I  was  glad,  that  the  Infinite  God  has  the 
Gratification  of  having  such  Praises  paid  unto  Him,  as  He  hears  from 
these  marvellous  Creatures.  Tho'  I  am  the  vilest  Thing  in  the  World, 
yett  I  so  far  putt  in  for  a  share  in  the  Homage  which  these  marvellous 
Creatures  yeeld  unto  the  infinite  GOD,  as  to  rejoice  with  an  inexpres- 
sible Gladness,  at  His  having  the  Pleasure  of  His  Praises  from  them. 
I  went  on,  with  an  Heart  fix^d  in  these  Dispositions,  that  if  I  should 
be  forever  banished  from  the  innumerable  Company  of  the  holy 
Angels,  yet  I  would  even  in  my  outer  Darkness,  be  pleased  with  the 
Apprehension  of  it,  that  the  infinite  GOD  had  such  Praises  as  these 
would  forever  pay  unto  Him.  Astonishments  filled  my  Soul,  in  the 
Flights,  which  I  thus  took  among  the  holy  ANGELS.  I  find  my  Pen 
unable  to  write  the  Things,  and  the  Terms,  to  which  my  Soul  mounted 
up  as  with  the  Wings  of  an  Eagle.  But  I  became  assured  that  I 
should  be  hereafter  associated  with  the  lovely  Creatures,  unto  whom 
I  united  myself  in  these  Contemplations. 

In  my  family  Sacrifices,  I  expressed  unto  the  Lord,  the  Regards, 
which  as  a  Family  we  owe  unto  the  ANGELS. 

I  also  sang  in  my  Study,  Portions  of  the  Psalms,  relating  unto 
these  Morning-stars. 

I  proceeded  then,  to  humble  myself  before  the  glorious  GOD,  for 
the  Sins  of  my  Life,  and  especially  the  sinful  Tendencies  of  an  Heart 
that  is  desperately  wicked.  This  I  did  chiefly  on  the  Account  of 
the  Dishonour  and  the  Displeasure  done  unto  the  glorious  GOD,  in 
my  Offences.  But  then  it  became  a  sensible  Article  of  my  Grief,  that 
I  had  grieved  the  holy  ANGELS  and  basely  treated  their  Ministry 
with  a  monstrous  Indignity  and  Ingratitude:  but  at  the  same  Time 
had  complied  with  the  evil  Ones.  I  more  particularly  mentioned 
some  Instances,  wherein  I  had  rendred  myself  singularly  loathsome 
unto  the  holy  ANGELS,  and  as  a  Beast  before  them :  especially,  my 
slothful  and  selfish  Conduct  in  the  Discharge  of  my  Ministry,  wherein 
I  have  had  the  Work  of  ANGELS  assign'd  unto  me :  But,  Oh!  how 
unUke  have  I  been  unto  them!  I  owned,  how  just  it  would  be,  if  the 
holy  Angels  were  made  the  Instruments  and  Inflicters  of  all  dreadful 
Judgments,  in  both  Worlds  upon  me.  But  I  made  my  Flight  unto 
the  pardoning  Mercy  of  God,  and  the  Fountain  sett  open  for  Sin 
and  Uncleanness,  in  the  Blood  of  my  SAVIOUR:     And  with  a 


522         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

strong  Faith  herein,  I  obtained  some  Assurance  of  my  Pardon.  And 
whereas  formerly  I  have  often  feared  that  all  the  Favours  that 
Heaven  hath  shown  to  me,  and  all  the  Uses  that  Heaven  hath 
made  of  me,  would  only  be,  to  prepare  me  for  a  more  horrid 
Vessel  of  a  Wrath  unto  the  uttermost,  I  now  became  assured, 
that  all  my  crying  Sins,  wherein  I  have  been  upon  some  Accounts 
worse  than  any  Man  in  the  World,  would  be  only  made  Scaffolds, 
for  the  greater  Triumphs  of  sovereign  Grace  to  be  seen  upon.  But 
oh !  The  Love  of  God,  which  I  now  felt  filling  of  my  Soul !  And  now, 
being  at  Peace  with  GOD,  I  know,  that  His  holy  ANGELS  will  be 
at  Peace  with  me.  Tho'  they  have  been  highly  offended  at  me,  yett 
from  their  Love  to  God,  and  their  Obedience  to  my  SAVIOUR,  they 
will  now  be  ready  to  take  me  under  their  Wings,  and  to  do  unspeak- 
able Kindnesses  for  me.  I  still  find  my  Pen  unable  to  write  what 
occurr'd ;  it  can  only  give  a  general  Report  of  the  Matter. 

Anon  I  went  again  unto  the  Lord ;  and  cried  unto  Him,  that  the 
Ministry  of  His  holy  ANGELS  might  now  more  than  ever  be  allowed 
unto  me.  And  that  I  might  be  rendred  the  more  meet  for  it,  I  came 
with  the  Acts  of  a  consenting  Soul  into  the  Covenant  of  God,  wherein 
He  becoming  mine,  His  ANGELS  will  be  so  too.  I  annihilated  my- 
self before  the  Lord;  resolving  that  GOD  alone  shall  be  owned,  as 
the  Doer  of  all  the  Good,  that  is  done  for  me,  or  by  me,  and  what- 
ever His  ANGELS  do,  about  me.  He  alone  shall  have  the  Glory  of 
it  all.  I  passed  on  to  the  sacrificing  Stroke,  and  with  the  Exercises 
of  the  royal  Priesthood,  I  made  Sacrifices  of  all,  even  my  dearest 
Enjoyments :  hoping  that  the  ANGELS  drawing  near  to  me,  would 
now  do  wondrously.  I  uttered  my  Aspirations  after  all  possible 
Conformity  to  the  holy  ANGELS,  in  their  Hatred  of  all  Sin,  their 
Activity  and  Alacrity  in  the  Service  of  God,  their  Submission  to  the 
Will  of  GOD,  their  Goodness,  and  perpetual  Delight  in  doing  of 
Good ;  and  whatever  may  maintain  an  Harmony  with  them  in  the 
Work  of  GOD.  I  entreated  of  the  Lord,  that  He  would  order  the 
Agency  and  Influence  of  His  holy  ANGELS,  to  befriend  my  Health, 
to  supply  my  Wants,  to  direct  my  Studies  and  all  my  Motions,  to 
strengthen  me  against  my  Temptations,  to  raise  up  such  as  may  be 
powerful  Friends  unto  me  and  my  Designs;  and  especially  to  touch 
the  Minds  of  some  suitable  Persons,  with  Inclinations  to  bring  into 
the  Light,  several  great  Works,  which  I  have  prepared  for  the  Church 
of  God  in  the  World.  I  then  also  entreated,  that  the  holy  ANGELS, 
may  make  their  Descent,  and  the  Kingdome  of  the  Heavens  come  on, 
wherein  they  shall  possess  the  Children  of  men,  and  preach  the  ever- 


MARCH,     1717-18  523 

lasting  Gospel  unto  the  Nations.  I  finally  entreated,  that  my  poor 
Family  may  fare  the  better  for  the  angelical  Ministrations ;  in  some 
Instances  particularly  then  emmierated. 

8.  G.  D.  A  poor  Widow,  greatly  oppressed  for  speak- 
ing the  Truth,  must  have  me  concerned  for  her. 

*  9.  G.  D.  The  Diseases  of  my  soul  are  not  cured  until 
I  arrive  to  the  most  unspotted  Chastitie  and  Puritie. 

I  do  not  apprehend,  that  Heaven  requires  me  utterlie  to 
lay  aside  my  fondness  for  my  lovelie  Consort.  ^ 

But  I  must  mourn  most  bitterlie  and  walk  humblie  all 
my  Dales  for  my  former  pollutions.  I  must  abhor  the 
least  tho't  of  regard  unto  anie  other  Person  but  this  dearhe 
beloved  of  my  soul.  I  must  be  temperate  in  my  Conver- 
sation with  her.  And  I  must  alwaies  propose  a  good  and  an 
high  End  in  it ;  something  that  mai  be  an  Expression  or  an 
Evidence  of  my  Obedience  to  God.^ 

10.  G.  D.  My  Conduct  in  the  Management  of  the 
Church,  on  the  critical  Occasion  that  is  now  before  us,  must 
be  full  of  Patience  and  Meekness,  with  a  Satisfaction  in  the 
Will  of  GOD  ordering  all  Things.  I  must  permitt  nothing 
to  be  driven,  but  endeavour  that  all  things  may  proceed, 
lento  Gradii.  And  I  must  in  all  the  ways  that  are  possible, 
sweeten  the  Spirits  of  the  Brethren  towards  one  another. 

11.  G.  D.  Liza  and  Sammy,  must  return  to  their 
Improvements  at  the  writing  School.  Sammy  has  abund- 
ance of  Spare-time  at  the  Grammar-Schole ;  I  must  con- 
cert with  his  Master  some  Employments  for  him. 

12.  G.  D.  What  Good  shall  I  do  in  a  Family  of  Rela- 
tives, where  I  am  sometimes  very  kindly  entertained. 
Prayers,  and  Books  of  Piety. 

13.  G.  D.  Our  excellent  Governour  is  in  danger  of 
some  Steps  inconvenient  for  himself  and  us ;  No  body  will 
advise  him.     I  must. 

A  Testimony  to  the  Kingdome  of  our  SAVIOUR  and 

'  These  two  paragraphs  were  written  in  Greek  characters. 


524         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

some  Glances  at  the  Displays  and  Openings  of  it,  which  are 
now  appearing  may  have  its  Efficacy. 
This  Day  I  offer  it. 

14.  G.  D.  Encourage  some  Schole-Masters,  to  have 
the  Story  of  the  Jewish  Children  at  Berlin,  read  in  their 
Schools,  with  Apphcation. 

15.  G.  D.  It  is  desired  of  me  to  do  something  for  the 
Interest  of  a  young  Gentleman  labouring  under  Disadvan- 
tages at  Connecticot. 

*  16.  G.  D.  For  the  Cure  of  what  is  amiss  in  my  dis- 
tempered Soul,  one  of  the  best  Things  that  I  can  do,  will  be 
this :  I  will  use  to  examine,  what  lies  at  the  Bottom  of  my 
Designs,  my  Studies,  my  Sorrows,  and  my  Angers,  and  my 
Comforts ;  and  if  I  discover,  that  an  undue  Respect  unto 
myself,  or  unto  any  Creature  does  therein  usurp  the  Throne 
of  the  glorious  GOD,  I  will  immediately  dethrone  it,  and 
endeavour  that  a  due  Respect  unto  HIM  shall  entirely 
govern  me. 

17.  G.  D.  The  Temptations  which  my  poor  Flock  is 
going  unto!  I  must  cry  to  GOD,  for  His  conduct,  both 
unto  it,  and  unto  myself.  And  guard  mightily  against  the 
Devices  of  the  Grand  Adversary. 

18.  G.  D.  Sammy s  Association  with  a  Number  of 
serious  Lads,  for  the  Exercises  of  Religion,  opens  to  me  a 
View  of  many  and  precious  Projections,  for  the  Drawing  of 
him  on  to  do  much  Good  in  his  day,  and  for  the  infusing 
of  great  Sentiments  into  him. 

19.  G.  D.  I  must,  if  it  be  possible,  find  out  some  Rela- 
tives at  Connecticot,  of  which  I  have  never  taken  yett  suffi- 
cient Notice,  and  send  Books  of  Piety  unto  them. 

20.  G.  D.  I  am  writing  to  the  famous  Franckius  and 
the  Frederician  University. 

May  Heaven  direct  me,  what  I  may  propose  to  them  for 
the  Kingdome  of  GOD ! 

21.  G.  D.    Poor  Brooklyn!    I  am  in  extreme  Distress; 


MARCH,     1717-18  525 

I  know  not  my  Duty !  I  must  cry  to  GOD  for  His  Direc- 
tion. 

22.  G.  D.  Several  very  poor  in  the  Flock,  are  objects 
for  my  further  Cares. 

And  unto  Widows  also,  I  would  convey  my  Marah. 

22  d.  I  m.  Saturcday.  This  Day  I  sett  apart,  for  Suppli- 
cations, as  I  use  to  do.  And  my  Exercises  on  it,  were  such 
as  they  use  to  be. 

Upon  a  renewed  Repentance,  with  a  Flight  unto  the 
Sacrifice  of  my  admirable  SAVIOUR,  my  poor,  dark,  dis- 
tressed Soul,  received  some  Assurance  of  my  Pardon.  And 
an  infinite  load  lying  upon  me,  was  taken  off. 

Some  very  uncommon  Trials  of  Patience  even  to  Long- 
sufifering  and  such  as  GOD  orders  to  lay  me  and  keep  me 
under  the  greatest  Abasements,  oblige  me  to  be  much  in 
crying  to  Him,  that  He  would  strengthen  me  with  Strength 
in  my  Soul. 

I  repeted  my  Supplications  and  Praeparations,  to  have 
the  Ministry  of  the  good  Angels  employed  for  me ;  for  the 
Accomplishment  of  such  Petitions,  as  I  insisted  on.  Espe- 
cially the  bringing  forth  unto  the  Pubhc,  such  Things  as  I 
have  gott  ready  to  serve  the  Kingdome  of  God. 

*  23.  G.  D.  The  Characters  of  One  dead  with  CHRIST, 
and  willing  and  striving  to  dy  unto  all  this  World ;  will  not 
these  assure  me,  that  I  have  a  claim  to  the  Benefits  which 
the  Death  of  CHRIST  has  purchased  for  His  chosen  People  ? 
I  think,  I  feel  the  Power  and  the  Sweetness  of  this  Con- 
sideration.    But  it  must  be  further  prosecuted. 

24.  G.  D.  There  are  some  Acts  of  Discipline,  to  be 
exercised  in  the  Flock,  wherein  I  very  much  need  the 
Direction  and  Assistence  of  Heaven ;  Oh !  may  I  so  go 
through  them,  that  God  may  be  glorified,  and  the  Flock 
may  be  edified. 

25.  G.  D.  Sammy  shall  daily  bring  me,  his  Version  of, 
Supplies  from  the  Tower  of  David.    And  I  will  make  the 


526         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

Exercise,  an  Occasion  to  instil  into  him  the  Documents  of 
Piety ;  and  what  may  strengthen  and  adorn  him. 

26.  G.  D.  A  Kindness  is  to  be  done  for  a  Kinswoman 
at  Roxbury. 

27.  G.  D.  The  better  People,  at  Pensylvania  fly  to 
me,  that  I  would  serve  them  with  Repraesentations  at  home, 
that  may  divert  great  Mischiefs  from  the  Jacobite  party 
among  them. 

28.  G.  D.  Sollicit  my  Brother,  and  some  others  be- 
yond-sea, to  fall  in  more  vigorously,  with  the  Design  of 
prosecuting  and  propagating  the  Maxims  of  the  everlasting 
Gospel,  as  the  grand  Basis  of  Union  among  the  People  of 
God. 

29.  G.  D.  The  Physician,  who  is  my  next  Neighbour, 
is  an  Object  of  my  special  Thoughts  and  Cares  on  several 
Accounts. 

*  30.  G.  D.  I  am  afraid  of  some  Decay  upon  my 
sabbatizing  Stroke.  I  must  fill  the  Lord's-day  with  higher, 
and  more  numerous  and  labourious  Elevations  towards  the 
heavenly  World. 

31.  G.  D.  Satan  is  watching  to  insinuate  into  the 
Flock  and  make  his  Devices  operate ;  Oh !  may  my  prayer- 
ful and  watchful  Conduct,  anticipate  them ! 

(II.)  Wanting  a  Book  to  be  lodg'd  in  the  Hands  of  the 
Afflicted,  when  I  visit  them,  I  now  give  unto  the  Public  a 
Treatise  entituled,  The  Obedient  Sufferer.  A  brief  Essay, 
upon  that  Obedience  to  GOD,  which  his  Children  are  to  Learn, 
in  and  from  the  sufferings  which  are  the  Things  appointed  for 
them. 

April.  I.  G.  D.  Be  not  satisfied  until  Increase  be 
prevailed  withal,  to  read  more,  and  spend  his  Evenings  to 
better  Account. 

On  the  Lord's-day  Evenings,  I  will  have  him,  and  Sammy, 
to  read  unto  the  Family,  Books  of  Piety ;  particularly,  Mr. 
Janeway^s  Treatises. 


APRIL,     1718  527 

2.  G.  D.  More  Prayers  as  well  as  other  Means,  must 
be  used  for  the  Recovery  of  my  Brother  Walter. 

3.  G.  D.  Prevail  with  my  dear  Governour,  to  befriend 
the  Interests  of  Religion  in  the  Southern  Colonies,  for  which 
I  am  this  Week  applying  to  England;  and  gett  him  to 
engage  his  Brother  in  the  Cause. 

4.  G.  D.     Lord,  How  barren  am  I ! 

Engage  my  ultramarine  Friends  to  do  what  they  can, 
for  the  rendring  of  my  poor  Treatises,  as  extensively  useful, 
as  they  can. 

By  a  young  Gentleman  going  thither,  make  a  present  of 
New  English  Treatises,  to  the  Ministers  of  Londonderry  and 
Parts  adjacent. 

5.  G.  D.  A  foolish  and  froward  old  Man,  who  has  been 
a  great  Professor  of  Religion,  is  in  a  very  wicked  Frame  and 
way ;  which  there  must  be  some  care  taken  to  stop  him  in. 

*  6.  G.  D.  My  dear  SAVIOUR  has  raised  my  Soul,  to 
such  a  Frame  as  this.  The  Approach  of  great  Calamities, 
finds  a  sort  of  welcome  with  me,  from  the  View  it  gives  me 
of  Opportunities  to  glorify  God  with  Sacrifices.  I  feel  my 
Heart  pleas'd  and  glad,  at  the  Thoughts  of  being  putt  upon 
Sacrificing.  And,  is  not  the  Love  of  GOD,  now  sensibly  at 
work  in  my  Soul  ?  Yea,  what  will  the  glorious  One  do  with 
one,  whom  He  has  thus  made  a  Sacrifice?  I  must  keep 
myself  in  this  Love  of  GOD.  And  I  must  grow  more  fre- 
quent and  expert  in  the  Acts  of  applying  to  myself  the  Love 
of  my  Saviour  on  all  Occasions,  in  all  Occurrences. 

7.  G.  D.  The  Commitee  of  the  Church,  must  have 
certain  Points  of  care  commended  unto  them. 

My  List  of  them,  who  are  to  be  putt  upon  joining  to  the 
Church,  is  to  be  prosecuted. 

8.  G.  D.     Liza's  Education,  further  Articles  of  it. 

9.  G.  D.  Relatives  at  Concord,  and  Hafnpton,  to  be 
considered  with  fresh  Presents  of  Piety. 

10.  G.  D.    Having  praepared  and  finished  a  great  Work, 


528         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

entituled,  P Salter um  Americanum,  which  is  an  Essay  to 
render  the  Book  of  Psalms  (in  Blank  Verse,  with  Illustra- 
tions,) more  accommodated  for  answering  its  End,  and  being 
the  most  glorious  Book  of  Devotions  in  the  World.  I  will 
now  with  the  Help  of  Heaven,  seek  after  the  best  Methods 
for  the  Publication ;  as  apprehending  therein  a  singular 
Service  to  the  Kingdome  of  GOD.^ 

11.  G.  D.  Several  Things  of  great  Importance,  to  be 
communicated  imto  our  Govemour. 

12.  G.  D.  Do  good  Offices  for  a  Candidate  of  the 
Ministry,  who  has  deserv^ed  weU  of  us,  but  is  under  Dis- 
couragements ;   (now  on  a  Journey  to  Pensylvania.) 

*  13.  G.  D.  I  am  this  Day  to  preach  a  Sermon  on  the 
Things  which  render  men  meet  for  the  Inheritance  of  the 
Saints  in  Light.  The  best  Thing  I  can  do  for  myself  is  to 
gett  a  deep  Impression  of  those  Points  on  my  own  Soul,  and 
immediately  make  sure  that  I  am  arriv'd  and  attain'd  unto 
them. 

14.  G.  D.  I  must  again  come  to  consider  distinctly  the 
several  Tribes  and  Sorts  of  People  in  my  Flock,  and  have  my 
more  explicit  Contrivances  for  each  of  them. 

And  now,  if  I  begin  with  the  Sea-faring.  Oh!  what  an 
horrible  Spectacle  have  I  before  me!  A  wicked,  stupid, 
abominable  Generation :  every  Year  growing  rather  worse 
and  worse,  under  the  Judgments  of  Heaven ;  drovioied  in  all 
Impiety  and  Perdition.  All  the  Prayers,  and  all  the  Pains 
I  have  employ'd  in  a  distinguishing  Manner  for  their  Good, 
they  requite  with  making  me  above  any  Man  hving  the 
Object  of  their  Malignity, 

But  yett  I  must  continue  crying  to  GOD  for  them,  and 
I  must  watch  all  Occasions  to  drop  suitable  Admonitions 
upon  them,  and  I  must  scatter  Books  of  Piety  among 
them. 

15.  G.  D.    Poor  Cresy,  is  in  more  Snares. 

'  Proposals  for  printing  were  issued  in  1718.    See  p.  540,  infra. 


APRIL,     1718  529 

Ah,  Lord,  when  shall  that  poor  Child  be  in  surprizing 
Mercy  look'd  upon  ? 

My  Faith  yett  seems  to  be  quicken'd  for  him ! 

16.  G.  D.  My  Kinsman  at  Newtown,  may  need  some 
of  my  careful  Advice  unto  him. 

17.  G,  D.  I  begin  to  have  in  View  some  comprehensive 
and  considerable  Services,  which  I  may  do  for  the  Church 
of  Scotland. 

Lett  me  ask  Direction,  and  use  Diligence  in  the  Matter. 

18.  G.  D.  I  am  getting  the  Countenance  and  Assist- 
ence  of  some  eminent  Persons,  towards  the  Pubhcation  of 
our  Psalterium  Americanum. 

19.  G.  D.  What  shall  be  done  for  a  poor  Child  in  the 
Neighbourhood;   whose  Education  I  am  concern 'd  about? 

ig  d.  2  m.  Satureday.  This  Day,  I  sett  apart  for  Suppli- 
cations. 

The  Occasions  and  Exercises  were  with  me  much  the 
same,  that  they  were  a  Month  ago. 

My  Prayer  and  Faith  for  my  poor  son  Increase,  is  what 
I  feel  some  strengthening  Revivals  on. 

*  20.  G.  D.  I  feel,  I  feel  the  Death  of  my  SAVIOUR 
in  me.  I  feel  myself  dying  to  the  world ;  grown  very  much 
Dead  both  unto  the  Comforts  of  it,  and  the  Troubles  of  it ; 
willing  to  be  stript  of  all  things,  and  pass  into  the  Con- 
dition of  the  Dead.  In  this,  I  enjoy  a  Disposition  which 
the  Death  of  my  SAVIOUR  has  purchased  for  me ;  and  I 
endeavour  a  Conformity  to  His  Death,  and  such  a  Sense  of 
Things  in  this  World,  as  He  had  in  the  Hours  of  His  Cru- 
cifixion. Is  not  this  now  a  sure  Sign,  that  my  SAVIOUR 
had  Dyed  for  me,  and  that  I  have  a  share  in  the  Bene- 
fits of  His  Death!  Most  certainly!  But,  oh!  the  glorious 
Consequences ! 

To  prosecute  this  Consideration,  will  very  much  befriend 
the  Life  of  Piety. 

21.   G.  D.     I  am  in  hopes  that  a  Sermon,  on  an  Heart 

n  -34 


530         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

which  the  Lord  has  opened,  may  be  exceedingly  blessed  of 
God  for  the  Good  of  the  Flock,  whereof  I  am  the  Servant, 

22.  G.  D.  Points  of  Piety  to  be  in  my  Conversation 
with  my  dear  Consort,  much  insisted  on. 

23.  G.  D.  What  are  those  Things,  that  I  would  speak 
to  my  aged  Parent,  if  I  were  to  see  him  only  once  more  in 
the  World! 

24.  G.  D.  I  may  glorify  God,  and  may  do  a  public 
Service  if  I  entertain  the  Auditory  at  the  Lecture,  with  just 
Remarks  upon  the  Voice  of  Heaven  to  the  World  in  the 
tremendous  Inundation  which  has  lately  brought  such 
Ruines  on  the  Dutch  and  German  Coast. 

25.  G.  D.  Can  I  think  of  nothing  to  communicate, 
that  may  be  of  Service  to  the  Kingdome  of  God,  at  the 
anniversary  Convention,  to  be  shortly  at  Hartford? 

26.  G.  D.  A  godly  young  Man,  perfidiously  and  bar- 
barously used,  for  telling  the  Truth,  when  he  was  called  unto 
it,  must  have  my  cares  exerted  for  him. 

*  27.  G.  D.  I  expect  some  Improvement  in  Piety,  from 
Reading  of  the,  Saintes  Conversations  d'un  Chrestien  of  M. 
Pictet."^ 

28.  G.  D.  A  Sermon  of  Expostulations,  to  conclude 
my  Sermons,  on  Col.  i.  12. 

29.  G.  D.  With  much  Prayer,  and  Patience,  and  Imi- 
tation of  my  great  and  meek  and  merciful  SAVIOUR,  I 
must  encounter  Temptations,  which  the  Wisdome  of  Heaven 
orders  for  me. 

30.  G.  D.  Some  Relatives  of  Hampton,  coming  in  my 
Way,  I  must  endeavour  to  serve  them  in  the  ways  of  Piety. 

May.  I.  G.  D.  A  very  desireable  Opportunity  offers, 
for  my  bearing  a  Testimony  to  the  grand  Intention  of  an 
Union  for  good  Men  upon  the  Maxims  of  Piety.  The 
Baptists  in  our  Neighbourhood,  ask  me  to  come  and  act  in 
the  Ordaining  of  their  Pastor,  and  preach  on  that  Occa- 

1  Benedict  Pictet  (1655-1724),  a  Swiss  Protestant  minister. 


MAY,     I  7  l8  531 

sion.'  My  Action  will  cause  much  Discourse  and  Wonder; 
but  methinks,  I  see  the  Kingdome  of  God  opening  in  what 
is  now  adoing. 

2.  G.  D.  Renew  Applications  to  the  Government  of 
Connedicot,  about  Christianizing  the  Indians  there. 

3.  G.  D.  Some  good  Offices  to  be  done  for  the  Schole- 
Master,  in  my  Neighbourhood. 

3  J.  3  m.  Satureday.  A  very  wicked  Woman  is  found  in 
the  Church  whereof  I  am  the  Servant.  She  not  only  had 
an  unlawful  Offspring  a  few  Years  ago,  which  is  now  dis- 
covered, but  her  Impenitence  has  provoked  her  Neighbours 
to  come  in  with  Testimonies  of  a  very  lewd  Conversation, 
that  she  has  carried  on.  The  Work  of  God  in  bringing  forth 
her  Wickedness  is  to  be  wondred  at,  to  be  trembled  at. 
But  her  Father,  who  is  an  old  and  great  Professor  of  Re- 
ligion, does  most  grievously  misbehave  himself  on  this 
Occasion.  He,  and  his  foolish  Family  do  not  only  treat  me 
very  ill,  and  with  a  strange  Malice  and  Revenge  for  the 
doing  of  my  Duty,  and  the  poor  Man  is  dreadfully  forsaken 
of  God :  but  also,  they  use  violent  Wayes  to  sow  Discord 
among  the  Neighbours,  and  the  Peace  of  the  Church  is 
threatened.  2 

I  think  it  my  Duty  to  fall  down  before  the  Lord,  with  extraor- 
dinary Humiliations  and  Supplications  on  this  Occasion :  as  I  have 
still  used  formerly  to  do,  upon  great  Miscarriages  in  any  of  our 
Communion. 

I  would  bewayl  my  own  Sins,  with  a  Renewal  of  the  deepest 
Repentance,  that  so  I  may  be  quaUfied  for  Testifying  against  the 
Sins  of  others. 

Especially  considering  the  share  which  my  Sins  may  have  in  the 
Displeasure  of  Heaven  breaking  forth  against  the  Church,  whereto 
I  am  related. 

Yea,  I  would  bewayl  the  Sins  of  my  People,  as  being  on  some 
Accounts  my  own. 

I  would  cry  to  the  God  of  all  Grace,  that  He  would  help  me  and 
*  See  May  21,  p.  535,  infra.  ^  See  p.  538,  ififra. 


532         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

His  People  to  a  good,  and  a  wise,  and  a  right  Conduct  in  managing 
the  DiscipUne,  which  is  now  called  for. 

I  would  entreat  the  glorious  Head  of  the  Church,  that  He  would 
Interpose  with  His  Providence,  to  rebuke  the  raging  Impiety  of  this 
unrepenting  Harlot,  and  of  her  discomposed  Father. 

I  would  committ  the  whole  Affair  into  the  Hands  of  Him,  who  is 
the  King  of  Jacob,  and  who  ruleth  to  the  Ends  of  the  Earth. 

At  the  same  Time,  I  am  attended  with  various  Difficulties,  and 
marvellous  Temptations,  (whereof  one  is,  I  hope,  this  day  happily 
conquered,)  that  call  me  to  ly  in  the  Dust  before  the  Lord. 

And  some  things  relating  to  my  public  Services  and  Intentions, 
do  also  call  for  my  Cries  to  Heaven. 

I  was  not  without  some  Consolations  as  well  as  very  great  Con- 
tritions, in  the  Exercises  of  the  Day,  which  I  now  sett  apart  for 
Approaches  to  the  Lord. 

*  4.  G.  D.  Rising  much  earlier  on  the  Lord's-dayes, 
than  on  other  Days,  I  find  therein  so  much  Advantage  to 
the  Intentions  of  Piety,  that  I  resolv'd  with  the  Help  of 
Heaven,  to  be  yett  more  Industrious  in  the  Practice. 

5.  G.  D.  I  have  a  Number  of  black  Sheep  in  my 
Flock,  which  it  is  time  for  me  again,  to  send  for ;  and  pray 
with  them,  and  preach  to  them,  and  enquire  into  their 
Conduct,  and  encourage  them,  in  the  ways  of  Piety :  a 
Religious  Society  of  Negros. 

6.  G.  D.  My  Mind  is  visited  with  dark  Thoughts,  lest 
my  Children  should,  thro  the  just  wrath  of  Heaven  upon 
me,  prove  a  miserable  Offspring.  Oh !  Ictt  these  Fears  pro- 
duce in  me,  that  Repentance,  those  Prayers,  those  Tears, 
those  Flights  to  the  Covenant  of  a  gracious  GOD,  which 
may  issue  in  this,  that  my  poor  Children  may  be  known  to 
be  an  Offspring  which  the  Lord  has  blessed. 

7.  G.  D.  I  have  a  Relative  who  does  not  so  well  as  he 
ought  to  do.  The  Lord  help  me  to  do  what  is  wise  and 
right  in  my  treating  of  him! 

8.  G.  D.  My  Advice  is  asked  and  needful,  for  the  good 
Settlement  of  the  evangelical  Affairs  at  Barmudas. 


M  A  Y  ,    I  7  I  8  533 

9.  G.  D.  A  fresh  Visitation  of  our  Schools,  will  give 
me  now  some  Opportunities  for  the  Doing  of  Good  more 
Wayes  than  one. 

10,  G.  D.  A  poor  young  Man,  perishing  with  the  Kings- 
Evil,  must  be  an  object  of  my  Charities  and  Kindnesses. 

10  d.  3  m.  Satureday.  On  the  same  Occasions  and  with 
the  same  Exercises,  that  I  was  this  Day  se'nnight  before  the 
Lord,  I  sett  apart  this  Day  also. 

I  find  in  my  soul  a  strange  Experience.  I  meet  with  very  break- 
ing and  killing  Things,  which  are  the  Chastisements  of  the  holy  GOD 
upon  me,  for  my  manifold  Miscarriages.  In  the  sad  Things  that 
befall  me,  the  glorious  GOD  is  gratified :  it  pleases  Him,  to  behold 
His  Justice  thus  inflicting  Strokes  upon  me.  Now  such  is  my  Love 
vmto  my  God;  and  so  united  is  my  Soul  unto  Him,  that  I  have  a 
secret  Pleasure  in  my  Thoughts  of  the  Gratification  which  is  done 
unto  Him,  in  the  sad  Things  which  tear  me  to  Pieces  before  Him. 
I  fly  away  from  even  my  very  self  into  Him,  and  I  take  part  with 
Him  against  myself:  and  it  pleases  me,  that  He  is  pleased,  tho'  I 
myself  am  dreadfully  torn  to  Peeces  in  what  is  done  unto  me.  By 
this  I  know,  that  now  my  GOD  will  return  unto  me,  with  astonishing 
Expressions  of  His  everlasting  Love ;  and  that  the  Bruises  given  to 
my  dear  Saviour  are  accepted  for  me,  and  my  GOD  will  no  more 
delight  in  bruising  of  me,  but  the  Punishment  of  my  Sin  having  been 
laid  on  my  SAVIOUR,  I  shall  now  have  my  God  reconciled  unto  me, 
and  rejoicing  over  me  to  do  me  good. 

It  is  also  an  Encouragement  unto  me,  to  hope,  that  my  Repent- 
ance may  be  sincere  inasmuch  as  the  most  unjust  and  bitter  things, 
that  have  a  Tendency  to  quicken,  and  renew  and  increase  my  Repent- 
ance, are  welcome  to  me.^  The  God  of  Peace,  will  shortly  do  Wonders 
for  me.     But  much  Prayer  must  prepare  me  for  it. 

I  have  now  a  World  of  Reason  to  beleeve,  that  my  Death  is  very 
near,  very  near,  unto  me.  One  special  Request  of  this  day  was,  that 
I  might  finish  well ;  and  that  my  Death  might  be  attended  with  com- 
fortable Circumstances ;  not  in  the  Dark ;  but  with  holy  Triumphs 
over  the  King  of  Terrors. 

*  II.  G.  D.  I  ought  yett  more  clearly  to  state  the  End 
of  the  several  Actions,  which  often  recur  in  my  Life,  that 

'  Three  lines,  struck  out,  follow. 


534  DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

SO  there  may  be  an  explicit  Living  to  God  in  them,  and  that 
so  I  may  from  a  Design  to  please  and  serve  God  therein,  be 
after  an  holy  Manner  more  animated  for  the  doing  of  them. 

12.  G.  D.  A  Sermon  upon  the  Methods  of  going  to 
our  Saviour  for  Succour  under  Temptations,  may  be  of 
singular  use  to  many  in  the  Flock. 

13.  G.  D.  Exquisite  Wisdome  and  Patience  and 
Prayerfulness,  wUl  be  requisite,  that  some  Devices  of  our 
great  Adversary,  to  disturb  the  sweet  Course  of  Piety  and 
Strain  of  Harmony,  in  my  Family,  may  be  conquered. 

My  God  will  give  me  a  glorious  Conquest  over  them. 

14.  G.  D.  Further  Considerations  for  the  Welfare  of 
my  Kinsman  at  Newtown. 

15.  G.  D.  My  pubHc  Endeavours  to  gett  our  Schole- 
Masters  encouraged,  may  be  attended  with  good  Conse- 
quences, on  more  Accounts  than  one. 

Particularly,  in  their  being  disposed,  the  more  to  hearken 
unto  my  Projections  and  Proposals  for  the  Kingdome  of 
GOD,  in  their  Schools. 

16.  G.  D.  I  am  now  again  sending  to  the  Lower  ^airowy, 
for  the  Encouragement  of  what  is  doing  at  Hall,  by  my  dear 
Franckius  there.  I  must  gett  some  Assistences  of  Money 
here,  on  the  Occasion. 

17.  G.  D.  A  very  poor  Widow  in  the  Neighbourhood 
must  have  her  Condition  enquired  into. 

17  (f.  3  w.  Satureday.  Not  only  on  the  same  Occasions, 
and  with  the  same  Exercises,  that  was  this  Day  Se'nnight, 
I  was  this  Day  also  before  the  Lord  ;  but  also  fresh  Troubles 
full  of  Darkness  and  Horror,  caused  me  to  be  again  upon 
my  Knees. 

Things  appear'd  unto  me,  as  if  the  holy  GOD,  were  coming  forth, 
to  take  a  terrible  Vengeance  on  me,  for  the  Sins  which  my  Life  has 
been  filled  withal ;  yea,  and  as  if  my  Death  being  at  hand,  I  am  to 
dy  in  ill  Terms  with  Heaven,  and  have  the  dreadful  Portion  of  the 
Hypocrites  assign'd  unto  me. 


MAY,    I  7  I  8  535 

Oh!  the  inexpressible  Agony,  wherewith  I  now  cried  unto  the 
Lord ;  and  at  length  pressed  and  passed  thro'  the  Points,  that  bring 
a  Sinner  into  a  Reconcihation  with  GOD,  and  render  one  meet  for  the 
Inheritance  of  the  Saints  in  Light.  So  that  I  durst  not  cast  away 
my  Hopes,  of  my  being  yett  in  Favour  with  God.  Yea,  if  He  please 
forever  to  cast  me  away,  I  shall  yett  carry  something  with  me,  that 
will  be  an  everliving  Root  of  Love  to  Him  in  my  Soul. 

In  one  of  these  Transactions,  I  had  my  Consort  with  me. 

Something  has  been  done  this  day,  to  bespeak  a  Return  of  Kind- 
ness from  the  good  ANGEL  of  the  Lord  unto  me. 

*  1 8.  G.  D.  There  are  especially  four  Exercises  of 
PIETY  of  which  I  would  every  day  that  passes  over  me, 
make  a  most  frequent  Repetition. 

The  First  is ;  To  form  in  the  most  explicit  Manner  that 
may  be,  Designs  for  the  Serving  and  Pleasing  of  God,  in 
what  my  Hand  finds  to  do,  and  find  the  Life  of  my  Hand 
in  doing  so. 

The  second  is,  to  aboimd  in  Sacrifices,  and  while  I  am 
sacrificing  those  Enjoyments  which  my  GOD  calls  me  to 
part  withal,  to  look  upon  a  sacrificing  Heart  as  a  better 
thing  than  any  of  those  Enjoyments. 

The  third  is;  to  behold  and  beleeve  the  Love  of  my 
SAVIOUR  to  me,  in  every  thing  that  befals  me,  and  by 
this  perswasion  to  animate  the  Dispositions  and  Resolu- 
tions of  Love  to  Him,  and  my  Essays  to  glorify  Him. 

The  fourth  is,  to  be  Devising  of  Good  continually,  con- 
triving that  all  about  me  may  be  the  better  for  me. 

19.  G.  D.  A  Sermon  on  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  with 
our  Spirit. 

20.  G.  D.  The  Conquest  foretold,  on  i^  d.  is  happily 
obtain'd. 

But  fresh  Assaults  must  be  look'd  for. 

21.  G.  D.  I  must  use  the  hand  of  a  Kinsman  at  Say- 
brook  to  find  out  all  my  Kindred  at  Connecticot,  and  convey 
Instruments  of  Piety  from  me  to  them. 

21  (/.  3  m.  Wednesday.    This  Day,  I  do  a  very  uncom- 


536  DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

mon  Action,  and  what  will  occasion  various  Discourse  in 
the  world.  I  visit  the  Church  of  the  Baptists  in  my  Neigh- 
bourhood, and  ordain  a  Pastor  to  them.^  On  this  Oppor- 
tunity I  preach  a  long  Sermon,  on  the  Duty  of  Receiving 
those,  whom  our  SAVIOUR  does  receive  unto  the  Glory  of 
GOD  ;  and  bear  a  Testimony  to  the  Union  of  good  Men  on 
the  Articles  of  their  Goodness. 

22.  G.  D.  The  Exceptions  taken  against  my  Action 
yesterday,  will  obhge  me  to  publish  my  Sermon  to  the 
World. 

And  yett  I  should  not  proceed  unto  that,  if  I  had  not 
therein  a  View,  of  doing  a  very  sensible  Service  to  the  King- 
dome  of  God. 

23.  G.  D.  Consult  with  some  good  and  vdse  men, 
about  Services  to  be  done,  at  the  approaching  Election. 

24.  G.  D.  A  poor  Woman  of  our  Church,  ensnared  in 
rueful  Circumstances  of  Sin  and  Confusion,  calls  for  my 
Cares  about  her. 

And  a  man,  who  has  neglected  Family-prayer. 

*  25.  G.  D.  Several  Customes  relating  to  the  constant 
and  lively  Exercise  of  PIETY,  are  in  danger  of  languishing 
with  me. 

Examine  what,  in  order  to  the  Invigorating  of  them. 

26.  G.  D.  Ah!  what  shall  I  do?  Lett  me  place  my- 
self before  the  Judgment-seat  of  GOD,  and  suppose  myself 
called  unto  an  Account  before  the  glorious  Lord,  about 
my  Conduct  in  feeding  the  Church  committed  unto  my 
Care. 

27.  G.  D.  I  would  ordinarily  not  lett  a  Day  pass, 
without  calling  my  Consort,  unto  the  Holy  Fellowship  of 
praying  with  her,  about  eleven  a  clock  in  my  Study. 

I  propose,  inexpressible  Advantages  unto  myself,  as 
well  as  unto  her,  in  such  an  Exercise  of  PIETY. 

Elisha  Callendcr  (1692-1738)  was  ordained,  as  colleague  to  his  father,  Rev. 
Ellis  Callender,  who  served  that  church  from  1708  to  his  death  in  1728. 


JUNE,    I  71  8  537 

28.  G.  D.  There  is  a  Relative  unto  whom  an  Hint 
about  Sobriety  and  Vigilancy,  may  be  a  Service. 

This  Day,  I  act  as  Moderator,  among  the  Ministers,  at 
their  General  Convention ;  and  pursue  some  Services. 

29.  G.  D.  Among  the  Ministers,  I  cultivate  the  Con- 
sideration of  that  Queestion ;  What  Proposals  may  be  ofcred, 
of  things  to  serve  the  Kingdome  of  GOD,  and  promote  the  great 
Interests  of  Religion? 

30.  G.  D.  New  Essays  must  be  made  for  the  gaining 
of  the  Eastern  Indians. 

Tiverton  must  also  be  still  cared  for. 

31.  G.  D.  A  poor  dying  Man  in  my  Neighbourhood, 
under  long  Languishments. 

(III.)  I  give  the  Bookseller,  in  hopes  of  some  Service 
to  be  thereby  done  for  the  Kingdome  of  GOD,  my  Dis- 
course, Entituled;  Brethren  dwelling  together  in 
Unity.  The  True  Basis  for  an  Union  among  the  People  of 
God,  offered  and  asserted,  in  a  Sermon,  preached  at  the  Ordi- 
nation of  a  Pastor,  in  the  Church  of  the  Baptists,  at  Boston,  on 
21  d.  Ill  m.  1718.^ 

June.  *  I.  G.  D.  What  a  glorious  Triumph,  will  the 
Grace  of  our  God  give  unto  me,  if  those  very  Things,  where- 
in I  discern  my  great  Adversary  trying  to  hurt  me,  may 
become  serviceable  to  me,  for  Purposes  of  Piety  and  Fruit- 
fulness,  and  Watchfulness,  and  my  comfortable  Enjoyment 
of  my  Blessings,  directly  contrary  to  those,  which  he  is 
aiming  at !    This  is  what  I  have  a  glorious  Prospect  of. 

2,  G.  D.  I  grow  sensible,  that  my  pubhc  Prayers  may 
omitt  some  Articles,  which  might  very  well  have  more 
Notice  taken  of  them.  I  would  very  exquisitely  consider 
and  examine  what  those  Articles  may  be,  and  proceed 
accordingly. 

3.  G.  D.    My  God,  my  God! 

A  very  wicked  Servant,  putting  on  a  Face  of  Religion, 

^Printed  by  S.  Gerrish,  with  a  preface  by  Rev.  Increase  Mather. 


538         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

is  detected  in  my  Family,  and  banished  from  it.     What 
Holy  Improvement  shall  I  make  of  such  a  Dispensation? 

4.  G.  D.  The  desolate  Condition  of  my  kinsman  at 
Windsor,  should  be  resumed  into  my  Consideration ;  and 
more  lively  Prayers  be  made,  that  a  Period  may  be  putt 
unto  it. 

5.  G.  D.  May  it  not  be  a  Service  unto  our  good  Inter- 
ests, if  I  entertain  our  General  Assembly,  with  a  Sermon, 
on  that  Self-Love,  which  does  inexpressible  Mischiefs  unto 
us,  as  well  as  unto  the  rest  of  Mankind? 

6.  G.  D.  Some  Services  for  the  public,  are  concerted 
with  the  Govemour  of  Connecticot. 

7.  G.  D.  In  visits  to  credible  Families,  I  will  bespeak 
little  Studies  and  Book-shelves  for  the  little  Sons  that  are 
capable  of  conversing  with  such  things;  and  begin  to  fur- 
nish their  Libraries  and  perswade  them  to  the  Religion  of 
the  Closet. 

*  8.  G.  D.  My  Sermon  this  day,  which  is  on,  Soul- 
Prosperity,  expresses  those  Points,  which  I  would  pursue, 
that  my  Soul  may  prosper. 

9.  G.  D.  A  Discipline  to  be  this  day  managed  in  the 
Church  —  which  I  have  made  many  Prayers  about. ' 

May  the  glorious  Lord  help  me  on  this  Occasion,  to 

'  "9  d.  4  w.  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Church.  Mrs.  Kalharin  Russel,  having  had 
an  unlawful  OfiFspring  in  the  Time  of  her  Widowhood,  which  long  remained  a  secret, 
and  was  by  her  too  much  denied  before  the  full  Discovery  of  it. 

"Her  Confession  was  this  Day  read  unto  the  Brethren  of  the  Church,  which 
foolishly  insisted  on  her  total  Ignorance  of  any  thing  done  unto  her  to  give  her  any 
Impregnation,  the  Church  unanimously  voted,  that  they  could  not  accept  of  her 
Confession. 

"There  being  brought  in  also  five  or  six  Testimonies  of  her  lewd  Carriage 
towards  diverse  Men  at  sundry  Times,  and  she  utterly  denying  the  whole  of  those 
Testimonies;  and  refusing  to  own  what  the  Church  required,  of  some  sense  that 
she  had  not  observed  the  strict  Rules  of  Chastity  and  Modesty. 

"The  Church  with  much  Unanimity  voted,  that  it  should  with  a  solemn 
Admonition  be  declared  unto  her,  that  she  is  to  be  shut  out  from  the  Communion 
of  the  Church,  until  the  I>ord  bring  her  to  more  satisfactory  Expressions  and  Evi- 
dences of  Repentance,  than  have  yett  appeared  to  her."  Cotton  Mather's  MS. 
Records  of  the  Second  Church,  ill.     See  p.  531,  supra. 


J  u  N  E  ,    I  7  I  8  539 

speak   such   Things   as   the   Flock   may   fare   the    better 
for. 

The  Church  proves  unanimous. 

10.  G.  D.  Oh!  what  Cries,  what  Cries  to  the  glorious 
God  of  all  Grace,  am  I  call'd  unto ! 

11.  G.  D.  My  two  aged  Fathers,  I  am  in  Agony  to 
render  their  Condition  comfortable,  in  all  the  Ways  that  I 
can  imagine  for  it. 

And,  how  much  Prayer  must  be  made,  that  anon,  they 
may  finish  well ! 

This  Day  I  was  row'd  in  the  Castle-barge,  with  some 
good  Company,  unto  an  Ordination  at  Hingam.^  Contrary 
Wind  and  Tide  would  not  lett  us  gett  home,  till  the  next 
Morning. 

12.  G.  D.  A  Projection  for  the  Restoring  of  Peace  to 
miserable  Wenam. 

13.  G.  D.  In  Letters  directed  beyond-sea,  several  good 
Motions  to  be  prosecuted. 

14.  G.  D.  What?  Am  I  at  a  Loss  for  objects  of  Com- 
passion? Comfort  one  of  our  Deacons,  in  a  singular 
AfHiction. 

14  c?.  IV  m.  Satureday.  This  Day  I  sett  apart,  for  such 
Exercises  and  on  such  Occasions,  as  employ'd  me,  when  I 
was  last  in  the  Way  before  the  Lord. 

0  Thou  glorious  Forgiver  of  Iniquity,  Transgression  and 
Sin ;  O  Thou  gracious  Hearer  of  Prayer ;  From  the  Depths 
I  cry  unto  thee ! 

*  15.  G.  D.  I  would  immediately  draw  up  an  Instru- 
ment, that  shall  truly  represent  the  State  of  my  Spirit  before 
the  Lord,  and  the  several  Points  of  my  Praeparation  for  the 
Death,  which  I  am  now  to  be  daily  looking  for.  It  is  impos- 
sible for  me  to  be  too  solemn  or  too  exact  in  my  forming 
of  this  important  Instrument.  May  my  glorious  Redeemer, 
and  He  who  has  wrought  His  Works  in  me,  assist  me  in  the 

'  Rev.  Ebenezer  Gay  (1696-1787).    See  History  of  Hingham,  i.  Pt.  ii,  24. 


54©         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

Action,  which  is  now  before  me,  in  order  to  my  having  my 
Heart  estabUshed  for  His  Coming. 

i6.  G.  D.  A  Sermon  to  the  Flock,  on  the  Marriage  of 
our  SAVIOUR  unto  His  People,  may  be  attended  with  many 
happy  Consequences. 

17.  G.  D.  I  would  renew  that  Practice  of  Piety  unto 
which  I  have  sometimes  obliged  my  Children :  to  \vrite 
some  Desire  of  Piety,  fetched  and  formed  out  of  some 
Sentence  in  the  sacred  Scriptures. 

But  especially,  I  would  bring  my  dear  Samuel  into  the 
Practice. 

(IV.)  After  many  Deliberations,  I  now  at  length  putt 
into  the  Hands  of  the  Book-sellers,  a  large  Book,  from  whence 
I  expect  a  sensible  Service  to  the  Kingdome  of  God,  if  ever 
it  shall  be  published.  In  order  to  the  Publication,  the 
Booksellers  print  Proposals  for  Subscriptions ;  that  so  the 
Impression  of  a  Book,  which  wUl  be  five  Shillings  price,  may 
be  courageably  carried  on.  I  am  now  waiting  on  my  glori- 
ous Lord,  that  I  may  see  how  far  He  will  please  to  accept 
my  poor  Offerings  to  serve  His  Interests;  humbly  and 
wholly  submitting  to  His  glorious  and  sovereign,  and  wise 
and  just  Will  concerning  all. 

The  Work  is  Entituled ; 

PsALTERiuM  Americanum  :  The  Book  of  PSALMS, 
exhibited  in  Blank  Verse,  fitted  unto  the  Times  commonly 
used  hi  the  Churches  of  God;  But  with  a  Translation  so 
Exactly  Conformed  unto  the  Original,  as  neither  to  leave  out 
anything  dictated  by  the  Holy  Spirit  of  GOD,  nor  to  putt  in 
any  thing  that  belongs  not  unto  His  Holy  Dictates:  With  both 
of  which  Inconveniencies,  every  other  Version  in  Metre  here- 
tofore has  been  Encumbred.  And  ILLUSTRATIONS  added, 
which  discover  in  the  PSALMS,  Rich  Treasures  not  com7nonly 
apprehended :  With  Directions  to  employ  the  PSALMS  on 
such  Intentions  of  Piety,  as  to  render  this  Divine  Book  yet 
more  than  ever,  the  most  glorious  Instrument  of  Devotions  tJiat 


JUNE,    I  7  I  8  541 

ever  was  in  the  World.  For  which  Purpose  also,  some  other 
Portions  of  the  Sacred  Scriptures,  as  exactly  translated,  are  in 
the  like  metre  ofered.^ 

18.  G.  D.  In  the  Family  of  my  Daughter-in-Law,  there 
is  her  Httle  Son  under  Languishments.  As  my  Prayers  and 
Cares  for  the  child,  are  on  this  Occasion  called  for,  so  my 
seasonable  Discourses  with  the  Mother,  to  praepare  her  for 
the  Events  of  Providence. 

I  began  to  sett  apart  this  Day,  for  Prayers  and  Cries 
to  God.  But  in  the  Forenoon  of  the  Day,  I  had  so  gracious 
and  precious  an  Answer  to  what  I  had  begun  to  ask,  that  I 
desisted,  at  the  Desire  of  my  Consort,  with  whom  I  offered 
up  thankful  Praises  to  God. 

19.  G.  D.  A  new  Prospect  opening  to  terminate  the 
Confusions,  in  the  South-part  of  this  Town :  which  I  would 
prosecute. 

How  strangely  does  the  divine  Providence  deal  with  the 
Chief  of  Sinners !  Oh !  The  Triumphs  of  sovereign  Grace, 
over  the  vilest  and  blackest  Unworthiness  in  the  Chief  of 
Sinners ! 

(V.)  About  nine  Years  ago,  I  formed  a  brief  Treatise, 
which  I  entituled,  A  Man  of  Reason.  One  who  pretended 
much  Friendship  to  me,  carried  it  for  England,  with  a 
declared  Purpose  to,  pubhsh  it  there.  The  French  took 
him,  and  he  lost  all  that  he  had  with  him.  Only  one  day 
at  his  Lodgings  in  France,  his  Landlord  brought  this  Manu- 
script unto  him,  telling  him,  /  can  gett  no  good  by  it;  it  might 
do  you  some  Good :  He  carried  it  over  to  Bristol  with  him  : 
and  there  left  it  carelessly  in  an  Hand  unknown  unto  me. 
After  some  Years,  it  was  by  the  Mediation  of  my  Friend 
Mr.  Noble,  returned  unto  me.  Here  it  remained  some 
Years,  until  a  religious  Society  of  young  men,  asked  me 

'  Printed  by  S.  Kneeland,  for  B.  Eliot,  S.  Gerrish,  D.  Henchman  and  J. 
Edwards.  In  spite  of  his  good  intentions,  Mather  did  not  succeed  in  making  his 
book  acceptable  to  the  worshipper.  A  casual  reading  will  explain  why  it  did  not 
displace  the  versions  then  in  use. 


542         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

lately  to  give  them  a  Sermon ;  and  this  was  the  Sermon, 
which  with  some  other  strange  Circumstances,  that  at  the 
Instant  brought  it  into  my  hand,  tho'  I  had  lodged  it  with 
one  that  was  now  gone  a  Voyage  from  us,  I  gave  unto  them. 
The  young  Men  at  last  committ  it  unto  the  Press ;  and  it 
looks  as  if  it  were  designated  for  some  good  in  the  World. 
It  is  entituled, 

A  Man  of  Reason,  a  Brief  Essay  to  demonstrate,  That  all 
men  should  hearken  to  Reason:  And,  what  a  World  of  Evil 
would  be  prevented  in  the  World,  if  men  would  once  become  so 
Reasonable.^ 

20.  G.  D.  My  Prayers  with  the  Govemour  and  Coun- 
cil, furnish  me  Opportunities  to  utter  such  Things  in  the 
Council-Chamber  as  the  whole  Province  may  fare  the  better 
for. 

21.  G.  D.  Several  wretched  Creatures  are  found,  unto 
whom  the  Discipline  of  the  Church  belongs.  Lett  me 
study  what  is  to  be  done,  that  they  may  be  brought  unto 
Repentance. 

*  22.  G.  D.  I  find  myself  greatly  improved  in  a  Dis- 
position of  Piety;  in  which  I  must  yett  pursue  further 
Improvements. 

Instead  of  courting  a  great  Honour  and  Esteem  in  the 
World ;  a  great  Name  among  Men,  I  have  rather  some 
Horror  of  it ;  and  have  a  great  Aversion  for  the  Sacriledge 
commonly  committed  by  them  who  see  no  further  than  the 
Creatures ;  who  terminate  in  Man ;  who  do  not  carry  up 
their  Acknowledgments  unto  the  Glorious  GOD.  I  decline 
many  Things  that  might  gett  me  a  great  Name  in  the  World ; 
merely  because  while  Men  make  something  of  me,  the 
glorious  GOD  will  be  forgotten. 

And  hence,  when  I  suffer  Defamations  and  Diminutions, 
I  find  my  Spirit  sweetly  reconciled  unto  them,  from  this 
Consideration ;   now  an  Idol  is  dethroned ;   now  there  will 

>  Printed  for  John  Edwards,  17 18. 


J  u  N  E  ,    I  7  I  8  543 

be  no  Fear  of  my  being  Idolized,  and  having  those  Regards, 
which  the  glorious  GOD  alone  has  a  claim  unto. 

23.  G.  D.  Entertain  the  Flock,  with  at  least  three  Ser- 
mons on  the  three  famous  Articles;  Rom.  xiv.  17.  Wherein 
the  Kingdome  of  GOD,  is  exhibited. 

24.  G.  D.     Miserere  met,  Deus! 

I  sett  apart  this  Day,  for  extraordinary  Supplications 
unto  the  glorious  GOD. 

Great  Improvements  in  Repentance,  and  Piety,  and 
Patience,  being  at  this  Time  called  for. 

25.  G.  D.  The  sudden  Death  by  Drowning,  which 
befalls  a  young  Man,  that  lived  with  my  Son-in-Law,  and 
was  like  one  of  my  own  Family ;  I  must  endeavour,  that 
an  holy  Improvement  be  made  of  it,  in  both  Families. 

26.  G.  D.  And  it  may  be  a  Service  to  the  Cause  of 
Piety,  especially  among  the  young  People  of  the  Town,  and 
more  especially  among  the  Prentices,  if  I  preach  a  suitable 
Sermon  on  this  mournful  Occasion. 

27.  G.  D.  The  excessive  heat  of  the  Season,  indisposes 
us  for  every  thing. 

Yett,  in  a  Letter  to  the  Govemour,  I  attempt  some 
good. 

28.  G.  D.  A  poor  Man,  by  odd  Means,  detained  many 
years  an  Hostage,  in  France,  and  in  miserable  Circum- 
stances, calls  for  my  Compassions,  and  Endeavours. 

*29.  G.  D.  What,  Oh!  what  should  be  the  Conduct 
of  a  great  Sinner,  under  grievous  Punishments  and  Chas- 
tisements from  GOD,  for  his  manifoed  Miscarriages? 

What  the  Repentance?  What  the  Submission?  What 
the  Flight  unto  the  great  Sacrifice?  What  the  Union  with 
the  Will  of  an  holy  GOD?  What  the  Improvement  in 
Piety,  that  may  answer  the  End  of  the  Dispensations? 
What  the  Returns  of  Service  to  a  gracious  Lord,  who  is 
ready  to  Pardon  ?    To  praepare  for,  — 

30.   G.  D.    O  my  God,  I  am  troubled,  I  am  troubled, 


544         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

that  I  am  no  more  fruitful  in  Inventions  for  the  Service  of 
the  Flock,  whereof  I  am  the  Servant.  Oh!  what  shall  I 
do,  that  I  may  more  imitate  the  glorious  Exemple  of  the 
good  and  great  Shepherd!  I  will  with  a  Soul  full  of  zeal 
for  the  Welfare  of  the  Flock,  not  only  go  on  doing,  what  I 
am  doing  for  it,  but  cry  to  God  more  than  ever,  that  He 
would  show  me  what  I  shall  do. 

July.  I.  G.  D.  My  dear  Sammy,  now  appears  within 
a  year  of  his  Admission  into  the  Colledge.  I  must  immedi- 
ately putt  myself  into  a  Method,  of  more  closely  plying  his 
Education  than  ever;  I  would  within  a  day  or  two,  draw 
up  the  Method  I  would  proceed  upon. 

2.  G.  D.  A  Kinsman  at  Hampton,  would  I  do  good 
unto,  and  animate  imto  the  doing  of  good. 

Wednesday.  This  Day,  I  sett  apart  for  extraordinary 
Supplications  before  the  Glorious  GOD. 

And  this  being  the  Day  of  the  senseless  Diversions, 
which  they  call,  the  Commencement  at  Cambridge,  one  of 
my  special  Errands  unto  Heaven,  was  to  ask  Blessings  for 
the  Colledge,  and  the  Rescue  of  it  from  some  wretched 
Circumstances  in  which  it  is  now  languishing. 

My  God  and  Saviour  makes  wonderful  visits  unto 
me! 

3.  G.  D.  I  am  sending  to  my  Friends  in  the  Fred- 
erician  University,  many  things  that  may  have  a  Ten- 
dency to  serve  the  Kingdome  of  GOD.  Among  the  rest  a 
Copy  of  my  Letter  to  Malabar,  may  be  of  some  good 
Consequence. 

4.  G.  D.  The  lovely  Society  of  Pious  Children,  whom 
I  allow  to  meet  in  my  Library,  I  am  to  take  under  my 
Instruction  and  Protection,  with  special  Endeavours  for 
their  Encouragement. 

5.  G.  D.  A  poor  young  Man,  in  the  Hands  of  a  wicked 
Master,  from  whom  he  suffers  barbarous  Things,  for  speak- 
ing the  Truth ;  Pains  must  be  taken  to  rescue  him. 


JULY,    I  7  I  8  545 

*6.  G.  D.  Oh!  The  wondrous  Favour  of  a  most  gra- 
cious God  unto  the  Chief  of  Sinners!  I  am  enriched  and 
refreshed,  with  a  Disposition  of  PIETY  grown  to  a  great 
Strength  upon  me,  whereof  it  is  impossible  for  me  to  express 
the  blessed  Consequences. 

Having  entertained  a  right  and  clear  Apprehension  of  my  great 
SAVIOUR ;  and,  His  glorious  Person,  as  the  Eternal  SON  of  GOD 
incarnate  and  enthroned  in  my  Jesus ;  being  somewhat  understood 
with  me,  the  Thoughts  of  Him  are  become  exceeding  frequent  in  my 
Mind.  I  count  it  a  Fault,  if  my  Mind  be  many  waking  Minutes 
together  without  some  Thoughts  that  have  in  them  a  Tincture  of 
PIETY ;  but  I  have  learnt  the  way  of  Interesting  my  SAVIOUR  in 
these  Thoughts;  and  I  feel  an  Impatience,  raised  in  me,  if  I  have 
been  many  Minutes,  without  some  Thoughts  of  Him.  I  fly  to  Him, 
on  Multitudes  of  Occasions  every  Day.  I  find  the  Subject  infinitely 
Inexhaustible.  And  my  thus  conversing  with  my  SAVIOUR,  has 
the  most  sanctifying  Impression  upon  me,  of  any  Exercise  that  ever 
I  have  been  used  unto.  After  I  have  been  in  the  Day  thus  employ'd, 
I  fall  asleep  at  Night  in  the  Midst  of  a  Meditation  on  some  Glory  of 
my  Saviour ;  so  I  sleep  in  Jesus.  And  when  I  wake  in  the  Night,  still 
in  the  Night,  the  Desires  of  my  Soul  carry  me  unto  Him. 

The  Hohness  and  Happiness,  whereunto  I  am  introduced  by  my 
great  Improvement  of  late  in  this  Way  of  Living  is  Better  to  me,  than 
all  the  Enjoyments  of  this  Worid.  But  certainly,  My  SAVIOUR 
is  preparing  me  for  something  or  other,  which  I  am  not  yett  perfectly 
aware  of. 

I  am  very  willing  to  be, 

But,  my  Life  is  hid  with  CHRIST  in  GOD ! 

Some  years  ago,  I  wrote  an  Essay,  of  this  Tendency :  and  I  have 
essay'd  some  Conformity  to  the  Maxims  of  Christianity,  then  com- 
municated. But  I  never  have  arrived  unto  such  a  Degree  of  Love 
imto  my  SAVIOUR,  as  now  I  am ;  to  be  uneasy  if  many  Minutes 
have  passed  without  some  Recourse  unto  Him. 

7.  G.  D.  And  shall  not  my  Flock  feel  the  Influences  of 
this  Disposition  in  me?  Yea,  I  shall  doubtless  be  disposed 
by  my  Saviour,  to  find  out  new,  rare,  exquisite  Ways,  of 
leading  them  unto  Acknowledgments  of  Him,  and  of  His 
Glories. 

II  •  35 


546         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

8.  G.  D.  A  poor,  weak,  helpless,  young  Woman,  but 
the  Daughter  of  an  eminent  Minister  beyond-Sea,  and  One 
of  the  Orphans  which  the  Ministers  here  formerly  rescued 
from  a  Servitude,  is  taken  into  my  Family,  from  a  Prin- 
ciple and  with  an  Intention  of  Charity ;  wherein,  may  the 
gracious  Lord  assist  us,  and  accept  us. 

9.  G.  D.  Sickness  in  the  Family  of  my  Wife's  Daughter, 
calls  for  my  Prayers  and  Thoughts,  that  there  may  be  a 
good  Conduct  in  it,  and  a  good  Issue  of  it. 

10.  G.  D.  I  am  sending  to  Scotland.  And  I  propound 
the  doing  of  several  Services  in  the  Church  of  Scotlmid,  and 
so  unto  the  whole  World.  Especially  this;  that  more  of 
the  Scotch  Ministers  may  have  a  Liesure  and  Pleasure  for 
the  writing  of  such  Books,  as  may  be  for  the  general  Good 
of  the  Church. 

11.  G.  D.  The  wretched  Condition,  which  our  Col- 
ledge  is  in,  requires  Prayers  and  Thoughts  concerning  it. 

12.  G.  D.  Several  new  Objects,  full  of  Poverty  and 
Misery,  offer  themselves  imto  my  Cares. 

Satureday.  This  Day  I  sett  apart  for  extraordinary 
Supplications  before  the  glorious  God. 

The  Occasions  and  Exercises  were  such  as  have  in  the 
later  Weeks  employ'd  me. 

My  glorious  Lord  fills  me  with  Assurances  of  His  Love 
unto  me. 

*  13.  G.  D.  The  Disposition  of  PIETY,  which  I  men- 
tioned this  Day  Se'nnight,  my  Soul  improves  in  it  at  such 
a  rate,  and  I  find  such  blessed  Consequences  of  it,  that  I 
count  myself  more  favoured  of  the  Lord  in  my  being  brought 
imto  it  than  if  all  the  Riches  in  this  World  were  bestow'd 
upon  me.  But  very  particularly  when  I  meet  with  such 
Things  as  have  a  Tendency  to  Trouble  me,  I  find  here  a 
strong  Anodyne,  a  strange  Cordial  under  all  my  Troubles ; 
a  Soul  rendred  almost  insensible  of  them.  The  best  Thing 
that  I  can  devise  to  serve  the  Kingdome  of  God  in  my  Soul, 


JULY,    I  7  I  8  547 

is  to  go  on  with  the  Methods  of  getting  my  SAVIOUR  to  be 
thus  Reigning  there. 

At  the  Lord's  Table  this  Day,  I  gett  this  Disposition 
strengthened. 

14.  G.  D.  In  Conversation  with  the  People  of  the 
Flock,  ask  more  frequently,  what  it  is,  that  they  desire  to 
hear  preached  on.  I  may  in  this  way  receive  a  notable 
Direction.  And  be  sure,  the  Persons  whose  Desire  I  gratify, 
will  give  a  singular  Attention. 

15.  G.  D.  My  Sevva.nt  Obadiah :  —  his  Religious  Edu- 
cation. 

16.  G.  D.  Putt  my  Brother  at  Witney,  upon  several 
Services. 

17.  G.  D.  I  am  disappointed  this  Day,  of  the  Help 
that  I  expected  for  my  Lecture.  I  am  suddenly  putt  upon 
preaching  it.  But  my  Good  God  leads  me  to  a  Subject, 
which  proves  in  an  uncommon  Measure  acceptable  and 
serviceable  imto  a  Multitude ;  How  to  manage  Combats 
against  special  Temptations. 

18.  G.  D.  I  have  a  Projection  for  a  Revival  of  the 
Interview,  which  the  Ministers  use  to  have  just  after  the 
Lecture ;  and  how  to  make  it  more  useful  than  ever. 

19.  G.  D.  A  miserable  Person,  that  has  long  lain 
under  dolorous  Languishments. 

*  20.  Oh !  Blessed,  blessed  be  my  glorious  Redeemer. 
There  are  many  temporal  Enjoyments,  which  my  Heart  is 
willing  to  ask  of  a  gracious  GOD.  But  my  Heart  has  now 
such  a  Bias  upon  it,  and  is  now  so  wean'd  from  this  World, 
and  so  turn'd  unto  GOD,  that  instead  of  asking  for  such 
Enjoyments,  I  much  more  ask  for  an  Heart  willing  to  go 
without  them.  There  is  not  any  one  of  these  Enjoyments, 
but  when  I  go  to  ask  it,  I  pass  rather  to  a  sacrificing  Heart, 
and  pray  rather  for  an  Heart  able  and  ready  to  make  a 
Sacrifice  of  it ;  this  I  esteem  a  Blessing  preferrible  to  any 
Thing  that  can  be  denied  unto  me. 


548         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

21.  G.  D.  A  Sermon  upon  the  Desires  of  PIETY,  may 
have  a  Tendency  to  enkindle  and  animate  the  Desires,  in 
the  People. 

22.  G.  D.    New  Distresses  about  my  poor  Son  Increase! 
To  find  Employments  for  his  Pen,  at  the  Store-house, 

may  be  many  Ways  of  use  to  him. 

23.  G.  D.  The  People  at  Brooklyn  sett  apart  this  Day 
for  solemn  HumiUations  and  SuppHcations.  I  go  to  them, 
and  preach  to  them,  this  Day ;  and  so  have  an  Opportunity 
to  serve  the  Work  of  God  among  them. 

24.  G.  D.  I  have  a  Kinsman  at  Brooklyn,  for  whom  I 
would  employ  my  very  particular  Thoughts,  what  should  be 
done,  that  he  may  be  rendred  an  useful  j\Ian. 

25.  G.  D.  A  Minister  arrived  from  Ireland,  with  In- 
structions to  enquire  after  the  Circumstances  of  this  Coun- 
trey,  in  order  to  the  coming  of  many  more,  gives  me  an 
Opportunity  for  many  Services.' 

26.  G.  D.  The  many  Families  arriving  from  Ireland, 
will  afford  me  many  Opportunities,  for  Kindnesses  to  the 
Indigent. 

*  27.  G.  D.  That  I  may  go  on  with  my  continual 
Resort  unto  my  SAVIOUR,  I  would  employ  my  Pen,  as 
soon  as  may  be,  to  draw  up  the  various  Methods  of  it,  and 
Subjects  of  Conternplation  in  it. 

28.  G.  D.  Some  Sermons  on  Col.  iii.  3,  4,  may  do 
notable  Service  to  the  Designs  of  Piety  among  the  People 
of  the  Flock,  to  which  I  am  a  Servant. 

29.  G.  D.     My  GOD !    My  GOD ! 

30.  G.  D.  Directions  to  be  given  for  the  Service  of 
some  related  unto  me. 

31.  G.  D.  Letters  and  Packets,  which  I  am  sending  to 
the  other  side  of  the  Atlantic,  have  their  Projections  for 
Good  in  them.     Great  Projections  and  a  Variety  of  them. 

August.  I.   G.  D.    A  special  Occasion  of  Advice  to  the 

*  Rev.  William  Boyd  of  Macosquin.     Bolton,  Scotch  Irish  Pioneers,  91,  132. 


AUGUST,     1718  549 

Schole-master,  about  some  horrid  Things,  which  the  Children 
at  the  Schole,  may  be  in  danger  of. 

2.  G.  D.  A  poor  Man  in  our  church,  an  old  Professor 
of  Religion,  horribly  out  of  Frame,  what  shall  be  done  for 
him? 

*  3.  G.  D.  I  am  greatly  concerned,  that  I  may  keep  a 
most  holy,  watchful,  exact  Guard  upon  my  Spirit,  that  not 
the  least  Beginning  of  any  evil  Frame  arise  on  any  Occasion 
there. 

O  my  GOD,  my  SAVIOUR;  From  the  Depths  I  cry 
unto  thee. 

4.  G.  D.  A  public  Notice  taken  of  an  excellent  Char- 
acter to  be  found,  in  some  obscure  and  retir'd  Christians, 
which  the  Public  takes  no  notice  of,  may  have  a  tendency 
to  animate  an  excellent  Piety,  among  the  Poor  of  the 
Flock. 

5.  G.  D.    My  GOD !    My  GOD ! 

6.  G.  D.  Animate  my  Brother  Samuel,  to  begin  the 
Work  of  Associating,  to  serve  the  Kingdome  of  God,  and 
propagate  the  Maxims  of  it. 

7.  G.  D.  And  write  unto  others  beyond-Sea,  on  the 
like  Intention. 

But  what  shall  be  done  for  the  great  Numbers  of  People, 
that  are  transporting  themselves  hither  from  the  North  of 
Ireland?  Much  may  be  done  for  the  Kingdome  of  GOD 
in  these  Parts  of  the  World  by  this  Transportation. 

8.  G.  D.  A  Variety  of  new  Services  to  be  done  for  the 
Kingdome  of  GOD  among  our  Indians,  now  occur  unto  me. 

8  d.  6  m.  Friday.  This  Day  I  sett  apart,  for  secret  Sup- 
plications unto  the  Lord. 

Unspeakable  Occasions  have  I  to  cry  unto  Heaven. 

As  an  Addition  to  the  Occasions  for  Supplications  this 
day,  there  is  a  sad  Occurrence  in  my  Family.  A  Spanish 
Indian  Damsel,  who  was  a  very  useful  Servant  in  my  Family, 
died  very  suddenly  the  last  Night,  of  Bleeding  in  her  Lungs. 


55©         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

Her  Death  administers  many  calls  to  solemn  Humiliations ; 
with  Prayers  that  a  good  Servant  may  [be]  sent  into  the 
Family,  and  that  our  Sins  may  be  pardoned. 

She  was  buried  this  Evening.  And  I  made  as  pungent 
a  Discourse  as  I  could,  unto  the  many  Indians  and  Negroes 
that  came  unto  the  Funeral. 

9.  G.  D.  A  worthy  Servant  of  the  Gospel  among  the 
Indians,  needs  my  Endeavours  to  do  several  important 
Kindnesses  for  his  Encouragement. 

*  ID.  G.  D.  Blank  Books  may  for  this  purpose  be 
praepared  by  me,  and  I  may  make  daily  Entries  into  them. 
Since  the  Thoughts  of  my  great  and  my  dear  SAVIOUR, 
do  so  grow  upon  me,  and  have  such  precious  Effects  of  them, 
and  the  further  I  go,  the  more  expert  I  am  in  my  conversing 
with  the  inexhaustible  Subject,  these  blank  Books,  will 
help  to  methodize  my  Heads  of  Meditation,  and  increase 
my  Supply  for  it,  and  be  a  Repository  for  such  Stores,  as 
I  may  afterwards  bring  forth  for  the  public  Entertainments 
in  the  House  of  God. 

11.  G.  D.  Methinks  I  do  not  enough  use  a  Variety 
of  Artifice,  in  my  Catechising. 

12.  G.  D.  What  Methods  am  I  to  take?  Direct  me, 
assist  me,  succeed  me,  O  my  SAVIOUR  that  there  may  be 
nothing  but  the  Comfort  of  Love,  always  reigning  in  my 
Family. 

13.  G.  D.  And  in  the  Families  that  spring  from  it, 
and  have  Relations  to  it ! 

14.  G.  D.  Divisions  and  Confusions  in  the  Church  at 
Framlingham,  call  for  my  best  Endeavours  to  bring  them 
unto  a  Period. 

15.  G.  D.  I  am  getting  ready,  with  some  Gentle- 
men, certain  Proposals  for  the  praeserving  and  promoting  of 
the  evangelical  Interests  among  the  Indians  at  Martha's 
Vineyard. 

i$d.  6  tn.  Friday.     Tho'  I  am  somewhat  spent  with 


AUGUST,     1718  551 

having  preached  every  other  Day  this  week,  in  pubhc 
AssembHes,  yett  I  sett  apart  this  Day  for  Prayer  with 
Fasting  before  the  Lord  on  such  Occasions,  as  thus  employ'd 
me  a  Week  ago. 

16.  G.  D.  A  noted  Neighbour,  now  in  years,  is  fallen 
into  an  uncomfortable  Distraction.  I  must  be  greatly 
concerned  for  him. 

*  17.  G.  D.  I  propose  to  consider  my  admirable 
SAVIOUR,  more  distinctly  and  more  exactly  than  ever, 
in  the  several  Articles  of  His  holy  Pattern.  I  would  putt 
the  Subjects  into  Order;  and  then  on  a  Lord's-day  Morning, 
successively  employ  my  Meditations  and  my  Supplications 
upon  each  of  them,  until  I  have  gone  thro'  them,  and  felt, 
a  very  deep  Impression  from  them  upon  me.  My  Work 
this  Morning,  shall  be  a  general  Introduction,  with  mighty 
Cries  from  the  Depths  unto  the  Lord,  that  His  Image  may 
be  most  livelily  apparent  in  me. 

18.  G.  D.     And  my  Flock  shall  feel  it. 

The  House  wherein  I  entertain  them,  shall  be  the  House 
of  my  SAVIOUR'S  Glory. 

19.  G.  D.  My  Operations  on  the  Mind  of  my  hopeful 
Son,  Sammy,  must  every  day  be  various  and  exquisite. 

But  the  more  promising  Hopes  I  have  of  the  desircable 
Child,  the  more  obliged  am  I  to  look  upon  him  with  a 
sacrificing  Eye. 

20.  G.  D.  I  am  sending  Books  of  Piety,  to  my  Rela- 
tives at  Lime. 

21.  G.  D.  I  will  be  no  longer  putt  off;  but  will  try 
whether  I  can't  form  a  Society,  to  consider  and  prosecute 
that  Enquiry,  What  may  he  done  to  bring  on  the  Kingdom  of 
God? 

22.  G.  D.  I  must  project  and  pursue  a  more  intimate 
Correspondence  and  Conversation  with  our  good,  wise, 
generous  Govemour.  It  may  issue  in  unknown  Services 
and  Benefits  to  the  Kingdome  of  God. 


552         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

The  extreme  Heat  of  the  Weathers,  etc,  hindred  my 
setting  apart  this  Day,  as  I  intended.^ 

23.  G.  D.  A  poor,  weak,  helpless  Orphan,  by  the 
Providence  of  God  cast  into  my  Family. 

*  24.  G.  D.  This  Morning,  that  I  may  come  at  the 
Glory  of  the  Lord,  and  be  transformed  into  His  Glorious 
Image,  I  consider ; 

How  did  my  dear  SA  VIOUR,  seek  the  Glory  of  Him  that  sent  Him? 

After  I  have  Thought  on  the  Pattern  of  so  living  unto  GOD, 
which  He  has  given  me,  with  Resolutions  of  Imitation,  I  cry  to  Heaven 
for  the  Grace  to  conform  unto  it ;  And  I  plead  the  Purchase  which 
His  Blood  has  made  of  this  Grace  for  me. 

These  were  the  Heads  of  my  Desires. 

My  GOD,  I  desire  to  consider  myself,  as  being  sent  into  the 
World  by  thee,  to  be  an  Instrument  of  thy  Glory ;  And  I  heartily 
close  with  it,  as  the  chief  End  of  my  Life,  to  render  and  procure  those 
Acknowledgments  to  Thee,  wherein  thou  wouldest  be  glorified.  It 
shall  be  the  principal  and  perpetual  Business  of  my  Life,  thus  to  con- 
form unto  the  Exemple  of  my  SAVIOUR ;  And  I  will  forever  abhor, 
avoid,  rebuke,  whatever  would  be  a  Dishonour  to  Thee.  O  my 
SAVIOUR,  Thou  hast  purchased  this  Grace  of  GOD  for  me.  O 
holy  Spirit  of  my  SAVIOUR,  apply  it,  bestow  it ;  enter  me ;  Take 
possession  of  me. 

25.  G.  D.  I  am  now  in  quest  of  another  Subject, 
which  the  Flock  may  most  unto  Edification  be  entertained 
withal.  Among  the  rest,  why  not  the  endearing  Titles  of  our 
SAVIOUR. 

26.  G.  D.  Two  sickly  Persons  coming  to  sojourn  in 
my  Family,  afford  me  some  Opportunities,  to  consult  the 
Welfare  of  my  Family. 

At  least,  my  Charity  and  Compassion  to  them,  will  in 
the  Rewards  of  Heaven  prove  so. 

27.  G.  D,  Some  Discords  to  be  prevented,  and  re- 
dressed. 

28.  G.  D.     Of  later  Months,  my  Sermons  are  so  fairly 

'  This  sentence  is  written  in  the  margin. 


SEPTEMBER,     1718  553 

and  fully  written,  that  they  may  be  ready  for  the  Press 
without  any  more  adoe.  I  propose  to  form  little  Books  of 
them  and  give  Titles,  to  them,  so  that  they  may  be  ready, 
for  any  Publication,  which  before  or  after  my  Death,  any 
unexpected  Providence  of  GOD  may  [my]  SAVIOUR, 
may  order  for  any  of  them.  Whether  the  Lord  accept 
these  Essays  or  no,  yett  it  is  not  amiss  for  me  to  praepare 
and  offer  them. 

29.  G.  D.  A  good  Service  to  be  done,  by  settling  an 
Attorney  for  the  Indian  Commissioners  at  Marthas  Vineyard. 

30.  G.  D.  A  miserable  Daughter  of  a  Minister  in  very 
indigent  Circumstances,  must  be  cared  for. 

*3i.    G.  D.     This  Morning,  I  consider; 

How  did  my  dear  SAVIOUR,  make  it  His  Meat  and  His 
Drink,  to  do  the  Will  of  His  Father  ? 

And  I  propose  to  imitate  Him,  with  a  Delight  in  Obedi- 
ence to  God,  and  in  doing  of  good  unto  all  that  are  about 
me.  Yea,  if  I  do  any  delightful  Action,  the  chief  Delight 
of  it,  shall  be  the  Obedience  to  GOD  in  it. 

September,  i.  G.  D.  I  have  some  Thoughts,  of  en- 
tertaining the  Flock,  with  a  Course  of  Sermons,  on  the 
Transfiguration  of  our  Saviour. 

2.  G.  D.    Dear  Nancy,  — 

3.  G.  D.  My  continual  Prayer  for  my  Brother  at 
Witney,  must  be.  Lord,  accept  him,  and  employ  him,  to  do 
great  Things  for  thy  Kingdome.  And  I  must  be  more  free  in 
suggesting  such  Things  unto  him. 

4.  G.  D.  Write  unto  the  Governour  of  Connecticut, 
that  he  would  make  the  Interview  of  the  Ministers  at  their 
Commencement  more  significant  and  serviceable  to  the 
best  Interests.^ 

And  some  important  Things  for  the  Welfare  of  their 
Colledge. 

'Mather  had  written  on  this  very  subject,  August  25,  1718.  The  letter  is 
in  Quincy,  History  of  Harvard  University,  i.  526. 


554         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

5.  G.  D,  Procure  a  Meeting  of  the  Indian  Commission- 
ers that  something  may  be  effectually  done,  for  the  Introduc- 
tion of  Christianity  among  the  Pagan  Indians  at  Connecticot. 

S  d.  y  m.  Friday.     I  sett  apart  this  Day  to  present  my 
Desires  before  the  Lord,  and  obtain  Mercies  from  Him. 
The  Occasions  and  Exercises  were,  as  formerly. 

6.  G.  D.  A  Scotch  Scholemaster  arrived  here  from 
Ireland,  wants  Employment. 

Poor  Mr  Eliot,  Hes  languishing.  ^ 

*  7.    G.  D.     This  Morning  I  consider; 

What  was  the  Diligence  of  my  SA  VI OUR  in  dispatching 
of  the  Work,  which  was  given  Him  to  do,  before  the  Night  of 
Death  came  upon  Him? 

And  I  cry  unto  the  Lord,  that  my  Sloth  may  be  pardoned, 
and  the  Grace  of  a  very  diligent  Hand,  and  the  Skill  of 
Redeeming  the  Time  wisely,  may  be  bestowed  upon  me. 

8.  G.  D.  The  unsearchable  Riches  of  CHRIST;  A 
noble  Subject !    Very  particularly  for  the  Poor  of  the  Flock. 

9.  G.  D.  My  daily  Discourses  with  my  Son  Samuel, 
in  the  Latin  Tongue,  will  notably  help  to  cultivate  him. 

10.  G.  D.  An  hopeful  young  Man  in  my  Neighbour- 
hood, and  one  of  a  learned  Education,  do's  with  much 
Affection,  in  many  Instances  do  the  Part  of  a  Son  unto  me. 
Especially  in  the  Affairs  of  my  Library,  whereof  he  is  now 
taking  a  Catalogue.  I  must  make  him  such  an  one;  and 
study  all  possible  Wayes  to  cultivate  him,  and  accomplish 
him,  for  great  Services. 

11.  G.  D.  If  the  French  Priest,  who  is  an  Instructor 
to  the  Indians  in  our  Eastern  Countrey,  might  be  brought 
over  to  the  Protestant  Religion,  it  would  be  a  wonderful 
Service  to  the  Countrey ;  wonderfully  contribute  unto  the 
Tranquillity  of  the  Countrey.  Some  are  not  without  Hopes 
that  this  may  be  done :  I  would  make  an  Essay  towards  it 
by  writing  largely  in  the  Latin  Tongue  unto  him. 

'  John  Eliot  ?     See  p.  647,  infra. 


SEPTEMBER,     1718  555 

12.  G.  D.  I  renew  my  Request  unto  the  Societies 
to  consider,  what  Subjects  they  more  especially  would 
propose  to  hear  handled  in  my  public  Ministry. 

13.  G.  D.  Among  the  Families  arrived  from  Ireland, 
I  find  many  and  wondrous  Objects  for  my  Compassions. 
Among  other  Methods  of  helping  them,  I  would  enclose  a 
Sum  of  Money  with  a  nameless  Letter  unto  one  of  their 
Ministers,  to  be  distributed  among  them. 

*i4.    G.  D.   This  Morning  I  consider. 

What  was  the  Submission  to  the  Will  of  GOD,  with  which  my  SA  V- 
lOUR  took  every  Cup  that  was  assigned  unto  Him? 

And  in  conformity  to  Him,  I  desire  that  I  may  with  a  patient, 
silent,  easy  Frame  of  Mind,  entertain  all  the  Troubles  which  a  sover- 
eign GOD  may  order  for  me. 

Satisfied  in  this,  that  as  He  does  all  things  well,  so  He  will  be 
gratified  in  beholding  my  Obedience  to  Him ;  And  that  this  Resig- 
nation will  be  but  a  Praeparation  for  the  Blessings  of  the  Joy  sett 
before  me;  the  Cross  going  before  the  Crown. 

15.  G.  D.  To  the  House  where  I  live,  a  large  Wharf 
belongs.  At  this  Wharf  there  usually  ly  Vessels,  which  I 
would  look  upon  as  a  singular  Part  of  my  Flock  and  Charge. 
I  would  therefore  often  take  my  Walk  down  on  the  Wharf, 
talk  with  the  People  of  the  Vessels,  and  lodge  Books  of 
Piety  in  their  hands. 

16.  G.  D.  There  is  an  unhappy  Discord,  between 
some ;  for  the  Curing  whereof  I  would  use  all  exquisite 
Methods  of  Prudence  and  Goodness. 

It  is  a  grievous  Burden  to  me. 

17.  G.  D.  There  do  arise  little  Discords  also  among 
some  Relations,  at  a  further  Distance  from  me.  I  would 
in  all  dulcifying  Wayes  bring  them  to  be  well-disposed  unto 
one  another. 

18.  G.  D.  The  wretched  Condition  of  our  College ; 
can  I  do  nothing  towards  the  mending  of  it. 

Be  sure,  Cries  to  God,  that  it  may  bere  covered  into 


556         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

a  Condition,  which   may  have  a  good   Prospect  on   the 
Kingdome  of  GOD,  and  the  Service  of  His  Churches. 

19.  G.  D.  I  have  had  some  Thoughts,  whether  it 
might  not  have  good  Effects,  if  once  in  two  Months,  or 
so,  I  should  preach  at  one  or  other  of  the  Congregations 
in  my  Neighbourhood ;  changing  with  the  neighbouring 
Ministers. 

Hereby  I  shall  have  Opportunities  to  preach  the  Gospel, 
unto  the  whole  City.  And  it  may  be  some  Releef  unto 
my  weary  Studies. 

20.  G.  D.  A  forlorn,  f reward,  wicked  old  Man,  perish- 
ing in  an  helpless  old  Age,  and  the  want  of  every  thing; 
I  must  look  after  him. 

*  21.    G.  D.     This  Morning  I  consider; 

Whut  was  the  Conduct  of  my  SAVIOUR  in  the  Repelling  of  Temp- 
tations, when  He  was  assaulted  with  them? 

And  in  Conformity  to  Him,  I  resolved  upon  a  vehement  and 
perpetual  Hatred  of  all  Sin ; 

A  constant  Recourse  to  the  Word  of  GOD ;  wherein,  //  is  written, 
what  forbids  and  condemns  the  Sin  I  may  be  tempted  to. 

A  Repetition  of  earnest  Cries  to  Him,  who  succours  the  Tempted. 

I  now  particularly  thought  on  the  Passages  of  the  Sacred  Scrip- 
ture, which  fulminate  the  Faults  I  may  be  most  in  danger  of. 

22.  G.  D.  A  Sermon  on  the  Espousal  of  a  Soul  unto 
a  SAVIOUR. 

23.  G.  D.     Further  Points  of  Liza's  Education. 

24.  G.  D.  A  young  Man  in  London,  my  wife's  Nephew, 
a  Letter  and  a  Present,  that  may  have  a  Tendency  to  engage 
him  in  the  Ways  of  Piety. 

25.  G.  D.  I  am  thinking  on  a  Catalogue  of  great 
Services  and  Benefits  to  be  done  for  Mankind  in  general; 
and  for  the  British  Nations.  Which  if  I  can  finish  and 
publish,  it  may  in  Time  have  blessed  Effects  in  the 
World. 

26.  G.  D.  Letters  must  be  written  unto  the  General 


V 


OCTOBER,     1718  557 

Assembly  at  Connecticot,  about  Christianizing  the  Pagan 
Indians  in  their  Colony. 

27.  G.  D.  A  Family  in  Affliction,  calls  for  my 
Compassion. 

*28.    G.  D.     This  Morning  I  consider, 

What  was  the  Carriage  of  my  SAVIOUR  under  provoking  Injuries 
and  Abuses  from  them  that  were  about  Him? 

And  in  Conformity  to  Him,  I  Resolved, 

That  I  would  see  the  Hand  of  GOD,  in  all  the  Provocations  that 
any  Children  of  Men  may  offer  me. 

That  I  would  most  religiously  and  circumspectly  forbear  all 
Revenges,  and  avoid  so  much  as  a  revengeful  Wish  in  my  Soul. 

That  I  would  suppress  all  Ebullitions  of  sinful  Wrath  and  Rage ; 
all  wrathful  and  raging  Expressions,  and  unadvised  Speeches. 

That  I  would  endeavour  to  overcome  Evil  with  Good. 

And  for  this  Purpose  I  look'd  up  unto  Him. 

29.  G.  D.  Something  more  must  be  done,  (in  private 
Conversation  particularly,)  to  animate  and  awaken  the 
people,  that  they  would  more  seriously  and  earnestly  pro- 
ject for  the  Good  of  the  Flock,  to  which  they  belong. 

30.  G.  D.  Certain  Points  of  Manliness  there  are, 
whereto  my  Son  Samuel  must  now  be  raised  apace. 

And  my  daily  Discourses  with  him  are  to  be  in  the  Latin 
Tongue. 

October,  i.  G.  D.  I  am  this  Day  concerned  in  the 
Ordination  of  a  very  hopeful  young  Gentleman, ^  to  the 
pastoral  Care  of  the  old  South  church.  I  will  here  enter 
him  as  one  of  my  Relatives ;  hoping  to  enjoy  a  Brother  in 
him,  and  a  Friend  more  useful  than  a  Brother. 

2.  G.  D.  I  have  been  some  Occasion  of  the  Visits 
which  many  Ministers  have  made  unto  miserable  Tiverton. 
I  have  not  had  Strength,  to  bear  my  part  in  those  Visits. 
But  yett,  that  in  my  poor  Manner  and  Measure  I  may  do 
something  to  serve  the  Kingdome  of  God,  in  that  wretched 

*  Rev.  Thomas  Prince  (1687-1758).    Sewall,  Diary,  lu.  198. 


558         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

Place,  I  am  at  the  Charge  of  reprinting  my  little  Book,  of. 
The  greatest  Concern  in  the  World  ;  and  sending  a 
Number,  to  be  dispersed  in  the  Families  there. • 

3.  G.  D.  Encourage  the  People  of  Dray  cot,  unto  the 
Inviting  of  a  worthy  Scotch  Minister  lately  arrived  here, 
to  settle  among  them.^ 

3  rf.  8  w.  Friday.  This  Day  I  sett  apart  for  the  Devo- 
tions of  a  Day  of  Prayer. 

The  Occasions,  and  the  Exercises,  were  the  same  that 
[as]  on  some  former  such  Days. 

But  my  SAVIOUR  was,  alas,  this  day  very  much  with- 
drawn from  my  Soul.  I  have  not  had  Heaven  opened  to 
me  and  visiting  of  me,  as  at  some  other  Times. 

I  suspect  some  heavy  Trials  may  be  near  unto  me.  0 
my  SAVIOUR,  do  thou  return  unto  me. 

4.  G.  D.  A  poor  Man,  whose  Debts  have  a  consider- 
able while  confined  him,  is  an  Object  for  my  Compassions. 

*  5.    G.  D.     This  Morning,  I  sett  myself  to  consider. 

What  was  the  Conduct  of  my  SAVIOUR,  in  His  Management  of 
His  Family? 

And  in  Conformity  to  Him,  I  Resolved, 

That  I  would  keep  continually  Instructing  my  Domesticks  in  the 
Things  that  concern  the  Kingdome  of  GOD. 

That  I  will  faithfully  advise  them  of  the  various  Temptations, 
whereto  I  may  apprehend  them  obnoxious  and  lovingly  Rebuke  all 
that  I  see  amiss  in  them. 

That  I  will  without  ceasing  pray  with  them,  and  for  them. 

And,  that  I  will  do  what  I  can,  to  guard  them  against  the  Mis- 
chiefs which  they  may  in  an  evil  World  be  expos'd  unto. 

The  Grace  to  do  these  things,  I  implored  as  having  been  pur- 
chased by  Him  for  me. 

6.  G.  D.  I  am  sensible,  that  I  am  too  defective  in 
my  pastoral  Visits ;  with  Cryes  to  the  Lord  for  Forgive- 

*  Printed  at  New  London,  Conn.,  by  T.  Green.    It  had  first  appeared  in  1707. 
'  Rev.  James   McGregor,   of  Aghadowey.     Bolton,  Scotch   Irish   Pioneers, 

106,  199. 


I 


OCTOBER,     1718  559 

ness  and  Assistence,  I  will  sett  upon  the  Reforming  of 
this  Defect.  And  scatter  in  the  Families,  besides  other 
Books,  of  Piety,  my  little  Treatise  of  The  Greatest  Con- 
cern in  the  World. 

7.  G.  D.  Some  Things  occurr  in  my  Family,  which 
require  in  me,  exquisite  Prudence,  Patience,  Goodness,  that 
so  Sin  may  not  be  committed,  but  GOD  and  His  Gospel 
may  be  glorified :  Exquisite  Projection  for  a  Good  Issue ; 
And,  oh !  continual,  and  uncommon  cries,  unto  the  glorious 
Lord,  for  His  gracious  Conduct. 

8.  G.  D.  I  have  my  youngest  Sister,  brought  unto  a 
Widowhood ;  I  am  to  take  a  brotherly  Care  of  her,  and  to 
do  in  every  thing  the  Part  of  a  Brother  born  for  Adversity. 

8  (i.  8  ni.  Because  of  some  singular  Circumstances 
which  call  me  to  more  than  ordinary  Humiliations  and 
Supplications,  I  sett  apart  this  Day  for  them. 

At  length  I  obtained  some  Assurances  of  a  gracious  GOD 
reconciled  unto  me. 

My  main  Request  was.  That  I  might  not  by  any  Temp- 
tation whatever  be  overcome  to  Sin  against  the  glorious 
GOD,  nor  admitt  the  least  ill  Frame,  or  the  least  ill  Thought, 
into  my  Heart. 

But  then  with  the  same  Intent,  and  with  the  same 
Ardour,  I  requested  for,  a  Soul  full  of  a  CHRIST;  that  I 
may  mightily  improve  in  the  Blessedness  which  I  am  in 
the  daily  and  mighty  Pursuance  of. 

My  GOD  has  heard  me. 

9.  G.  D.  Sending  to  Scotland  this  day,  I  project  sev- 
eral Services  for  the  Kingdome  of  God. 

ID.  G.  D.  Some  Things  in  View  for  the  Good  of  the 
Colledge. 

II.   G.  D.     Several  poor  Objects  occur,  to  be  releeved. 
*  12.   G.  D.     This  morning  I  sett  myself  to  consider. 

With  what  Eye  did  my  SA  VIOUR  look  upon  this  World,  and  all 
the  little  Glories  of  it? 


560         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

And  in  Conformity  to  Him,  I  desired, 

That  all  the  Enjoyments  of  this  World  might  appear  contemptible 
Things  unto  me. 

That  no  offer  of  these  Things  might  ever  draw  me  into  any  Sin 
against  the  glorious  GOD. 

That  I  might  be  content  with  a  poor ;  and  hard,  low,  mean  Con- 
dition in  this  World. 

And  yett  give  Thanks  for  the  smallest  Vouchsafements  of  it ;  a 
Morsel  of  Bread. 

That  I  may  be  willing  to  leave  this  World,  as  soon  as  ever  my 
heavenly  Father  shall  call  me  out  of  it. 

13.  G.  D.  The  Psalmody  is  but  poorly  carried  on  in 
my  Flock,  and  in  a  Variety  and  Regularity  inferior  to  some 
others ;  I  would  see  about  it. 

14.  G.  D.  A  Difficulty,  my  GOD,  Help  me  with 
Prayer  and  Patience  to  overcome  it. 

Oh !  may  Cresy  Walter's  Death,  be  sanctified  imto  Cresy 
Mather! 

15.  G.  D.  My  Brother  and  Sister  at  Roxbury,  hear 
of  the  Death  of  their  eldest  Son  abroad.  What  shall  I  do, 
to  comfort  them? 

16.  G.  D.  I  am  not  only  polishing  the  Psalterium 
Americanum,  which  is  now  in  the  Press ;  but  also  making 
Additions  to  the  rich  Stores  of  the  Cantional,  that  so  the 
Various  Intentions  of  Piety  may  be  more  fuUy  answered. 

17.  G.  D.  The  Charge,  with  the  Fellowship  of  the 
Churches,  lately  given  in  an  Ordination,  being  joined  unto 
the  Sermon  then  preached,  which  is  going  to  the  Press,  may 
serve  several  good  Purposes. 

18.  G.  D.  Employments  must  be  sought  for  some  that 
want  them. 

*  19.    G.  D.     This  Morning  I  sett  myself  to  consider; 

How  did  my  SA  VIOUR  attend  the  private  and  public  Worship  of  God  ? 
And  in  conformity  unto  Him,  I  desired. 

That  I  might  converse  much  with  the  glorious  GOD  in  the 
Religion  of  the  Closett. 


OCTOBER,     1718  561 

That  my  part  of  the  religious  Exercises  in  the  Assemblies  of  Zion, 
may  be  serious,  devout,  constant. 

20.  G.  D.  My  poor  Flock!  what  shall  I  do  for  thee? 
I  hope,  the  Sermon  preached  Yesterday,  proves  a  very 
Awakening  one.  I  contrived  Yesterday,  that  the  Consid- 
eration of  a  Death  approaching,  upon  which  the  Place  of 
every  one  will  know  them  no  more,  might  be  sett  home,  with 
all  possible  Pungencies. 

I  may  here  take  notice  of  an  observable  Thing. 

What  a  precious  Favour  of  Heaven  it  is,  to  have  a  Mind 
moved  and  acted  from  above,  and  under  a  special  Conduct 
of  Heaven !  Towards  the  latter  End  of  the  Week,  I  found 
my  Mind  strongly  impelled  unto  the  praeparing  of  a  Sermon 
on  Job  VII.  10.  Neither  shall  his  Place  know  him  any  more: 
But  without  any  other  Intention,  than  to  have  it  ly  by,  for 
some  future  and  unknown  Occasion.  On  the  Lord's-day- 
Morning  (and  it  fell  out  that  I  must,  preach  in  the  Morn- 
ing,) I  had  it  struck  into  my  Mind,  that  I  may  do  well  to 
preach  the  Sermon  I  had  praepared ;  and  make  it  a  funeral 
Sermon,  for  a  worthy  Minister  of  Andover,^  who  died  sud- 
denly the  last  Week,  and  add  his  Character  in  the  close  of 
it.  He  was  a  worthy  Man,  and  very  modest  and  humble ; 
and  one  who  studied  much  to  avoid  public  Appearances. 
But  I  thought,  my  publishing  the  Worth  of  such  a  Man, 
and  procuring  a  just  Fame  unto  him,  would  be  but  the  more 
proper  an  Action,  and  be  some  Reward  of  Heaven  unto 
him.  I  did  accordingly ;  and  enjoyed  a  very  gracious 
Presence  of  the  holy  One  with  me,  in  the  doing  of  it. 

(VI.)  The  Son  of  this  Person,  is  our  Schole-Master, 
and  my  Auditor;  and  he  comes  to  me,  for  a  Copy  of  my 
Sermon.  While  such  a  large  work,  as  my  Psalteritim,  is 
in  the  Press,  I  have  not  had  so  many  Opportunities  for  the 
publishing  of  lesser  Composures.  But  I  begg'd  of  the 
Lord,  that  He  would  continue  my  Fruitfulness,  and  make 

*  Thomas  Bernard, 
n  -36 


562         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

and  find  Opportunities  for  it.  Behold,  an  Instance!  I 
give  my  Sermon  to  my  Neighbour,  for  the  Press,  under 
this  Title;  Vanishing  Things.  An  Essay  on  the  Condi- 
tion of  Man  known  in  his  Place  no  more,  when  Death  has 
once  removed  him  from  it.  A  Sermon  preached  on  the  Death 
of  the  shining  and  yett  humble  Mr.  Thomas  Bernard,  the 
late  Pastor  of  a  Church  in  Andover. ' 

On  this  Occasion,  I  look'd  back  to  see,  how  many  Per- 
sons of  Worth,  a  gracious  God  has  employ'd  my  poor  Pen, 
publickly  to  exhibit  unto  the  World,  with  an  Advantageous 
History,  or  Character  of  them.  And,  I  found,  no  less  than 
One  hundred  and  fourteen  men  (whereof  more  than  Four- 
score stand  in  the  Church-History,)  and  above  twenty 
Women ;  besides  many  more,  who  have  more  transiently 
and  occasionally  had  an  honourable  Mention  made  of  them. 

I  now  sett  myself  to  glorify  the  free  Grace  of  GOD  unto  the 
Chief  of  Sinners,  in  using  me  thus,  to  discover  unto  the  World,  the 
Glory  of  my  SAVIOUR,  in  what  He  has  done  for  and  by  His  chosen 
Servants. 

I  begg'd  of  Him,  the  Grace  to  approve  myself  so,  that  what  good 
I  have  written  of  others,  may  not  prove  my  own  Condemnation,  thro' 
my  own  falling  short  of  the  like. 

I  freely  consented  unto  it,  that  I  should  myself  after  all,  remain 
unmentioned  after  my  Death,  and  ly  buried  in  all  possible  Obscurity, 
and  never  have  any  Remembrance  among  the  Children  of  Men.  I 
found  such  a  Love  of  GOD,  working  in  my  Soul,  that  I  would  fain 
disappear  and  have  none  but  ffim  to  be  acknowledged. 

21.  G.  D.  My  Negro-Servant,  Ohadiah;  my  Saviour 
has  committed  him  unto  me,  that  I  may  bring  him  up  to 
be  a  Servant  of  the  Lord.  Being  deeply  affected  with  such 
a  Consideration,  I  would  use  all  possible,  and  exquisite 
Endeavours  for  the  Instructing  and  Restraining  of  him. 
I  have  hitherto  been  too  defective  in  these  Endeavours. 

22.  G.  D.    The  worthy  Minister  of  Groton  is  become 

•  Printed  by  S.  Kneeland  for  D.  Henchman,  1718. 


OCTOBER,     1718  563 

now  (and  by  my  means)  my  Kinsman.'  I  would  endeavour 
in  ways  of  special  Kindness  and  Contrivance,  to  become 
useful  unto  him,  and  assist  him  in  the  fruitful  Discharge 
of  his  Ministry. 

23.  G.  D.  The  Author  of  the  Occasional  Paper  having 
published  unto  the  World,  my  Letter  to  Pilloniere,^  I  now 
send  unto  him  several  Instruments,  in  hopes,  that  by  his 
Means,  they  may  serve  the  good  Cause  of  Piety  and  Liberty, 
for  which  they  are  calculated.' 

GOD  knows,  what  may  be  the  Consequences  of  publish- 
ing the  mentioned  Letter,  which  I  found  called,  A  celebrated 
Letter  and  much  talk'd  of,  before  this  Publication. 

24.  G.  D.  Writing  to  my  Brother  I  renew  my  Sollici- 
tations  unto  him,  that  he  would  bring  my  Testimony  against 
Arianism,  into  operation. 

And  I  press  Mr.  Bradbury,  to  — 

25.  G.  D.  Several  Miserables,  under  the  Influences 
of  my  Charity. 

For  my  Remittances  to  the  Orphan-house  at  Glaucha, 
I  gathered  eight  Pounds  of  our  Money  for  which  Mr, 
Belcher  generously  furnishes  me  with  a  Bill  of  ten  Pounds 
Sterling :  Sent  by  me  now  to  Mr.  Boehm,  and  Mr.  Nauman. 

*  26.    G.  D.     This  Morning  I  sett  myself  to  consider. 

The  Prayers  of  my  SAVIOUR,  what  were  they,  and  how  managed? 
And  in  Conformity  to  Him,  I  desired, 
That  I  may  be  accustomed  unto  all  Sorts  of  Prayers. 
And  particularly  that  my  ejaculatory  Prayers  may  be  innumerable. 
That  I  may  be  exceeding  frequent  in  my  Prayers  and  make  my 
Visits  unto  Heaven  upon  all  Occasions. 

That  I  may  be  exceeding  devout,  serious,  fervent  in  my  Prayers, 

'Caleb  Trowbridge  (1692-1760),  married  (i)  Sarah  Oliver,  and  (2)  Hannah 
Walter,  daughter  of  Rev.  Nathaniel  Walter.  The  second  marriage  took  place 
September  18,  1718. 

^  Frangois  de  la  Pillonnidre. 

•Simon  Browne  (1680-1732),  now  pastor  of  the  important  congregation  in 
the  Old  Jewry,  London,  issued  a  Collection  of  the  Occasional  Papers  for  the  Year 
1718,  m.  where  he  printed  Mather's  letter,  dated  November  5,  1717. 


564         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

as  having  the  Sight  of  ffim  who  is  invisible,  and  being  duely  affected 
with  the  Importance  of  what  is  before  me. 

That  I  may  in  my  Prayers  exercise  a  strong  Faith  in  God. 

And  that  my  Petitions  may  be  well-examined  ones,  for  ever  accord- 
ing to  the  Will  of  God,  and  aim'd  at  His  Glory:  And  with  a  due 
Submission  to  His  infinite  Wisdome  and  Justice  and  Sovereignty ;  a 
Resignation  to  His  holy  Pleasure. 

27.  G.  D.  I  will  keep  continually  scattering  in  my 
Flock  my  Essay  on,  the  Greatest  Concern  in  the  world. 

This  morning  our  merciful  SAVIOUR  gave  my  Daugh- 
ter Abigail,  a  safe  and  a  quick  Deliverance  of  a  Daughter.* 

28.  G.  D.  And  this  obliges  me  to  new  Acts,  wherein 
I  am  to  consecrate  my  Family  unto  the  Lord. 

29.  G.  D.  And,  Oh!  what  shall  I  do,  that  the  excellent 
Faculties  and  Attainments,  of  my  Nephew  at  Roxbury,  may 
be  made  exceeding  serviceable  to  the  Kingdome  of  GOD? 

This  Day,  that  young  Man  is  ordained  unto  the  pastoral 
Charge  of  the  Church  there. ^  I  am  employ 'd  in  some  of 
the  public  Exercises  on  this  Occasion ;  particularly,  in 
giving  the  Fellowship  of  the  Churches;  wherein  I  enjoy 
the  gracious  Assistances  of  the  Lord. 

30.  G.  D.  I  hope  I  have  litt  upon  a  Method  of  intro- 
ducing the  Gospel  into  the  Town  of  Providence. 

31.  G.  D.  The  Master  of  the  Grammar-Schole '  in 
my  Neighbourhood,  expresses  to  me,  so  much  of  a  Desire 
to  have  it  a  Schole  of  Piety,  that  I  am  animated  exceedingly, 
unto  all  possible  Projections  to  render  it  so. 

2,1  d.  VIII  m.  Friday.  This  Day,  I  endeavour,  as  I 
use  to  do;  to  devote  good  Part  of  the  Day,  unto  the 
Devotions  of  a  Sacrificer. 

The  Occasions  and  the  Exercises  of  the  Day,  were  such 
as  of  later  time  they  use  to  be. 

'  In  the  margin  is  written  "about  4h."  The  child,  Abigail  Willard,  was  bap- 
tised November  2. 

'  Rev.  Thomas  Walter.    See  Sewall,  Diary,  in.  aoi. 
•  John  Bernard. 


NOVEMBER,     1718  565 

I  particularly  cried  unto  God,  That  our  Colledge  might 
be  rescued  into  a  Better  Condition. ^ 

My  Alms  this  Day  were  somewhat  extraordinary ;  tho' 
not  worth  Mentioning. 

November,  i.  G.  D.  Money  and  Cloathing  for  some 
very  poor  Strangers,  lately  come  among  us. 

*  2.    G.  D.     This  Morning  I  sett  myself  to  consider; 

How  did  my  SAVIOUR  use  to  sabbatize  when  the  Rest  of  GOD 
every  week  return' d  unto  Him  ? 

And  in  Conformity  to  Him,  I  desired, 

That  on  the  Sabbath,  I  may  keep  a  strict  Guard,  not  only  on  my 
Words,  but  also  on  my  very  Thoughts,  to  have  nothing  allow'd  in 
them,  that  shall  be  unsuitable  unto  the  Religion  of  the  Day. 

That  on  the  Sabbath,  I  may  spend  the  whole  Time,  as  far  as  I  am 
able,  in  the  public  and  private  Exercises  of  Religion. 

That  when  the  Sabbath  arrives,  I  employ  many  most  affectuous 
Meditations  on  the  Works  of  Creation,  and  of  Redemption,  and  on  the 
Rest  which  remains  for  the  People  of  GOD. 

That  the  Arrival  of  the  Sabbath  shall  be  alwayes  exceeding  wel- 
come to  me. 

This  Morning,  when  walking  in  my  Garden,  I  had  my  Spirit 
raised  unto  wondrous  Flights  of  Union  to  my  SAVIOUR,  of  which  I 
may  take  a  Time  hereafter  to  give  the  Particulars. 

3.  G.  D.  Oh!  lett  me  oftner  yett  renew  and  repeat 
my  Considerations  upon  that  awful  Enquiry ;  What  Account 
shall  I  give  unto  my  Saviour,  of  my  Cares  about  the  Flock, 
which  He  has  committed  unto  me  ? 

4.  G.  D.  Should  not  Sammy  be  putt  upon  writing 
after  the  Preacher ;  and  begin  thus  betimes  a  Stock  of 
Notes,  that  may  imprint  upon  his  Mind  the  Truths  of  the 
Gospel  ? 

5.  G.  D.  What  more  shall  I  do,  for  the  Service  of  my 
Kinsman  at  Brooklyn? 

This   Day,  I  enjoy'd   a   most  gracious   and   precious 

*  For  a  letter  from  Mather  to  Shute,  dated  this  day,  upon  the  concerns  of 
Harvard  College,  see  Quincy,  History  of  Harvard  University,  i.  523. 


566         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

Presence  of  GOD  with  me,  in  managing  an  Ordination  at 
Brooklyn.^ 

6.  G.  D.  I  have  had  many  Thoughts,  whether  a 
Sermon  about  the  awful  Nature  and  Effect  of  an  Oath, 
may  not  be  of  great  Use  unto  the  People  of  the  Countrey ; 
among  whom  a  rash  Praecipitation  in  the  Taking  of  an  Oath, 
is  what  People  are  too  commonly  guilty  of.  What  if  I 
should  attempt  it,  in  the  Audience  of  the  General  Assembly. 

7.  G.  D.  Now  is  the  Time,  to  renew  the  Motion  for 
Guardians  to  the  Christian  Indians. 

8.  G.  D.  A  Scotch  Youth,  in  poverty,  and  want  of 
Employment,  must  be  provided  for. 

*  9.   G.  D.    This  Morning  I  sett  myself  to  consider. 

The  Miseries  of  a  wretched  world,  how  did  my  SAVIOUR  look 
upon  them? 

And  in  Conformity  to  Him,  I  desired,  that  wherever  I  see  any 
Miseries,  my  Compassions  may  be  moved  for  them. 

That  I  may  with  much  Concern,  and  Vigour,  and  even  Raptures, 
fly  to  succour  such  as  I  see  in  any  Miseries. 

But  above  all,  that  the  Sins  with  which  I  see  any  offending  of 
GOD,  and  injuring  of  themselves,  may  be  grievous  to  me. 

10.  G.  D.  I  entertain  the  Flock,  with  as  pungent  and 
useful  a  Discourse,  as  I  can,  on  the  Occasion  given  in  the 
tragical  Spectacle  of  a  Number  in  our  Neighbourhood, 
(among  which  were  the  Master  of  the  Light-house,  and  his 
Wife)  who  were  drowned  the  last  Week,  and  carried  all 
together  to  the  Grave,  with  a  very  solemn  Funeral.^  And 
at  the  same  Time,  I  recommend  that  excellent  Piety,  an 
Observation  of  the  Divine  Providence  in  all  Occurences. 

Having  done  this  Yesterday,  my  most  Gracious  Lord, 

*  Rev.  James  Allen.      See  p.  483,  supra. 

'George  Worthylake,  his  wife  Ann,  and  daughter  Ruth.  The  storm  fell 
on  November  3.  ShurtlefT,  Description  0}  Boston,  570.  P'ranklin's  ballad  on 
the  incident  (Autobiography,  in  Works  (Smyth)  I.  23Q)  was  translated  into 
French  as  "  La  Trag6die  du  Phare,"  and  re-translated  into  English  as  "  The 
Tragedy  of  Pharaoh." 


NOVEMBER,     1718  567 

will  still  hear  my  Cries,  unto  Him,  and  allow  me,  and 
employ  me,  to  bring  forth  much  of  that  Fruit,  by  which 
the  heavenly  Father  may  be  glorified.  My  Sermon  goes 
to  the  Press,  and  I  have  an  Opportunity,  in  a  more  diffu- 
sive way  to  recommend  that  excellent  Piety,  which  will 
exceedingly  glorify  God. 

(VII.)  It  is  entituled.  Providence  asserted  and 
ADORED.  In  a  Sermon  occasioned  hy  the  Tragical  Death  of 
several,  who  were  unhappily  drowned,  near  the  Light-house, 
at  the  Entrance  of  Boston-Harbour.  With  a  Relation  of  the 
unhappy  Accident. 

11.  G.  D.  I  must  lay  certain  Charges  on  my  Children, 
relating  to  their  Conduct,  that  it  be  wise,  good,  patient, 
silent,  and  honourable,  under  some  Temptations  to  Sin, 
which  they  may  be  in  danger  of. 

12.  G.  D.  I  have  a  Nephew  entring  into  the  Business 
of  the  World,  whom  I  must  advise  for  the  best  in  several 
Regards. 

13.  G.  D.  I  must  advise  with  the  Governour  about 
several  important  Services  for   the   Public. 

14.  G.  D.  An  ungospellized  Island,  —  I  hope,  I  am  in 
a  way  of  getting  the  Gospel  to  it. 

14  d.  9  m.  Friday.  Renew'd  Occasions,  oblige  me  to 
ly  in  the  Dust  before  the  Lord,  with  the  Deepest  Humilia- 
tions, and  the  most  fervent  Supplications.  I  know  not  that 
Man  upon  Earth,  who  more  wants  Pardon,  and  Pitty,  and 
Succour,  from  the  Glorious  Lord ! 

15.  G.  D.  I  don't  want  for  Objects  of  Charity  and 
Compassion ;  they  ly  thick  about  me. 

This  Day  I  gett  very  far  up  towards  an  Union  with  my 
dear  Saviour ;  first  in  Disposition,  then  in  Aim ;  lastly 
in  Will.  And  I  was  dissolved  into  Floods  of  Tears,  from 
the  Apprehension,  which  this  Union  gave  unto  me. 

*  16.   G.  D.     This  Morning  I  sett  myself  to  consider. 


568         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

What  was  the  Behaviour  of  my  SAVIOUR  towards  His  various 
Relatives? 

I  find,  that  He  paid  an  inviolate  Respect  unto  His  Parents ;  and 
He  took  singular  Care  for  the  Releef  and  Comfort  of  the  Person  that 
was  more  than  in  the  Eye  of  the  Law  one  of  them. 

He  had  Brothers,  whose  bad  Carriage  towards  him  for  diverse 
Years,  He  bore  with  Patience ;  and  He  never  gave  over,  until  they 
were  brought  home  unto  GOD. 

He  had  Kinsmen,  whom  He  took  into  a  most  intimate  Communion 
with  Him,  and  quaUfied  them  for  great  Enjoyments  in  and  Services 
to,  the  Kingdome  of  God; 

For  the  Direction  of  my  Behaviour  towards  my  Consort,  I  often, 
often,  think,  How  is  the  Church  treated  by  her  Saviour. 

I  begg'd  help  of  Him,  to  go  and  do  likewise. 

17.  G.  D.  Another  Master  of  the  Light-house,  is  (with 
another  Person)  already  drowned. ^  So  surprising  a  Dis- 
pensation gives  me  an  Opportunity  to  lett  fall  such  Passages 
on  the  Sea-faring  part  of  my  Flock,  as  may  have  a  mighty 
Tendency  to  excite  the  Motions  of  Piety  in  them.  God 
prosper  these  Endeavours. 

18.  G.  D.  My  Family  is  in  astonishing  Circumstances. 
Oh!  the  Patience,  the  Prudence,  the  Prayer,  that  is  called 
for. 

If  it  were  not  for  my  calling  of  a  glorious  CHRIST  into 
my  Mind  continually,  and  the  Visits  which  He  graciously 
makes  unto  my  poor,  sinful,  sickly  Soul,  what,  what  would 
become  of  me?  I  here  leave  this  Testimony  to  you,  my 
Children,  or  whatever  Hands  these  papers  may  fall  into: 
that  a  Glorious  CHRIST  conversed  withal,  will  be  the  Life 
of  the  Soul,  that  has  Him  dwelling  in  it. 

19.  G.  D.  This  Day  I  find  out  a  remote  Relative  that 
I  never  thought  of ;  one  in  miserable  Poverty.  I  sett  my- 
self to  do  the  best  I  can  for  them. 

20.  G.  D.  This  Day,  I  attempt  the  Service,  which  I 
have  many  Thoughts  about.     I  give  to  the  Public  and  in 

'  Robert  Saunders. 


NOVEMBER,     1718  $69 

the  Audience  of  the  General  Assembly,  a  Sermon  upon  the 
Nature  of  an  Oath,  and  the  Vileness  and  Peril  of  a  Perjury. 

Prseliminary  to  this  Action,  I  underwent  many  deep 
Humiliations. 

But  besides  all  the  rest,  I  had  a  Hold  upon  me,  and  much 
Fear  that  I  should  not  have  a  Voice  to  go  well  thro'  the 
Work  upon.  I  considered,  that  my  JESUS  is  the  Voice 
of  GOD;  and  that  I  am  united  unto  Him.  So  I  believed, 
that  I  should  speak. 

I  enjoy'd  not  only  a  Voice,  beyond  what  was  ordinary, 
but  also  had  a  Presence  of  the  Glorious  One  with  me,  to 
an  imcommon  Degree,  in  every  part  of  my  Service. 

21.  G.  D.  A  Projection  to  putt  out  as  many  of  the 
Indian  Children,  as  tis  possible,  unto  English  and  godly 
Families,  is  what  I  would  now  prosecute,  as  most  likely  to 
answer  all  good  Intentions  for  the  next  Generation  among 
them. 

22.  G.  D.  A  miserable  Woman  in  the  Prison,  for  hor- 
ribly butchering  her  child,  is  a  singular  Object  for  my 
Compassions. 

*  23.   G.  D.    This  Morning  I  sett  myself  to  consider : 

What  was  the  Conduct  of  my  5AVI0UR  in  preaching  of  the  Gospel  ? 

I  find  that  He  preached  with  much  Frequency ;  and  with  oh ! 
what  matchless  Fervency! 

Very  plainly ;  especially  in  the  use  of  the  most  enlightening 
Similitudes. 

With  great  Faithfulness ;  bearing  Testimonies  for  GOD ,  and  for 
Truth,  without  fearing  the  Displeasure  of  Men. 

And  chiefly  insisting  on  the  more  weighty  Matters. 

I  begg'd  Help  of  Him,  to  go  and  preach  as  like  Him,  as  may  be. 

24.  G.  D.  It  has  been  my  way,  when  I  have  had  any 
personal  Affliction  befalling  of  myself,  then  to  consider 
how  I  may  render  my  Flock  the  better  for  them  ;  and  what 
Lessons  of  Piety  should  be  to  my  Flock  recommended  and 
inculcated.     I  will  do  so,  at  this  Time,  as  wisely  as  I  can. 


57©         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

25.  G.  D.  It  will  be  not  only  a  thing  acceptable  to 
GOD,  but  also  a  great  Convenience  and  Advantage  unto 
my  dear  Sammy;  if  I  take  a  religious,  ingenious,  poor 
Orphan,  who  is  of  the  same  Standing  in  the  School  with 
him,  and  give  him  his  Board  in  my  Family. 

26.  G.  D.  I  have  a  Son-in-Law,  who  needs  my  Advice, 
in  diverse  important  Articles. 

27.  G.  D.  Oh!  That  I  could  find  the  Liesure  to  form 
an  Enchiridion  of  the  liberal  Sciences,  which  might  enable 
Persons  easily  to  attain  them :  and  at  the  same  time,  con- 
secrate the  whole  Erudition  unto  the  Designs  of  Piety ; 
that  Persons  may  therein  live  unto  God. 

If  such  a  Thing  might  be  accomplished,  it  might  be 
one  of  the  most  useful  Things  that  ever  were  done  in  the 
World. 

But  I  despair,  —  it  seems  too  late  for  me :  —  except,  — 

28.  G.  D.  I  have  Thoughts  of  writing  a  circular 
Letter,  unto  the  several  Ministers  employ'd  in  the  Work 
of  Gospellizing  the  Indians ;  upon  several  important  Points 
relating  to  that  Affair. 

29.  G.  D.  Some  of  my  Neighbourhood  under  Lan- 
guishments  call  for  my  Compassions. 

I  have  been  ill  all  this  week ;  a  feavourish  Pain  in  my 
Head,  much  afflicting  me,  every  Forenoon. 

So  that  I  have  not  had  Strength  to  sett  apart  a  Day  for 
Supplications,  as  I  use  to  do. 

*  30.  G.  D.  Either  I  must  reserve  the  further  Prose- 
cution of  my  Design,  to  consider  the  Image  and  Pat- 
tern of  my  Saviour  for  the  Healing  of  my  Soul,  for 
some  other  Papers,  or  however  I  must  here  make  a  short 
Parenthesis,  that  I  may  enter  one  of  the  Things  which  I 
have  to  delight  my  Soul,  in  the  Multitude  of  my  Thoughts 
within  me. 

I  have  a  Contemplation,  which  has  upon  me  a  most  Heart- 
melting  Efficacy. 


NOVEMBER,     1718  571 

When  the  Cloud  of  Glory,  which  was  the  Shechinah,  that  had  our 
SAVIOUR,  with  the  Angels  of  His  Presence  dwelUng  in  it,  came  down 
and  filled  the  Temple  of  old,  what  a  grateful  Spectacle  was  it,  and 
what  Acclamations  did  it  raise  in  the  Spectators !  A  godly  Man  is  a 
Temple  of  God ;  o  living  Temple;  dearer  to  Him  than  any  Temple  of 
meer  Matter,  tho'  the  most  splendid  and  costly  in  the  World.  When 
our  SAVIOUR  comes  into  the  Heart  of  a  godly  Man,  then  the  Glory 
of  the  Lord  comes  to  fill  a  Temple,  which  He  has  chosen  for  His  Habi- 
tation. And  our  SAVIOUR  comes  into  an  Heart,  which  is  contin- 
ually instructing  and  reforming  and  solacing  itself,  by  thinking  on  Him. 
O  Heart  panting  after  thy  SAVIOUR ;  So  kind  is  thy  SAVIOUR,  that 
even  at  the  Call  of  a  Thought  He  will  come  into  thee!  A  Temple  so 
filled  with  the  Glory  of  the  Lord  is  unseen  by  the  Standers-by ;  Flesh 
and  Blood  standing  by.  The  Life  of  the  godly  Man  is  Hid  with 
CHRIST  in  GOD;  It  is  an  hidden  Life.  But  GOD  sees  this  Temple 
with  Pleasure.  The  SAVIOUR  who  htoweth  all  things  is  pleased  with 
the  Sight.    His  Angels  make  their  Acclamations  upon  it. 

A  feavourish  and  a  torturous  Pain  in  my  Head,  has  now  visited 
me,  and  afilicted  for  the  whole  former  Part  of  the  Day,  for  now  a  week 
together.  By  means  hereof  I  am  this  Day  chased,  not  only  from 
the  House  of  God,  but  also  from  His  Holy  Table  where  His  People 
expected  my  Administrations.  This  Thing,  attended  with  other 
humbling  Circumstances,  caused  me  exceedingly  to  judge  and  loath 
myself  before  the  Lord. 

But  at  the  same  Time,  I  had  my  SAVIOUR  coming  very  near 
imto  me.  I  have  not  only  the  infaUible  Symptoms  and  Effects  of  a 
pardoned  Soul,  but  my  SAVIOUR  dwells  in  my  Soul ;  and  comforts 
me  with  astonishing  Emanations  and  Assurances  of  His  Love. 

This  Day,  I  have  been  in  the  heavenly  World.  It  is  impossible 
for  me  to  relate  what  I  have  mett  withal.  The  Things  are  unutter- 
able! unutterable!  unutterable! 

(VIII.)  That  I  may  serve  the  Kingdome  of  my 
SAVIOUR  in  one  important  Article  more  ;  Glory  to  GOD  in 
the  Highest,  and  Peace  on  Earth,  I  have  convey'd  unto  the 
Press,  my  late  Sermon  about  Swearing.  It  is  entituled ;  The 
Religion  of  an  OATH.  Brief  Directions,  How  the  Duty 
of  SWEARING  may  he  safely  performed,  when  it  is  justly 
demanded.  And  strong  Persuasives  to  avoid  the  perils  of 
Perjuries.     Concluding   with  a   solemn   Explanation   of  an 


572         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

OATH,  which  the  Laws  of  Denmark  require  to  be  considered 
by  them,  whom  an  OATH  is  propos'd  unto.^ 

Two  ordination-Sermons  are  lately  published  ;  and  with 
them,  there  are  given  to  the  Public,  the  Speeches  which  I 
made,  at  giving  the  Fellowship  of  the  Churches  on  those 
Occasions.  These  are  the  first  Speeches  of  this  Kind,  that 
ever  were  printed  in  the  world.^ 

December,  i.  G.  D.  This  is  the  Morning,  in  which  I 
sett  myself  to  think,  What  may  I  do  for  my  SAVIOUR  in 
the  Service  of  the  Flock,  which  He  has  committed  unto  me? 
I  can  think  of  nothing,  but  a  renew'd  Vigour  of  pastoral 
Visits,  as  soon  as  my  Health  will  allow  of  them.  On  this 
Occasion,  I  exceedingly  bewayled  before  the  Lord,  my 
Slothfulness  and  Barrenness  in  my  Projections  of  Service 
to  the  Flock  for  which  I  must  give  up  an  awful  Account 
unto  Him.  I  confess'd  before  Him,  how  just  it  would  be 
for  Him  to  punish  me  with  dreadful  Things  in  my  House, 
while  my  Behaviour  in  His  House,  is  to  be  taxed  with  so 
many  Negligences  and  Miscarriages.  I  begg'd  it  of  Him, 
that  He  would  instruct  me  and  inspire  me,  and  from  time 
to  time,  lead  me  on  unto  the  doing  of  such  Things  as  may 
have  a  Tendency  to  make  my  Flock,  a  wise,  an  holy  and  an 
happy  People. 

2.  G.  D.  What  a  singular  Engine  have  I  to  employ, 
for  the  engaging  of  my  Children  to  become  very  frequent 
and  fervent  in  their  Prayers  to  the  glorious  God.  Oh! 
may  I  effectually  and  importunately  improve  it!  And, 
Oh!  may  I  be  in  Agony  till  I  see  produced  in  them,  the 
Piety,  to  which  I  and  they  have  uncommon  Awakenings! 

3.  G.  D.  What  shall  I  do?  What  shall  I  do,  that  my 
Kinsman,  who  is  now  settled  in  the  pastoral  Care  of  the 

'  Printed  by  B.  Green  for  D.  Henchman,  1719. 

'  Both  sermons  were  by  Increase  Mather ;  the  one,  at  the  ordination  of 
Rev.  Mr.  Walter,  in  Roxbury,  October  29,  1718;  and  the  other,  at  that  of  Rev. 
Nathaniel  Applcton,  in  Cambridge,  October  9,  1717.  There  is  no  speech 
appended  to  the  Applcton  Sermon. 


DECEMBER,     1718  573 

Church  at  Roxbury,  may  glorify  my  SAVIOUR,  with  his 
bright  Faculties  and  Attainments? 

I  will  cultivate  much  Familiarity  with  him ;  I  will 
endeavour  to  bring  him  into  right  Sentiments  concerning 
the  Kingdome  of  God,  and  the  Service  that  is  to  be  done 
unto  it.  I  will  communicate  the  best  of  Treasures  unto 
him,  on  all  Opportunities. 

4.  G.  D.  My  Letter  to  Pilloniere  having  been  published 
and  scattered  thro'  the  World,  and  there  being  much  Notice 
of  it,  it  may  be  an  Introduction  unto  my  further  Appearances 
in  much  greater  Services  for  the  Kingdome  of  God.  Another 
Letter,  either  to  him,  or  to  the  Author  of  The  Occasional 
Paper,  well  contrived,  may  be  of  uncommon  Consequence. 

5.  G.  D.  Some  aged  Societies  for  Piety,  in  my  Neigh- 
bourhood, are  languishing;  What  shall  I  do,  that  either 
they  may  be  reanimated  or  others  may  be  substituted. 

6.  G.  D.     Sundry  poor  Widows  in  my  Neighbourhood. 
*  7.    G.  D.     For  some  weighty  Reasons,   I  must  now 

make  an  Addition  unto  my  Daily  Prayers.  As  my  SAV- 
IOUR went  up  into  a  Mountain  to  Pray,  so  would  I  now 
every  Evening  about  Sun-sett  go  up  into  my  Library  to 
pray.  The  more  special  Intention  of  this  Prayer  shall  be, 
to  enlarge  in  Petitions  for  Improvements  in  Piety;  but 
yett  more  peculiarly  to  obtain  Conduct  from  Heaven  for 
the  Management  of  my  Designs  to  serve  the  Kingdome  of 
God,  and  the  marvellous  Rescue  and  Increase  of  my  Oppor- 
tunities to  do  good,  which  sometimes  the  grand  Adversary 
threatens  with  grievous  Mischiefs  unto  them. 

8.  G.  D.  What,  what  shall  I  do  more,  for  the  Flock 
whereof  I  am  the  Servant  ? 

It  has  been  a  Consolation  unto  me,  when  my  Life  has 
been  full  of  Adversity,  that  all  the  Articles  of  it,  have 
brought  forth  Revenues  unto  the  People  of  GOD,  and  the 
Flock  with  which  He  has  betrusted  me.  My  Adversity 
has   yeelded    Instructions    and    Experiments    unto    them, 


574         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

which  they  have  been  the  Better  for;  and  I  have  been 
rendred  the  more,  fruitful  among  them.  Shall  it  not  still 
be  so? 

I  meet  with  some  very  uncommon  Exercises.  Now, 
first;  my  public  Prayers  and  Sermons,  must  be  more  flam- 
ing Devotions  than  ever ;  there  must  be  more  of  the  Fire 
of  God  in  them,  and  what  may  discover  a  sensible  Improve- 
ment of  Piety  in  me  under  my  Calamities.  And,  secondly ; 
there  are  certain  particular  Maxims  of  Piety  which  being 
enabled  from  the  Things  which  I  meet  withal,  to  press  more 
than  ever,  I  must  accordingly  now  recommend  with  a 
singular  Importunity. 

9.  G.  D.  Ah!  my  poor  Family!  what  Prayers  must 
be  obtained  and  employed  for  thee!  I  must  use  more 
effectual  Methods  that  the  Evenings,  both  before  and  after 
the  Lord's-day,  be  more  entirely  devoted  unto  Exercises  of 
Piety. 

There  are  also  certain  Methods  of  Frugality,  which  the 
growing  Difficulties  of  the  Time,  oblige  us  to  grow  more 
studious  of. 

10.  G.  D.  A  new  Relative  appears ;  a  very  poor  one ; 
and  I  doubt  not  a  very  good  one ;  but  one  who  expects, 
and  must  receive  many  Kindnesses. 

11.  G.  D.  I  propose  a  Letter  to  the  Author  of  The 
Occasional  Paper,  accompanied  with  some  Communica- 
tions, which  I  hope,  will  prove  of  a  most  extensive  Service 
to  the  Kingdome  of  God. 

II  d.  10  ni.  Thursday.  This  Day  was  kept  as  a  public 
Thanksgiving  thro'  the  Province. 

My  gracious  Lord  granted  me  some  Assistances  of  His 
Grace,  for  the  Work  before  me. 

In  the  Evening  of  this  Day,  I  went  up  into  my  Library,  (as  my 
SAVIOUR  did  use  to  go  up  into  a  Mountain,  to  pray,)  according  to 
the  Custome  I  have  lately  taken  up.  I  had  my  Soul  astonished,  and 
full  of  Consternation,  from  an  Apprehension,  that  the  Vengeance  of 


DECEMBER,     1718  575 

God  was  irresistibly  coming  out  against  me ;  an  holy  and  a  religious 
God,  proceeding  irresistibly  to  punish  me,  yea,  to  destroy  me,  for  my 
Sins  against  Htm ;  Sins  in  me  aggravated  above  those  of  any  man  in 
the  World.  Oh!  the  Agony,  in  which  I  lay  prostrate  and  contrite 
in  the  Dust  before  the  Lord ;  crying  and  begging  and  weeping  for  a 
Pardon :  and  pleading  the  Great  Sacrifice  of  my  SAVIOUR,  that  the 
Wrath  of  Heaven  may  be  turned  away  from  me ! 

The  next  Morning  I  renew'd  my  Flight  with  a  Flood  of  Tears, 
unto  the  Fountain  sett  open  for  Sin  and  for  Uncleanness ;  and  with 
such  Dispositions  towards  the  Blood  of  my  SAVIOUR,  that  I  could 
not  but  beleeve,  that  a  gracious  GOD  has  pardoned  me,  and  that  my 
SAVIOUR  will  gloriously  step  in,  with  His  Providence,  to  stop  the 
Progress  of  the  divine  Vengeance  against  me. 

12.  G.  D.  Our  Schole-Master  is  like  to  leave  us.  A 
good  Successor  is  of  great  Importance.  I  have  one  in 
View;  who  may  prove  an  Instrument  of  great  Good  unto 
us.     I  will  endeavour  his  Introduction.^ 

13.  G.  D.  A  poor  Woman,  under  long  Languishments, 
with  no  body  to  look  after  her. 

*  14.  G.  D.  In  my  vehement  Cries  from  the  Dust  unto  the 
Lord  for  the  Pardon  of  my  crying  Sins  against  Him,  I  consider  the 
Dispositions  in  the  Mind  of  my  dear  SAVIOUR,  at  the  Time,  when 
He  was  enduring  the  Punishment  of  my  Sins,  and  making  Himself 
a  Sacrifice  for  them.  I  find  that  He  was  willing  to  take  whatever 
Cup  His  Father  should  give  unto  Him ;  that  He  lamented  the  Dis- 
tance of  GOD  from  Him ;  that  He  was  concerned  for  to  have  the 
whole  Will  of  God  finished ;  that  He  was  concerned  for  the  Welfare 
of  those  that  were  about  Him :  that  He  wished  the  Mercies  of  GOD 
unto  His  Enemies ;  that  He  resigned  His  immortal  Spirit  unto  His 
Father,  for  Him  to  do  as  He  pleased  with  it.  Now  I  strive  till  I  find 
the  holy  One  working  in  my  own  Soul,  something  that  answers  these 
Dispositions  of  my  SAVIOUR.  Thus  disposed,  I  beg  with  Agony 
for  the  Pardon,  which  my  SAVIOUR  so  disposed,  has  with  His  pre- 
cious Blood  purchased  for  me.  And  herein  I  do  not  aim,  at  recommend- 
ing myself  by  any  good  Thing  in  me,  unto  the  Benefit  of  a  Pardon : 
but  my  Aim  is  to  gett  a  comfortable  Evidence,  that  it  is  a  Faith  of 
the  right  Sort;  with  which  I  now  fly  to  the  Blood  of  my  SAVIOUR, 

*  Sewall  mentions  a  candidate,  Rev.  Samuel  Angier. 


576         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

and  pursue  and  receive  a  Pardon.  Yea,  these  Dispositions  assure  me, 
that  I  am  actually  alive,  and  have  passed  from  Death  to  Life,  and  so  a 
Sentence  of  Life  is  with  a  Pardon  passed  upon  me.  To  gain  the  greater 
Assurance  of  this  Life,  I  find,  that  the  Blood  of  my  SAVIOUR  is 
running  warm  in  the  Veins  of  my  Soul ;  quickening  of  me  to  mighty 
Anhelations,  after  an  Imitation  of  Him,  in  loving  of  Righteousness, 
and  Hating  of  Wickedness,  and  submitting  to  God,  and  perpetually 
doing  of  Good;  yea,  an  universal  Conformity  unto  Him.  An  infal- 
lible Token  that  this  precious  Blood  has  been  applied  unto  me. 

15.  G.  D.  One  of  our  Deacons,  more  active  than  the 
Rest.  I  would  much  consult  with  him,  and  obhge  him  to 
concur  with  me,  on  that  Point,  What  may  be  further  done 
for  the  Good  of  the  Flock. 

16.  G.  D.  A  Servant-maid  come  into  my  Family.  I 
must  speak,  yett  more  explicitly  and  effectually  to  her, 
about  her  Espousal  to  her  SAVIOUR. 

17.  G.  D.  There  are  in  this  Town  several  Families 
to  which  I  am  nearly  related.  ISIethinks,  I  do  not  visit 
them  often  enough,  upon  the  Designs  of  Piety. 

18.  G.  D.  Might  I  not  be  furnished  with  some  notable 
Opportunities  to  serve  the  Kingdome  of  GOD,  if  I  should 
bring  it  about,  that  the  Commissioners  for  propagating  the 
Gospel  among  our  Indians,  keep  a  Day  of  Prayer  together, 
and  I  on  the  Day  entertain  them  with  a  Sermon  suited  unto 
the  Occasion,  and  then  pubhsh  the  Sermon  accompanied 
with  some  other  Things  to  serve  the  Cause  of  Religion  in 
the  world? 

19.  G.  D.  The  Minister  at  Rhode-Islattd  must  be 
followed  with  new  and  strong  Instigations,  to  hasten  the 
Gathering  of  a  Church  there. 

20.  G.  D.  An  honest  and  an  aged  man  of  some  Con- 
sideration in  our  Neighbourhood,  is  fallen  midst  grievous 
Distraction.  Besides  other  Compassions  to  him  and  his 
Family,  I  procure  a  Number  of  the  pious  Neighbours  to 
meet  and  pray  together  for  him. 


DECEMBER,     1718  577 

*  21.  G.  D.  My  glorious  LORD  is  leading  me  into  a  Practice, 
wherein  He  has  a  wonderful  Design,  and  whereof  there  will  be  anon 
a  wonderful  Issue. 

As  my  SAVIOUR,  when  the  Evening  arrived,  would  go  up  into 
a  Mountain  to  pray,  so,  when  the  Dark  or  the  Dusk  of  the  Evening 
arrives,  I  go  up  unto  my  capatious  Library,  which  is  three  Stories 
above  my  Study,  upon  the  like  Intention. 

The  more  peculiar  Purpose  of  these  Prayers,  (wherein.  Oh !  what 
sweet  Interviews  have  I  with  my  lovely  SAVIOUR !)  is,  to  beg  that 
the  Kingdome  of  GOD  may  come  on,  and  that  I  may  be  accepted  and 
assisted  for  the  doing  of  Services  to  the  Kingdome  of  my  SAVIOUR, 
and  that  the  Devices  of  Satan  to  destroy  my  Serviceableness  may  be 
defeated. 

But  I  grow  more  and  more  sensible,  that  I  have  not  enough 
Acknowledged  and  glorified  my  admirable  SAVIOUR,  as  the  Lord 
of  ANGELS ;  and  that  I  have  not  enough  considered  the  Angelical 
Ministry  in  my  Supplications.  I  would  now  more  than  ever,  bewayl 
that  Aggravation  of  my  Impieties  and  Impurities ;  The  Grief  I  have 
given  to  the  Holy  Angels  in  them ;  and  with  the  most  repenting 
Flights  of  a  contrite  Heart  unto  the  Blood  of  the  great  Sacrifice, 
obtain  the  Pardon  of  them.  I  would  now  more  than  ever  entreat 
the  holy  SPIRIT  of  my  SAVIOUR,  to  fill  me  with  Dispositions,  that 
may  render  me  the  Delight  of  His  holy  Angels,  and  help  me  to  live 
at  such  a  Rate  of  Sanctity,  Watchfulness  and  Fruitfulness,  as  they 
may  with  Pleasure  look  upon.  I  would  now  more  than  ever,  ask  it 
of  my  SAVIOUR,  that  He  would  send  His  good  Angel,  to  do  me  good, 
in  all  those  Points,  wherein  the  ministering  Spirits,  use  to  befriend  the 
Heirs  of  Salvation.  I  have  a  deep  Sense  of  it  upon  me,  that  if  I  obtain 
such  an  Order  of  my  great  SAVIOUR,  unto  His  good  Angel  to  do  me 
good  Offices,  as  may  in  the  Way  I  have  now  begun  be  waited  and 
hoped  for,  my  Welfare  is  in  a  most  comprehensive,  and  indeed  incom- 
prehensible Manner  provided  for.  So,  I  am  going  on,  with  my 
Evening-Sacrifices,  more  explicitly  and  more  copiously  than  ever,  to 
consider  the  angelical  Ministry;  and  with  such  SuppHcations,  to  ask 
for  the  Favours  of  GOD. 

Some  strange  Things  are  a  coming  to  me ! 

22.  G.  D.  The  holy  Method  of  Tasting  the  Love  of 
our  SAVIOUR  to  us  in  every  Thing  should  be  sett  before 
the  Flock,  yett  more  clearly,  fully,  effectually. 

II  -37 


578         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

23.  G.  D.  I  am  Renewing  my  Instructions  to  my  dear 
Sammy,  for  the  porismatic  Way  of  Reading  the  sacred 
Scriptures.  I  am  wonderfully  refreshed,  by  his  telling  of 
me,  that  he  has  already  used  it.  I  animate  and  encourage 
and  assist  his  proceeding  in  it. 

24.  G.  D.  I  give  a  Visit  unto  my  Relatives  at  Charles- 
town;  with  Essays  to  discharge  my  Duty  to  each  of  them. 

25.  G.  D.  The  Country  is  brought  into  dreadful 
Distresses.  And  they  grow  upon  us  apace  towards  a  great 
Extremity.  Our  excellent  Governour  converses  with  me 
upon  that  Head,  and  I  am  with  his  Assistances,  projecting 
several  Things,  that  may  have  a  Tendency  to  rescue  us 
from  the  impending  Destruction. 

26.  G.  D.  One  of  those  Things,  is,  an  Association  of 
more  sensible  and  Judicious  and  thoughtful  Men,  who  shall 
apply  their  Thoughts,  unto  the  dreadful  Case  before  us. 

26  d.  X  m.  Friday.  This  Day,  I  sett  apart,  for  suppli- 
cations, that  I  may  be  supported  under  my  dreadful 
Distress  and  carry  it  well  under  it,  and  make  very  great 
Improvements  in  Piety  from  it. 

0  my  dear  SAVIOUR,  I  was  never  so  near  to  Thee, 
never  so  full  of  Thee,  never  so  much  what  I  would  be,  as 
I  am  under  the  dreadful  Distress,  which  thou  hast  brought 
upon  me. 

1  had  other  Petitions  also  to  spread  before  the  Lord. 

27.  G.  D.  A  poor,  froward,  wretched  Man,  a  Schole- 
master,  one  suffering  extreme  Wants,  much  thro'  his  own 
haughty  Folly;  I  must,  (altho!  yea,  because,  I  have  suf- 
fered great  Injuries  and  Abuses  from  him,)  contrive  all  I 
can  to  gett  Releefs  and  Employments  for  him. 

*  28.  G.  D.  My  Entertainments  in  my  Library,  when 
I  go  up  for  the  Supplications  of  the  Evening,  are  won- 
derful! wonderful!  Astonishing!  Pen  and  Ink,  are  too 
weak  Things  to  utter  them ! 

I  must  now  make  as  full  a  Collection  as  I  can,  of  the 


JANUARY,     1718-I9  579 

Passages  and  Instructions,  which  occur  in  the  sacred 
Scripture,  concerning  the  good  Angels,  who  belong  to  the 
Armies  of  my  dear  SAVIOUR,  whereof  there  is  no  Number. 
And  I  would  successively  employ  the  Hints  which  these 
will  give  me  to  amplify  upon  them,  in  my  Prayers,  that  the 
Ministry  of  the  good  Angels  may  be  by  my  glorious  LORD 
allowe'd  and  ordered  for  me.  In  my  improving  and  apply- 
ing these  Hints,  I  find  my  Heart  exceedingly  expanding 
towards  a  Conformity  to,  and  a  Communion  with  the 
heavenly  World.  My  Enjoyments  are  astonishing;  It  is 
impossible  for  me  to  write  what  I  meet  withal :  and  it  will 
not  be  convenient  perhaps,  anon,  for  me  to  do  it,  if  I  could. 
Oh !  My  SAVIOUR,  thou  makest  me  a  rich  Compensation, 
for  all  the  Sorrows,  which  are  appointed  for  me. 

29.  G.  D.  There  are  some  Articles  of  Supplication, 
whereof  I  may  do  well  to  take  a  more  expressive  and  per- 
petual Notice,  in  the  public  Prayers.  The  Flock  should  be 
drawn  into  the  Desires ;  and  hereby  also,  they  will  be  more 
instructed  how  to  pray  in  their  Families. 

30.  G.  D.     My  poor  Nancy!  My  dear  Nancy! 

31.  G.  D.  Fresh  Occasions  I  see,  to  study,  that  my 
aged  Parent  may  be  rendred  as  comfortable  as  may  be. 

January.  [1718-19.]  i.  G.  D,  My  Lecture  occurs  on 
this  New-Y ears-Day.  I  take  Occasion  from  the  Day,  to 
inculcate  such  Maxims  and  Lessons  of  Piety,  as  are  proper 
for  such  a  Time,  and  may  from  thence  receive  a  singular 
Efficacy. 

That  I  may  be  the  better  prepared  for  what  is  before 
me,  I  rise  very  early,  and  making  a  Recollection,  I  Repent 
before  the  Lord,  for  all  the  Miscarriages  which  the  former 
years  of  my  Life  have  been  fiU'd  withal ;  and  give  Thanks 
for  the  Favours  of  Heaven  to  me  in  the  years ;  And  by  a 
fresh  Flight  unto  my  SAVIOUR,  I  secure  my  Happiness, 
in  case  this  year  should  prove  the  Year  of  my  Death ;  And 
I  cry  to  the  Lord,  that  He  would  prepare  me  for  all  the 


580         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

Changes  and  Sorrows,  which  may  be  this  Year  to  come 
upon  me. 

I  enjoy'd  very  gracious  Assistances  from  Heaven,  in 
my  pubhc  Action. 

2.  G.  D.  Our  excellent  Govemour  presses  me  to  form 
a  significant  Society  of  our  superiour  and  principal  Gentle- 
men who  may  project  Methods  for  the  Deliverance  of  the 
Countrey  from  the  dreadful  Distresses,  which  it  is  running 
into. 

3.  G.  D.  There  is  a  Scholar  of  a  very  hopeful 
Character,  whose  Welfare  I  would  much  study  for,  and 
bring  him  into  Employments.     Ta/aS.i 

*  4.  G.  D.  I  have  cried  unto  my  SAVIOUR,  that  He 
would  bestow  a  more  diligent  Heart  upon  me.  He  does, 
in  a  surprising  way,  hear  my  Cry.  Oh!  precious.  Oh! 
welcome,  the  Scourges,  by  which  my  Desire  is  accomplished ! 
I  am  now  become  such  an  early  Riser,  that  I  employ  the 
Light  of  the  Candle,  in  my  morning-Studies.  But,  oh! 
the  vast  Improvement  in  Piety,  as  well  as  in  Usefulness 
which  I  may,  yea,  which  I  do,  make  from,  the  Diligence, 
which  I  am  now  rais'd  unto.  My  morning- Visits  to  Heaven, 
as  well  as  my  evening  ones,  have  new,  rich,  high  Entertain- 
ments in  them.  GOD  makes  the  Outgoings  of  the  Morn- 
ing and  of  the  Evening,  to  rejoice  with  me. 

5.  G.  D.  Our  Scholemaster  being  upon  a  Remove,  it 
is  of  great  Consequence  to  the  Flock,  that  a  good  Schole- 
master be  brought  into  the  Succession. 

6.  G.  D.  The  Condition  of  the  Schole,  will  now  require 
me,  to  take  in  a  Manner  the  whole  Care,  of  my  dear  Sammy  s 
Erudition.  May  the  Glorious  One  send  His  good  Angel,  to 
instruct  me,  how  I  shall  order  the  child,  and  how  I  shall  do 
unto  him. 

7.  G.  D.  Sometimes  among  my  Relatives,  I  have 
reckoned  my  personal  Enemies,  with  Projections  that  I 

'Ward.     Robert  Ward  (died  1732)  was  a  graduate  of  the  College  in  1719. 


JANUARY,     1718-19  581 

may  do  good  unto  them.  I  am  sorry  that  among  my 
personal  Enemies,  I  must  now  reckon  some  of  my  Rela- 
tives; unaccountable  Creatures!  But  I  have  a  little 
penetrated  into  their  inexplicable  Character  and  Conduct. 
I  must  watch  over  my  Spirit,  and  study  to  carry  it  as  well 
unto  them,  as  if  they  were  better  affected  unto  me.  And 
heartily  pray  for  them. 

8.  G.  D.  Some  Letters  unto  the  Scotch  Ministers 
arrived  in  our  East  Countrey,  may  have  a  Tendency  to 
hearten  them  in  that  Work  of  GOD,  which  they  have  to 
do,  in  those  new  Plantations ;  and  more  particularly  for 
the  christianizing  of  the  Indians  there. 

9.  G.  D.  The  Ministers  of  this  Town,  have  their 
stated  Interviews.  There  is  now  a  good  Number  of  us. 
May  I  perpetually  contrive,  that  every  time  we  meet  they 
may  hear  something  from  me,  which  may  have  a  Tendency 
to  render  them,  wiser  and  better,  and  more  useful  in  their 
Stations. 

10.  G.  D.  Another  Brother  of  our  Church ;  a  godly 
Man,  is  fallen  into  a  crazy  Melancholy;  I  must  approve 
myself  a  true  Shepherd,  on  this  Occasion. 

A  poor  Indian  perishing  under  a  Cancer  calls  for  my 
Compassions. 

*  II.  G.  D.  It  would  be  to  me  many  Wayes  of  mighty 
Consequence  for  me  not  only  to  obtain  a  strong  Faith  of 
the  wonderful  GLORY  which  the  Servants  of  our  SAVIOUR 
shall  enjoy  in  an  heavenly  Work ;  but  also  arrive  to  clear 
Ideas,  and  Sentiments  of  that  Glory.  T'wil  greatly  sanctify 
me;  and  it  will  praepare  mee  for  Triumphs  over  my  Ap- 
proaching Death :  and  be  of  an  unknown  Advantage ;  to 
me  and  many  others. 

In  order  hereunto,  I  would  cry  with  Importunity  unto  my 
SAVIOUR,  /  beseech  thee,  shew  me  thy  Glory.  And  I  would 
often  make  this  Glory  a  Subject  of  my  Meditation,  when  I 
go  up  in  the  Evening,  to  converse  with  Him,  in  my  Library. 


582         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

12.  G.  D.  Several  observable  People  in  our  Church, 
under  very  disconsolate  melancholy,  miserable  Circum- 
stances. I  must  on  the  Occasion  draw  the  Church  into 
Christian  and  suitable  Expressions  of  Brotherly-kindness, 
in  the  Prayers  I  make  on  these  Occasions. 

13.  G.  D.  There  is  one  Child  in  my  Family,  whose 
Condition  calls  for  my  more  singular  Compassion  and  Con- 
cernment, that  — 

14.  G.  D.  My  Kinsman  at  Sandwyche,  I  may  do  many 
Services  to  him  and  his.  I  also  see  many  Services  that  I 
may  putt  him  upon  doing  for  the  Kingdome  of  GOD. 

15.  G.  D.  I  will  take  my  first  Opportunity  to  give 
unto  the  Public  my  Friend  Boehm's  Recapitulation  of  the 
Heads,  whereon  good  Men  are  in  this  heartless  Time  of 
Religion,  at  work  for  the  Kingdome  of  GOD  ;  in  Hopes  of 
drawing  in  others  to  do  what  they  can  upon  the  various 
Articles. 

16.  G.  D.  I  am  now  upon  writing  Letters  for  Europe. 
In  each  of  them  I  will  study  as  exquisitely  as  I  can,  what 
Services  to  the  Kingdome  of  God,  I  may  putt  my  Corre- 
spondents upon  the  doing  of. 

17.  G.  D.  Several  People  in  very  poor  Circumstances, 
call  for  my  Assistences. 

A  worthy  Gentleman  of  my  Neighbourhood,  having 
buried  a  Child  last  Night,  I  would  this  evening  Visit  his 
Family,  and  pray  with  them,  and  speak  what  may  suit  the 
Occasion. 

*  18.  G.  D.  There  is  a  Book  of  Piety,  which  tis  observ- 
able, all  Christians  of  all  Communions,  have  approved  and 
valued.  It  is,  Th.  a  Kempis,  his  Book,  De  Imilatione 
CHRIST!.^    It  may  be  of  some  good  Consequence  for  me, 

*This  book  had  an  experience  in  Massachusetts,  at  an  earlier  day  (1669). 
"The  Court,  being  informed  that  there  is  now  in  the  presse,  reprinting,  a  booke, 
tit.  Imitacons  of  Christ,  or  to  that  purpose,  written  by  Thomas  a  Kempis,  a 
Popish  minister,  wherein  is  conteyned  some  things  that  are  less  safe  to  be 
infused  among  the  people  of  this  place,  doe  commend  it  to  the  licensers  of  the 


JANUARY,     1718-19  583 

to  read  a  Chapter  in  that  Book,  the  last  Thing  I  do,  every 
Night,  before  my  going  to  my  Lodging,  till  I  have  gone 
through  it.i 

The  Conclusion  of  the  lvi  Year" 

21  d.  XI  m.  1718  [-19.]  Wednesday.  My  glorious  LORD, 
has  inflicted  a  new  and  a  sharp  Chastisement  upon  me. 

The  Consort,  in  whom  I  flattered  myself  with  the  View 
and  Hopes  of  an  uncommon  Enjoyment,  has  dismally  con- 
firmed it  unto  me,  that  our  Idols  must  prove  our  Sorrows. 

Now  and  then,  in  some  of  the  former  Years,  I  observed 
and  suffered  grievous  Outbreakings  of  her  proud  Passions ; 
but  I  quickly  overcame  them,  with  my  victorious  Love, 
and  in  the  Methods  of  Meekness  and  Goodness.  And,  0 
my  SAVIOUR,  I  ascribe  unto  thee  all  the  Glory  of  it,  and  I 
wondrously  praise  thee  for  it;  I  do  not  know,  that  I  have 
to  this  Day  spoke  one  impatient  or  unbecoming  Word  unto 
her ;  tho'  my  Provocations  have  been  unspeakable ;  and, 
it  may  be,  few  Men  in  the  World,  would  have  bom  them  as 
I  have  done. 

But  this  last  Year  has  been  full  of  her  prodigious  Parox- 
ysms ;  which  have  made  it  a  Year  of  such  Distresses  with 
me,  as  I  have  never  seen  in  my  Life  before. 

When  the  Paroxysms  have  gone  off,  she  has  treated  me 
still  with  a  Fondness,  that  it  may  be,  few  Wives  in  the 
World  have  arriv'd  unto.  But  in  the  Returns  of  them 
(which  of  late  still  grow  more  and  more  frequent,)  she  has 
insulted  me  with  such  Outrages,  that  I  am  at  a  Loss,  which 
I  should  ascribe  them  to ;  whether  a  Distraction,  (which  may 

press,  the  more  full  revisall  thereof,  and  that  in  the  meane  time  there  be  no 
further  progresse  in  that  worke,"  Mass.  Col.  Rcc,  rv.  Pt,  ii,  424.  The  first 
known  colonial  edition  was  made  by  Christopher  Sower,  on  his  Germantown, 
Penn.,  press,  in  1749;  and  no  edition  appeared  in  New  England  until  after  the 
war  of  independence. 

'  Nearly  seven  leaves  of  the  Diary  were  torn  out  at  this  place.  The  cause  is 
developed  in  what  follows. 

'  These  entries  are  written  in  a  separate  note  book. 


584  DIARYOFCOTTONMATHER 

be  somewhat  Haereditary,)  or  to  a  Possession ;  (whereof  the 
Symptoms  have  been  too  direful  to  be  mentioned.) 

In  some  other  papers,  I  leave  a  more  particular  Account 
of  these  Things.  ^ 

But,  what  I  have  here  to  relate,  is ;  that  she  had  ex- 
pressed such  a  Venome,  against  my  reserved  IMemorials, 
of  Experiences  in,  and  Projections  for,  the  Kingdome  of 
GOD,  as  has  obliged  me  to  lay  the  Memorials  of  this  Year, 
I  thought,  where  she  would  not  find  them. 

It  has  been  a  Year,  wherein  I  have  made  more  Advances 
in  Piety,  than  in  many  former  Years.  Perhaps,  my  Journey 
thro'  the  Wilderness  just  expiring,  I  must  rid  more  way 
in  one  year  now,  than  in  forty  before.  My  dear  SAVIOUR 
has  made  the  Distresses,  which  the  vile  Frames  and  Ways 
of  my  poor  Wife  have  given  me,  to  be  the  happy  Occasions 
and  Instruments,  of  my  Improvements  in  those  Things, 
which  make  a  rich  Amends,  for  all  the  Troubles  which  His 
holy  Wisdome  has  ordered  for  me :  and  they  have  been 
welcome  to  me.  As  in  this  Year,  I  have  kept  many  Dayes 
of  Prayer;  (on  some  of  which,  I  entred  some  Things 
relating  to  the  angelical  World,  which  I  would  not  lose 
upon  easy  terms :)  and  I  have  had  such  Contrivances  for 
better  ordering  of  my  Walk  with  God,  as  have  been  some- 
what singular;  so  for  every  Day,  I  have  noted,  my  Pur- 
poses of  Services  for  the  Kingdome  of  GOD,  For  fear  of 
what  might  happen,  I  have  not  one  disrespectful  Word  of 
this  proud  Woman,  in  all  the  Papers.  But  this  Week,  she 
has  in  her  indecent  Romaging  found  them ;  and  she  not 
only  detains  them  from  me,  but  either  she  has  destroy'd 
them,  or  she  does  protest,  that  I  shall  never  see  them  any 
more. 

I  have  offered  unto  her,  to  blott  out  with  her  Pen  what- 
ever she  would  not  have  to  be  there.  But  no  loving  En- 
treaties of  mine  can  prevail  with  her  to  restore  them.     Only, 

•  Fortunately  not  preserved. 


JANUARY,     1718-I9  585 

she  gives  me  hope  of  restoring  some  time  or  other,  the 
Papers  of  the  four  or  five  preceding  Years,  which  this  un- 
gentlewomanly  Woman  has  also  stolen. 

My  glorious  Lord,  will  have  me  dy  to  every  thing :  and 
so  I  must  be  Dead,  even  to  those  Papers,  which  are  of  more 
value  to  me,  than  any  temporal  Estate  I  can  pretend  unto. 
But,  at  thy  Command,  I  resign  these  things  also.  I  make 
Sacrifices  of  them!  Sacrifices  to  the  Disposal  of  thy  wise, 
just  good  Providence,  O  my  SAVIOUR! 

On  the  Day  when  this  my  LVith  Year  commenced,  I 
entred  some  strong  Apprehensions,  that  before  I  saw  an- 
other Birth-day,  my  Life  would  be  finished.  There  is  yett 
above  three  weeks  time,  to  have  what  I  apprehended,  most 
literally  Accomphshed.  And  it  may  be,  what  befalls  these 
Memorials  of  my  Life,  may  be  for  an  Admonition  to  me, 
that  my  Life  itself  is  terminating.  But  if  it  should  be  ful- 
filled only  in  a  Sentence  of  Death  passed  thus  on  the  Memo- 
rials of  my  Life,  how  favourably  am  I  dealt  withal ! 

This  Loss  of  the  Papers  where  I  entred  my  Designs, 
upon  the  Article  of  Good  Devised  ;  (the  G.  D.  stood  for 
it  365  times  in  a  year;)  calls  upon  me,  to  humble  myself 
exceedingly  before  the  Lord,  for  my  exceeding  Barrenness 
in  the  Inventions  of  Wisdome,  to  do  good,  unto  all  about  me. 

And,  if  the  Book  of  Remembrance  written  by  me,  be  lost ; 
yett,  a  Gracious  GOD,  may  have  in  His  Book  of  Remem- 
brance, what  He  may  accept,  of  my  poor  Essays  to  do  good, 
when  I  have  thought  upon  His  Name. 

They  who  destroyed  Jeremiah's  Roll,  gott  nothing  by  it. 
This  unhappy  Woman  getts  nothing,  by  what  she  does  unto 
mine.  Her  base  Carriage  to  me,  makes  me  only  write  more 
than  else  I  should  have  done :  and  will  but  quicken,  yea, 
mightily  augment,  my  Fruitfulness  in  the  little  Remainder 
of  my  Pilgrimage. 

There  has  been  one  very  gracious  and  singular  Display 
of  the  Providence  administred  by  my  lovely  SAVIOUR, 


586         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

I  have  lived  for  near  a  Year  in  a  continual  Anguish  of 
Expectation,  that  my  poor  Wife,  by  exposing  her  Madness, 
would  bring  a  Ruine  on  my  Ministry.  But  now  it  is  ex- 
posed, my  Reputation  is  marvellously  praeserved  among 
the  People  of  GOD,  and  there  is  come  such  a  general  and 
violent  Blast  upon  her  own,  as  I  cannot  but  be  greatly 
troubled  at. 

I  will  now  go  on. 

21.  G.  D.  This  is  the  Day,  on  which  I  still  contrive 
to  be  a  Blessing  unto  some  or  other  of  my  Relatives.  Often 
on  this  Day,  I  have  thought,  how  to  be  so,  unto  my  aged 
Parent.  But  this  Day  my  Thought  is  a  little  singular.  I 
have  a  Father,  who  will  count  every  one  a  Blessing  unto 
him,  who  putts  him  into  a  Way  of  being  a  Blessing  unto 
others.  I  am  sure,  it  will  rejoice  him  to  be  so  unto  me ; 
whom  GOD  has  made  a  Son  imto  him  in  some  imcommon 
Circumstances.  I  cannot  enough  admire  the  Mercy  of 
my  glorious  LORD,  in  sparing  to  me  the  Life  of  so  excellent 
a  Friend,  even  for  such  a  Time  of  Distress  as  is  now  come 
upon  me.  I  am  too  ready  to  fly  unto  Creatures.  And  I 
have  no  Man  upon  Earth  but  him  to  fly  to.  I  will  continu- 
ally repair  to  him,  open  my  Case  to  him,  open  my  Heart, 
ease  my  Mind  in  that  way. 

But,  who  can  tell,  what  his  Prayers  may  obtain  for 
me.? 

22.  G.  D.  I  am  aware  of  certain  Points  to  be  incul- 
cated, which  the  Welfare  of  this  unhappy  People  mightily 
turns  upon.  And  I  begin  to  have  in  View  certain  Methods 
for  the  Inculcation  of  them. 

I  must  look  up  to  my  glorious  Lord  for  His  Direction. 

23.  G.  D.  Writing  to  a  Gentleman  of  notable  Capaci- 
ties in  London,  I  animate  him,  with  the  best  Charms  I  can, 
to  apply  them  unto  the  glorious  Intention  of  serving  the 
Kingdome  of  God. 

This  Day  I  sett  apart,  for  the  Devotions  of  the  Closett. 


JANUARY,     1718-I9  587 

The  usual  Occasions  and  Petitions,  were  what  I  had  in  the 
Day  my  Eye  unto. 

But  what  I  more  especially  considered  was  the  dreadful 
Distress,  which  the  foolish  Woman  brings  upon  me,  and 
upon  my  unhappy  Family. 

I  never  find  myself  in  any  danger  of  sinking  in  the 
boisterous  Floods,  but  when  I  am  at  some  Distance  from  a 
lovely  SAVIOUR,  by  my  Thoughts  of  Him,  abating.  This 
Day,  I  was  greatly  helped  from  Above,  to  renew  my  Flights 
unto  Him,  and  after  sore  Conflicts,  with  dark  Apprehen- 
sions concerning  the  Indignation  of  GOD  against  me  for 
my  Miscarriages,  I  had  my  Soul  powerfully  irradiated  with 
Assurances,  that  the  blessed  JESUS,  (to  whom  I  am  entirely 
devoted,  and  for  whom  I  am  continually  speaking  and 
pleading,)  is  my  Advocate :  the  Consequences  whereof,  I 
took  the  Comfort  of. 

As  for  the  Distress  now  upon  me,  I  declared  unto  the 
LORD,  that  if  it  were  necessary,  to  finish  my  Repentance, 
and  quicken  my  Obedience,  and  render  me  more  lively  in 
the  Service  of  God,  and  more  useful  unto  His  People,  I  did 
heartily  consent  unto  the  Continuance  of  it.  Only  I  cried 
unto  my  SAVIOUR,  that  He  would  enable  me  to  carry  it 
well  under  my  Distress,  and  not  leave  me  in  any  Way  to  sin 
against  Him.  All  along  as  well  as  now,  this  has  been  my 
main  Desire.  I  have  more  desired  the  Grace  to  behave  my- 
self well  under  my  Distress,  than  to  be  delivered  from  it. 

But  my  melted  and  contrite  Heart,  was  revived  with  a 
strange  Assurance  of  a  Deliverance  near  unto  me.  My 
SAVIOUR  has  given  a  Good  Angel,  His  order  to  do  me 
good. 

24.  G.  D.  Diverse  new  Objects  of  Charity,  and  Com- 
passion. 

*  25.  G.  D.  Behold,  an  Exercise  of  PIETY,  taught  me 
by  my  SAVIOUR,  which  has  not  been  commonly  thought 
upon. 


588         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

When  I  suffer  any  Distress,  I  will  make  this  use  of  it.  I  will  consider 
some  Distress  like  unto  it,  occurring  in  the  Sufferings  of  my  SAVIOUR. 
Hereupon,  I  will  consider  the  Love  of  my  SAVIOUR,  expressed  in 
such  His  wonderful  Sufferings.  I  will  then  consider  the  Sufferings 
of  my  SAVIOUR,  as  infinitely  meritorious ;  and  as  particularly  pur- 
chasing for  me,  these  three  Benefits;  First,  the  Pardon  of  my  Sin 
which  has  brought  my  Distress  upon  me ;  secondly,  the  Strength  to 
carry  it  well  under  my  Distress;  thirdly,  a  Dehverance  out  of  my 
Distress,  when  He  sees  His  Time  for  it.  Finally,  while  I  am  in  the 
midst  of  these  Considerations,  I  will  reckon  my  bitter  Distress  exceed- 
ingly sweetened,  by  the  Conformity  which  there  may  be  found  in  it, 
unto  any  Sufferings  of  my  SAVIOUR ;  and  by  the  Operation  which 
it  has  to  lead  me  thus  unto  Him. 

How  much  was  my  SAVIOUR  grieved,  by  the  ill  Treats,  which 
His  espoused  Jewish  Church,  gave  unto  Him! 

26.  G.  D.  It  has  been  very  much  my  Study,  that 
whatever  Distresses  I  may  suffer  at  any  time,  the  Flock 
may  have  Revenues  out  of  my  Sufferings.  My  Afflictions 
have  been  rendred  even  comfortable  to  me,  by  the  Prospect 
which  I  have  had  of  their  proving  profitable  to  the  Flock, 
which  my  SAVIOUR  has  committed  unto  me. 

Well,  what  shall  I  do,  that  from  the  Distresses  now 
upon  me,  the  Flock  may  reap  some  sensible  Benefits? 

One  thing  that  I  will  now  more  than  ever  insist  upon, 
shall  be  an  Experiment,  which  I  have  wonderfully  made 
in  my  Distresses ;  That  a  Soul  full  of  a  CHRIST  will  be 
marvellously  prepared  and  strengthened  for  all  Encounters 
of  Adversity.  My  Flock  shall  find  me  more  full  of  a 
CHRIST  than  ever  I  have  been;  and  more  full  of  Essays 
that  they  may  be  so  too. 

Moreover,  a  Man  of  some  Capacity  and  Ingenuity,  who 
came  under  the  Censure  of  our  church  above  twenty  Years 
ago,  is  yett  living  in  the  Town.  I  do  this  day,  write  as 
loving,  as  charming,  as  pungent  a  Letter,  as  I  can  for  my 
Life,  to  recover  him  out  of  the  Snares  in  which  he  is  perish- 
ing. I  do  it  with  earnest  Cries  unto  the  glorious  Lord  for 
the  Success  of  it. 


JANUARY,     1718-19  589 

27.  G.  D.  The  Time  requires  it,  and  the  Condition  of 
my  Family  calls  for  it,  that  we  come  into  the  Methods  of 
a  reasonable  and  reputable  Frugality  for  our  Expences. 
My  Wife,  in  her  froward  Pangs,  having  happily  thrown 
the  Administration  into  my  Hands,  I  gladly  take  it.  And 
having  paid  off  my  Debts,  I  now  suffer  not  my  Folks  to 
nm  upon  Scores  many  Articles  of  our  Expences,  but  still 
pay  as  we  fetch.  I  hope,  that  as  an  Obedience  to  my 
SAVIOUR  dictates  this  prudent  and  righteous  Way  of 
proceeding,  so  my  Family  will  come  into  a  better  Condition 
to  glorify  Him. 

28.  G.  D.  Certain  Points  of  Conduct,  Prudence  and 
Goodness,  relating  to  the  Gentlewoman  which  is  my  dear 
Father's  wife,  that  may  have  a  Tendency  to  his  Comfort, 
are  what  I  have  now  before  me. 

29.  G.  D.  There  must  be  something  yett  more  effect- 
ually done,  that  our  School  may  be  supplied  with  a  Schole- 
Master  who  will  serve  the  Kingdome  of  GOD. 

Provide  Bibles,  to  be  scattered  in  our  ungospellized 
Places. 

30.  G.  D.  I  am  writing  Letters,  to  some  Gentlemen 
beyond-Sea,  wherein  I  animate  their  Concern  to  serve  the 
Kingdome  of  God.  And  other  Letters  to  our  eastern  Parts, 
of  the  like  Tendency. 

I  am  tried  unto  the  uttermost,  in  my  domestic  Cir- 
cumstances. But  my  dear  SAVIOUR  so  upholds  me,  so 
strengthens  me,  so  sanctifies  me,  and  admitts  me  to  such 
Communion  with  Himself  as  makes  me  a  glorious  Compen- 
sation. If  my  Distresses  are  necessary  to  preserve  and 
maintain  the  Life  of  GOD  in  me,  I  heartily  consent  unto 
the  Continuance  thereof  upon  me.  But  I  am  sure  my 
SAVIOUR  is  going  to  deliver  me. 

31.  G.  D.  A  poor  Man,  under  grievous  Distraction, 
must  have  my  Compassion  expressed  for  him,  in  all  the 
ways  I  can  think  of. 


590         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

February.  *  i.  G.  D.  I  will  have  my  Meditations 
more  exquisitely  employ'd  than  ever;  upon  that  Point; 
What  are  the  Sentiments  of  the  Glorified  in  the  heavetily 
World?  Oh!  Whither  may  I  be  caught  up  in  such  Med- 
itations ?  And  what  holy  Impressions  may  they  leave  upon 
me! 

My  Sermon,  this  Day,  shall  touch  upon  some  Instances. 

At  Evening,  when  I  went  up  to  my  Library,  my  gracious 
LORD,  carried  me  up,  into  a  marv^ellous  Communion  with 
the  Glorified;    a  marvellous  Harmony  with  them. 

And  I  know,  that  a  good  Angel  of  the  heavenly  World, 
in  coming  down  by  an  Order  of  my  SAVIOUR  to  do  me 
good. 

2.  G.  D.  I  mightily  desire,  to  raise  in  the  IMinds  of 
the  Flock,  a  very  wonderful  Sense  of  that  astonishing  Mys- 
tery, GOD  becoming  a  Man  in  our  JESUS,  and  instruct 
them  in  the  Way  of  improving  this  Mystery  to  the  most 
glorious  Purposes. 

3.  G.  D.  The  dreadful  Distresses  which  a  furious  and 
froward  Stepmother  brings  upon  my  Family,  as  they  obhge 
me  to  lay  upon  the  Children  the  most  solemn  Charges  of 
all  possible  Dutifulness  unto  her,  so,  they  furnish  me  with 
Opportunities,  mightily  to  press  all  Piety  upon  them,  and  a 
particular  Expression  of  it  in  their  Prayers  and  Cries  unto 
the  Lord.  Oh!  may  they  be  brought  nearer  to  GOD,  by 
the  sad  Things  that  are  come  upon  them. 

4.  G.  D.  The  Lord  having  wonderfully  begun  to  restore 
my  Brother  Walter  unto  his  public  Services,  Oh !  how  affec- 
tionately shall  I  join  with  him  in  thankful  Contrivances  to 
glorify  our  SAVIOUR! 

5.  G.  D.  I  have  new  and  bright  Views  given  me,  about 
a  work  I  have  to  do,  in  bearing  Testimonies  to  the  Godhead 
of  my  SAVIOUR. 

6.  G.  D.  I  will  prevail  with  Mr.  J.  Winthrop,  to  fur- 
nish me,  with  some  of  his  Father's  and  Grandfather's  noble 


FEBRUARY,     1718-I9  59I 

Remedies,  and  I  will  make  myself  the  Dispenser  of  them  unto 
the  miserable.' 

7.  G.  D.  One  of  the  Ministers  in  the  Town  being  sick, 
I  will  in  the  most  brotherly  Manner  employ  Prayers  for 
him. 

*  8.  G.  D.  I  am  endeavouring  more  than  ever  to  affect 
myself,  with  Views  of  the  Aspect  which  the  Godhead  of  my 
SAVIOUR  has  upon  all  the  affairs  of  the  great  Salvation. 
This  I  do,  with  a  particular  Intention,  to  become  the  better 
qualified  and  furnished,  for  the  bearing  of  a  Testimony 
to  the  Glory  of  my  SAVIOUR ;  which  I  beg  Him  to  assist 
me  in. 

My  Soul  is  irradiated,  sanctified,  fortified,  with  marvel- 
lous Discoveries. 

9.  G.  D.  I  am  in  a  Way  to  form  a  Society,  whose 
peculiar  Intention,  it  shall  be,  to  consider  and  prosecute 
what  may  be  done  for  the  Good  oj  the  Church,  which  we  belong 
unto?  I  hope  for  many  Services  to  the  Flock,  from  this 
Association. 

10.  G.  D.  Oh!  my  poor,  distressed,  oppressed  Family ! 
Shall  not  I  take  the  several  abused  Children,  and  call  them 
to  me  in  my  Study,  and  there  not  only  with  all  possible 
Insinuations  and  Importunities,  press  them  to  consider  their 
present  Affliction  as  a  strong  and  loud  Argument  for  their 
Turning  unto  GOD,  but  also  pray  with  them,  and  with 
fervent  and  weeping  Prayers  carry  them  unto  the  Lord, 
and  also  obtain  Promises  of  a  pious  Behaviour  from  them. 

11.  G.  D.  A  Sermon  at  the  Lecture  on  the  Methods 
of  Piety,  wherein  one  may  make  ones  Birthday  an  Oppor- 
tunity for  serious  Recollections  and  Resolutions,  may  be 
a  Service  to  the  Religion  of  my  SAVIOUR.  To  morrow 
is  to  be  my  Lecture,  as  well  as  my  Birth-day.  Lett  me  then 
endeavour  it. 

*  See  Vol.  I.  3  n. 


592      diary  of  cotton  mather 

The  Course  of  my  Ministry  this  Year.* 

i6  d.  12  w.  [February.]  I7i7[-i8.]  On  Luk.  IV,  25.  A  Sermon, 
on  the  Exercises  of  Piety,  wherewith  Widows  are  to  glorify  God. 

23  </.  12  m.  On,  Hag.  I.  9.  Sins  of  Omission;  and  particularly 
Men's  Neglecting  to  build  the  House  of  God.  (And  I  administred  the 
Eucharist.) 

27  (i.  12  m.  Thursday.  A  general  Fast.  On  Jam.  IV.  3.  How  to 
manage  our  Prayers,  that  we  may  not  ask  amiss. 

2  d.  I  m.  [March.]  On  Col.  I.  12.  A  glorious  Blessedness  for  the 
Faithful  in  a  future  State,  an  heavenly  world.  Intending  several 
Sermons  on  it. 

gd.  I  m.  On,  Rev.  II.  9.  Good  Christians  meeting  with  great 
Calamities ;    But  our  Saviour  knowing  all. 

13  d.  I  m.  Thursday.  The  Lecture,  on  Zech.  XIV.  9.  The 
Kingdome  of  our  SAVIOUR,  to  be  one  day  enlarged. 

16  i.  I  w.  On,  Col.  I.  12.  A  Prosecution  of  an  Exhortation, 
upon  what  I  began  a  fortnight  ago. 

23  d.  I  m.  On  Col.  I.  12.  The  glorious  Blessedness  of  the  Faith- 
ful, an  Inheritance;  and,  for  Saints. 

30  d.  I  m.  On  Col.  I.  12.  The  glorious  Light,  in  the  Inheritance 
of  the  Saints. 

6d.  2  m.  [April.]  A.M.  At  the  Old  South,  on  Cant.  II.  3.  The 
Shade  and  the  Fruit,  enjoy'd  from  our  Saviour,  (the  Eucharist 
succeeding.) 

P.  M.  At  the  Old  North,  on  Col.  I.  12.  Finishing  what  I  was 
upon,  the  last  Lord's-day. 

13  d.  2  m.  On  Col.  I.  12.  A  Meetness  for  the  Inheritance  of  the 
Saints. 

20  d.  2  m.  On  Act.  XVI.  14.  An  Heart  which  the  Lord  has 
opened.     (And  I  administred  the  Eucharist.) 

24  d.  2  m.  Thursday.  The  Lecture.  On  Psal.  XXIX.  3.  The 
Voice  of  the  Lord,  on  the  Waters.  Endeavouring  an  Holy  Improve- 
ment of  the  dismal  Inundation,  which  has  lately  made  so  much 
Destruction  on  the  Provinces  of  Holland,  and  the  Sea-Coast  of 
Germany. 

27  d.  2  w.  At  Roxbury.  A.  M.  on  Isa.  LXV.  23.  P.  M.  on  Isa. 
LV.  8. 

4  <f.  3  w.  [1/ay.]  On  Col.  I.  12.  My  seventh  Discourse  on 
Meetness  for  the  Inheritaftce  of  the  Saints  in  Light;  finishing  the  Sub- 

'  We  now  revert  to  the  original  entries  for  this  year.    See  p.  583,  supra. 


■       FEBRUARY,     1718-I9  593 

ject,  with  a  Sermon  of  Expostulations,  for  the  Life  of  Piety,  which 
brings  to  the  glorious  Blessedness. 

II  d.  3  m.    At  the  Old  Church.    On  Matth.  XII.  13. 

18  d.  3  m.  On  Heb.  II.  18.  The  Way  of  addressmg  our  SAV- 
IOUR, for  Succour  under  Temptations. 

21  d.  2,m.  Wednesday.  At  the  Ordination  of  a  Pastor  in  the 
Church  of  the  Baptists.  On,  Rom.  XV.  7.  Our  Duty  to  receive  all 
those,  whom  CHRIST  receives  to  the  Glory  of  God. 

25  d.  3  m.  On  2.  Tim.  IV.  22.  The  Blessedness  of  having  the 
Lord  JESUS  CHRIST  with  our  Spirit. 

I  d.  4  m.  [June.]  On  Gen.  XVIII.  14.  Nothing  too  hard  for  the 
Lord.  The  infinite  Power  of  God,  practically  improved,  in  regard  of 
Distresses. 

5  d.  4  m.  Thursday.  The  Lecture.  On  2.  Tim.  III.  2.  Self- 
Love,  the  Root  of  Wickedness  and  Wretchedness  in  which  the  World 
is  languishing.     The  General-Assembly  sitting. 

8d.  4  m.     On  3.  Joh.  4.     The  Prosperity  of  a  SOUL. 
i$d.  4  m.    On  Hag.  II.  7.    The  Desire  all  Nations  found  in  our 
SAVIOUR.     (And  I  administred  the  Eucharist.) 

22  d.  4  m.  On  Rom.  XIV.  17.  The  Righteousness,  which  belongs 
to  the  Kingdome  of  God. 

29  d.  4  m.  On  Jam.  IV.  13.  The  vain  Presumption  of  living  and 
thriving  in  the  World,  which  People,  especially  in  their  Youth,  are 
prone  unto.  (On  the  Occasion  of  an  hopeful  young  Man,  who  lived 
with  my  Son-in-Law,  drowned  in  the  Harbour.) 

6  i.  5  w.  On  Rom.  XIV.  17.  The  Peace,  to  be  found  in  the 
Kingdome  of  God. 

13  d.  5  m.    On  Rom.  XIV.  17.    The  Joy,  in  the  holy  Spirit. 

!•]  d.  SOT.  Thursday.  The  Lecture.  On  2.  Tim.  IV.  7.  How  to 
manage  the  Combates  of  Christianity,  against  various  Temptations, 
which  Christians  commonly  meet  withal. 

20  d.  5  m.    On  Neh.  I.  11.    Pious  Desires,  an  Evidence  of  Piety. 

23  d.  5  m.  Wednesday.  At  Brooklyn,  A  Day  of  Prayer.  On  Isa. 
XXX.  18.     God  waiting  to  be  gracious. 

27  d.  5  m.  On  Act.  XIII.  45,  48.  The  very  different  Reception, 
which  the  Word  of  GOD,  finds  in  the  same  Auditory. 

id.  6m.  [August.]  On  Col.  III.  3.  Our  Life  hid  with  CHRIST 
in  GOD. 

10  d.  6  m.    On  Cant.  V.  9.    What  there  is  in  our  beloved  SAV- 
IOUR, more  than  there  is  in  any  other  Object,  most  beloved  in  the 
World.     (And  I  administred  the  Eucharist.) 
n  -38 


594         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

12  d.  6  tn.  Tuesday.  The  Lecture  at  Roxbury.  On  3.  Joh.  4. 
The  Prosperity  of  a  Soul. 

14  d.  6  OT.  Thursday.  The  Lecture ;  in  the  Room  of  another  who 
wanted  Help.     On  i.  Pet.  V.  10.    The  eternal  Glory  of  the  Faithful. 

17  d.  6  m.     On  Col.  III.  4.     CHRIST  our  Life. 

24  d.  6  m.  On  Col.  III.  4.  CHRIST  Appearing,  and  we  w/Zt 
Htw,  in  Glory. 

28  d.  6  m.  Thursday.  The  Lecture.  On  i.  Pet.  V.  10.  Finish- 
ing what  I  began  a  Fortnight  ago. 

3id.  6w.  On  Lam.  i.  16.  Our  great  SAVIOUR,  the  grand 
Comforter  that  releeves  our  Soul. 

"J  d.  y  m.  [September.]  On  Eph.  III.  8.  The  unsearchable  Riches 
of  CHRIST. 

14  d.  7  m.  On  Eph.  III.  8.  Finishing  what  I  began  the  last 
Lord's-day. 

21  d.  7  w.  Changing  with  one  of  the  Ministers  in  the  Town, 
(who  wanted  such  a  releef),  I  preached  at  the  Fourth  Church,  on  Act. 
XIH.  45,  48. 

23  d.  J  m.  On,  Matth.  XVII.  i.  The  Remark  our  Saviour  setts 
on  a  seventh  Day.  And,  a  View  of  things  in  the  heavenly  World, 
strengthening  us  to  undergo  Troubles  on  Earth. 

(Beginning  a  Course  of  Sermons,  on  the  Transfiguration  of  our 
SAVIOUR.) 

Sd.Stn.  [October.]  On  Isa.  XXV.  6.  The  Feast  in  the  Moun- 
tain.   (And  I  administred  the  Eucharist.) 

12  d.  8  m.    At  the  New  North.    On  Matth.  XII.  13. 

God  ordered  for  me,  a  precious  Opportunity,  to  treat  very  solemnly 
with  the  Souls,  that  are  swarmed  from  me. 

19  d.  8  tn.  On  Job.  VII.  10.  The  dead  Man's  Place  knowing  him 
no  more.     (A  Funeral  Sermon,  on  Mr.  Bernard,  of  Andover.) 

26  d.  8  m.  On  Matth.  XVII.  i.  Brothers  united  in  the  Favours 
of  Heaven.  Relatives  considered  in  our  Essays  to  do  good.  The 
Gospel  well  attested  to.  Great  Enjoyment  follow'd  with  great  Abase- 
ments.    Poor-men  raised  unto  Heavenly  Priviledges. 

7,d.gm.  [November.]  On  Joh.  XXI.  17.  The  Godhead  of  our 
SAVIOUR,  and  the  marks  by  which  a  true  Love  to  Him  is  to  be 
discovered. 

gd.  gm.  On  Matth.  X.  29.  The  Providence  of  GOD,  how  to  be 
considered  and  acknowledged  in  all  Occurences.  (On  the  Occasion 
of  some  Neighbours  drowned  the  last  Week ;  and  carried  all  together 
unto  the  Grave,  which  afforded  a  very  affecting  Spectacle.) 


FEBRUARY,     1718-19  595 

20  d.  9  m.  Thursday.  The  Lecture  on  Jer.  IV.  2.  The  Religion 
of  an  Oath. 

23  d.  9  m.  On  Matth.  XVII.  i.  None  going  to  Heaven,  but  such 
as  our  SAVIOUR  carries  up.  Seasonable  Retirements  needful  to 
spiritual  Enjoyments.  Pains  to  be  taken  that  we  may  enjoy  GOD 
and  CHRIST  and  Heaven ;  but  Pains  well-rewarded.  This  lower 
world,  to  be  left,  that  we  may  enjoy  a  better  World.  The  Victorious 
over  strong  Temptations  finding  a  wonderful  Recompence  of  their 
Victories. 

7  d.  10  m.  [December.]  On  Luk.  IX.  28.  29.  The  Pattern  of  our 
Saviour  at  Prayer  to  His  Father.  And  the  transfiguring  Efficacy 
which  Prayer  will  have  upon  the  Minds  of  them  that  use  it. 

II  rf.  10  m.  Thursday.  A  Day  of  general  Thanksgiving.  I 
preached  on  i.  Cor.  X.  31.     Glorying  in  the  LORD. 

14  d.  10  m.  On  Matth.  XVII.  2.  The  Glories  of  our  SAVIOUR 
demonstrated  and  insinuated,  in  the  Shine  of  His  Face,  as  the  Sun, 
when  He  was  transfigured. 

21  d.  10  m.  On  Matth.  XVII.  2.  And  Mar.  IX.  3.  Remarks 
on  the  shining  Raiment  of   our    Saviour,    in    His   Transfiguration. 

28  d.  10  m.  On  Joh.  XXI.  17.  Managing  an  Exhortation  to  the 
Love  of  a  most  lovely  SAVIOUR.     (And  I  administred  the  Eucharist.) 

I  d.  II  m.  [January,  1718-19.]  Thursday.  The  Lecture.  On 
Psal.  XC.  9.  The  Years  of  our  Life  spent  like  the  Telling  of  a  Story. 
Entertaining  the  People  with  Meditations  proper  for  a  New  Years 
Day. 

4d.  II  m.  On  Zech.  XIV.  8.  The  Winter  no  disagreeable  Sea- 
son for  the  living  Waters  of  the  Gospel,  to  have  their  lively  Efficacy. 
(a  very  cold,  winter-day.) 

XI  d.  II  w.  A.  M.    At  the  New  North,  on  Cant.  I.  4. 

P.M.  At  the  Old  North,  On  Matth.  XVII.  3.  and  Luk.  IX.  31. 
The  Glory  of  the  Faithful,  after  their  Departure  out  of  this  World. 

As  AN  Appendix  to  the  Course  of  My  Ministry, 
—  IN  MY  stolen  Papers. 

18  d.  II  m.  On  Matth.  XVII.  3.  The  Wonderful  Glory  reser\'ed 
for  the  Faithful  in  another  World ;  (Finishing  what  I  had  begun 
before.) 

2$  d.  II  m.  On  Joh.  VI.  68.  The  Words  of  eternal  Life,  with 
our  SAVIOUR. 

I  d.  12  m.    On  Matth.  XVII.  3.     Both  Law  and  Prophets  testify- 


596         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

ing  to  our  SAVIOUR ;  and  both  Jews  and  Gentiles  having  the  same 
SAVIOUR,  and  the  same  Religion.  And  the  glorified  ones  conversing 
with  our  SAVIOUR,  and  with  one  another. 

Sd.  12  m.  On  Matth.  XVII.  3.  The  raised  Bodies  of  the  Faith- 
ful, appearing  in  Glory} 

To  Thomas  Prince.  m.h.s. 

25  d.  X  m.  [December.]  1719. 

My  dear  Friend,  —  Considering  the  Agitation  in  the  Minds 
of  people  throughout  the  Countrey  on  our  late  Aurora  Borealis,  I 
knew  not,  but  a  Sheet  given  to  the  pubUc  upon  it,  might  have  some 
considerable  Benefits  attending  of  it. 

Under  the  Influence  of  such  a  Thought,  I  wrote  yesterday  the 
poor  Sheet,  which  now  waits  upon  you ;  and  which  our  Patriarch 
[Increase  Mather]  on  Perusal  this  morning  returns  to  me,  with  his 
Imprimatur. 

I  present  the  Sheet  vmto  your  Acceptance ;  and  submitt  it  entirely 
to  your  Judgment. 

If  you  think  it  may  do  any  Good,  I  leave  it  imto  you,  to  give 
it  unto  what  Bookseller  you  please.  Only  offering  my  opinion,  that 
the  more  speedily  the  Bookseller  dispatches  it,  the  more  he  will  find 
his  Account  in  it.  It  will  probably  sell  throughout  the  Countrey,  if 
the  Countrey  know  that  it  is  to  be  sold.  You  know  the  Smiths 
motto,  Dum  calet  percute. 

If  you  incline  to  suppress  it,  I  shall  in  that  also  be  entirely  satis- 
fied. Only  then,  you  may  do  well  to  give  imto  one  of  our  News- 
writers  (to  day)  the  little  Paper  that  has  by  itself  the  Account  of  the 
Aurora  in  it.^ 

I  wholly  leave  all  to  you ;  and  thank  you  for  your  Servants,  which 
now  return  to  you. 

*  On  March  12  Mather  preached  the  Lecture,  and  Sewall  makes  the  following 
entry  in  his  Diary  (iii.  214) :  "For  my  part,  the  Dr.  spake  so  much  of  his  visions 
of  Convulsion  and  Mutiny,  mentioning  our  being  a  dependent  Government,  and 
the  danger  of  Parliamentary  Resentments:  that  I  was  afraid  the  printing  of  it 
might  be  an  Invitation  to  the  Parliament,  to  take  away  our  Charter.  Gov't 
would  have  put  it  to  the  vote ;  but  when  he  saw  how  hardly  it  went,  caused  the 
Secretary  to  break  off  in  the  midst." 

"id.  I  m.  [1718-19.]  The  Repentance  of  Sarah  Forbes,  whose  first  bom 
was  born  four  or  five  Months  before  the  lawful  Time,  was  offered  and  accepted." 
Cotton  Mather's  MS.  Records  of  the  Secotid  Church,  in. 

'  It  was  printed  as  A  Voice  from  Heaven. 


DECEMBER,     1719  597 

May  the  Glorious  Lord  graciously  direct  and  succeed  your  Studies. 

I  am,  Sir,  Your  Brother  and  Servt.  „      .  , 

Co.  Mather. 

To  Thomas  Prince.  m.h.s. 

Tuesday  Mom.  [17 19.] 

My  Good  Friend,  —  Our  good  Friend  Mr.  Green,^  has  undoubt- 
edly something  in  hand  that  we  know  not  of. 

He  has  a  great  and  just  Regard  for  the  Satisfaction  of  Mr.  Clap. 
The  Sermon  of  Mine,  which  he  has  to  do  for  him,  is  but  a  single  sheet. 

He  has  had  it  with  him,  I  think,  about  seven  Weeks.  About  a 
fortnight  ago  I  had  the  first  half  Sheet ;  not  yett,  the  last. 

I  don't  complain.  For  I  take  Mr.  Green,  to  be  so  sincere,  and 
hearty,  and  pious  a  Friend,  that  he  will  do  all  he  can  for  us.  But  so 
it  is. 

You  know.  Sir,  that  in  such  Things,  as  that  which  your  Goodness 
has  just  now  permitted,  and  even  committed  unto  the  Press,  much 
of  the  Decency  and  Cogency  and  all  of  that  will  turn  upon  the  Time. 

You  will  therefore,  having  entred  into  the  Trouble  of  it,  go  on  to 
inform  yourself,  how  tis  at  the  Press;  and  use  your  Instances,  that 
a  proper  Dispatch  be  used. 

I  should  be  willing  that  good  Mr  Green  send  it  me  by  his  Lad, 
before  he  compose  the  latter  End  of  it,  because  I  would  correct  a 
Passage. 

I  know  not  whether  I  should  have  given  you  the  Trouble  of  these 
Incitations,  if  it  had  not  been  for  the  Opportunity  it  gives  me,  of 
presenting  a  Manuscript  unto  your  Perusal  at  your  Leisure;  after 
which  (if  I  live)  I  may  humbly  ask  your  Judgment  upon  it.  It  has 
long  Lain  by  me.  But  I  am  at  Length  upon  sending  a  Copy  of  it 
over  to  London,  if  you  approve  of  it. 

Come ;  we  are  now  getting  into  our  Operations,  of  together  carry- 
ing on  Services  for  the  Kingdome  of  our  God,  and  for  the  Beloved  of 
our  Souls,  In  whom,  I  am,  Sir,  Your  Brother  and  Servt., 

Co.  Mather.^ 

1  Bartholomew  Green. 

^  For  a  curious  letter  of  Mather  to  Judge  Sewall,  written  in  April,  1720,  and 
James  Savage's  comments  upon  it,  see  4  Collections,  11.  122. 

"22  i.  im.  [March.]  1719-20.  At  a  Church  Meeting,  Mr.  John  Buchanan 
was  chose  to  the  Office  of  a  Deacon. 

"The  Church  also  chose  Messieurs  John  Clark,  Thomas  Hutchinson,  Adam 
Winthrop,  Edward  Hutchinson,  John  Ruck,  Samuel  Greenwood,  John  Frizzel,  and 
John  Charnock,  to  act  as  a  Committee,  in  Concert  with  the  Deacons,  on  the  be- 


598         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

To  Daniel  Neal.  a.a.s. 

Sd.Y  m.  [July.]  1720. 

Sir,  —  The  History  of  New  England,^  whereof  you  have  made  a 
kind  present  unto  me,  obhges  me  to  tender  you  my  Thanks  for  the 
Favour  you  have  done  unto  me :  and  for  the  Honour  that  you  have 
done  in  many  points  unto  my  Countrey. 

Your  performance  is  the  Reverse  of  what  was  done  by  the 
malicious  and  Satanic  pen  of  one  Oldnixson  (some  such  Name,)  in  his 
Account  of  the  English  Empire  in  America,"^  whose  History  of  N.  E. 
has  far  more  Lies  than  pages  in  it,  and  the  more  unpardonable, 
because  contradicted  in  the  very  Book,  which  he  was  at  the  very  same 
time  living  on,  and  railing  at. 

No  doubt  some  of  our  people  may  inform  you  of  certain  passages 
in  your  well-penned  History,  which  might  call  for  a  little  further 
Elucidation ;  a  Thing  which  is  incident  unto  all  Humane  composures, 
and  which  must  not  be  wondred  at.  But  I  hope,  they  will  be  all 
sensible,  of  the  Candour  which  you  generally  express  towards  the 
Countrey;  and  of  the  good  wishes  which  you  have  to  the  welfare 
of  it. 

We  ought  certainly  to  have  a  grateful  sense  of  it,  that  any  men 
of  worth,  should  count  such  a  poor,  despised,  maUgned  Countrey  as 
ours,  worthy  of  their  Cognisance ;  and  much  more  of  such  Pains  as 
you  have  taken  to  represent  us  under  an  advantageous  Character 
unto  the  world. 

But  I  must  confess  to  you,  that  my  poor  Countrey  was  never 
famous  for  Gratitude  unto  its  Benefactors.     Nay,  we  have  greatly 

half  of  the  Church,  in  all  Affairs  proper  for  their  Cognizance,  (as  formerly) :  but 
the  Church  now  more  particularly  desired  and  empowered  the  said  Committee  to 
consider  the  present  Condition  of  the  Church,  especially  with  relation  to  the  Meet- 
ing-house, and  proceed  with  what  they  shall  judge  expedient  for  the  Welfare  of 
the  Church,  and  in  Cases,  which  the  whole  Church  is  likely  to  be  affected  withal, 
to  make  report  unto  the  Church  of  what  shall  be  projected  and  proposed. 

"  3  d.  3  m.  [May.]  1720.  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Brethren  a  Proposal 
was  made  by  the  Committee  to  mend  the  Floor  of  the  Meeting-house,  and  new 
Model  the  Seats,  with  a  Provision  for  a  Number  of  Pews,  was  accepted  and 
approved,  and  they  were  desired  to  proceed  in  the  executing  of  it,  and  also  what 
Repairs  of  the  Meeting-house  they  shall  judge  necessary."  Cotton  Mather's  MS. 
Records  of  the  Secotid  Church,  iii. 

*  Printed  in  London,  in  this  year.     See  Sewall,  Diary,  m.  231. 

'  First  printed  in  1708.  John  Oldmixon  (1673-1762)  was  a  journalist  rather 
than  a  historian. 


NOVEMBER,     172O  599 

dishonoured  our  Profession,  by  our  Defect  in  that  Vertue.  They 
that  serve  N.  E.  expect  the  Recompence  at  the  Resurrection  of  the 
Just.  So,  that  if  you  hear  Uttle  from  us,  that  may  appear  a  just 
consideration  of  your  Merits,  you  must  not  be  surprised  at  it.  How- 
ever, some  of  our  best  Men,  are  considering  of  the  most  proper  Way, 
to  testify  their  friendly  Construction,  and  Thankful  Reception  of 
what  you  have  done  for  us.  And  our  excellent  Governour  is  not 
wanting  to  prompt  them  unto  their  Duty  in  it.^ 

We  publish  a  great  many  Uttle  Things  in  this  Countrey,  perhaps 
I  know  of  one  Hand,  from  which  the  press  has  at  least  Three  Hun- 
dred times  drawn  Things,  on  various  Argumts,  and  in  various  Lan- 
guages, into  the  pubUc.  You  will  excuse  us,  if  we  trouble  not  our 
European  Masters  with  them :  only  one,  of  these  because  it  is  the 
continuation  of  our  History,  is  now  humbly  tendred  unto  your 
Acceptance. 

May  you  be  continued  yett  many  dayes  an  Instrument  of  Ser- 
vice to  the  Kingdome  of  God.  I  am,  Syr,  Your  obUged  Friend, 
Brother,  and  Serv't. 

Brief  on  Howell  Estate. 

Reasons,  why  the  Administrator  on  the  Estate  of  Nathan  Bowel 
deceased,  should  be  released  from  His  Bonds  of  Administration, 
Humbly  offered. 

I.  Tho'  his  Allowance  of  his  Name,  to  stand  for  the  Administra- 
tion, when  he  was  unhappily  drawn  into  it,  were  no  unrighteous 
Thing,  yett  it  was  a  very  Indiscreet  One ;  It  was  an  Error  in  him ; 
It  was  not  for  the  Service  and  Honour  of  the  Gospel.  And  tho'  he 
has  been  well  paid  for  his  Indiscretion,  in  the  unaccountable  Ingrati- 
tude of  them  who  have  had  the  only  Benefit  of  it,  yett  so  great  Inter- 
ests are  hurt  by  his  continuance  in  it,  it  appears  but  a  Just  and  Right 
Thing,  that  his  Bonds  be  no  Longer  continued  on  him. 

II.  It  being  in  the  power  of  the  Judge,  to  change  an  Adminis- 
trator, when  there  are  in  his  Judgment  sufficient  Reasons  for  it,  it 

'  The  College  gave  him  the  degree  of  A.M. 

"  14  (i.  6  m.  [August.]  1720.  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Brethren,  the  Church 
received  from  the  Committee  an  Account  how  far  they  had  proceeded  in  the  new- 
modelling  of  the  Meeting-house,  and  voted,  that  the  said  Committee  should 
proceed,  in  seeing  and  judging  what  shall  be  found  necessary  to  be  done  for  the 
repairing  and  preserving  of  the  House.  As  also,  that  proper  Methods  be  taken 
for  the  obtaining  in  a  Way  of  Subscription,  what  shall  be  necessary  to  defray  the 
Expences  of  it."    Cotton  Mather's  MS.  Records  of  the  Second  Church,  ni. 


6oO  DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

may  be  Enquired,  what  Reasons  can  be  sufficient,  if  those  be  not  so, 
to  Remove  the  Administrator  now  Petitioning,  which  appear  in  his 
being  a  most  Improper  and  Unqualified  Person  for  it.  Were  he, 
Non  compos  Mentis,  This  would  be  thought  Enough  to  Release  him ; 
Now  if  there  has  not  been  Enough  either  to  Declare  him  so,  or  to 
Render  him  so ;  yett  there  is  Enough  to  represent  him  as  Incompetent. 

III.  The  Administration  has  been  carried  on  with  a  most  unre- 
proachable  Integrity  and  FideUty.  A  most  Entangled  Business  has 
been  transacted,  by  the  managers,  with  an  Uncommon  Ingenuity,  and 
Application ;  Great  sums  have  been  saved  unto  the  estate,  by  the 
Honesty  and  Vigilance  of  their  Proceedings,  and  many  Thousands  of 
pounds  of  Debt  have  been  paid.  The  Trouble  which  remains,  is 
very  Little  in  comparison  of  that  which  has  been  already  waded 
through.  And  so  much  being  done,  the  Administrator  may  with  a 
Good  Face  pray  for  a  Dismission. 

IV.  Upon  the  most  Exact  stating  of  the  Accounts,  there  appears 
a  very  solvent  Estate ;  and  when  all  Debts  are  paid,  there  yett  remain 
many  hundreds  of  pounds  unto  the  Heirs.  This  is  a  Thing  so  Evi- 
dent, that  there  are  doubtless  to  be  found  those,  who  upon  a  due 
Reward  allow'd  unto  them  for  the  Trouble,  would  readily  undertake 
the  Remaining  Administration. 

In  the  mean  time,  the  sufferings  of  the  present  Administrator 
are  so  Insupportable,  and  he  is  in  such  pecuUar  Circumstances,  that 
he  cannot  but  press  for  a  Release  from  his  Bonds,  with  an  Impor- 
tunity, which  he  hopes  will  move  the  Compassion  of  them  who  can 

deliver  him.  ^  ,, 

Cotton  Mather. 

Boston.  Nov.  8.  1720. 


I72I 

THE    LIXth    year    OF   MY    LIFE. 

12  d.  12  7n.  [February.]  1720-21.  Lord's-Day.  This  Year, 
which  Oh !  the  Wonders  of  the  divine  Grace  and  Goodness 
and  Patience,  that  has  brought  me  to !  begins  with  a  Day, 
which  obhges  me  to  enter  into  the  Rest  of  GOD.  And  very 
probably,  it  may  be  the  Year  of  my  Entrance  into  my 
everlasting  Rest. 

I  take  the  Opportunity,  thankfully  to  acknowledge  the  Help 
of  GOD,  thro'  which  I  continue  to  this  Day,  and  the  many 
marvellous  Blessings  with  which  my  Life  has  been  brightened  and 
sweetened. 

And  I  bewayl  my  Unfruitfulness  under  the  Means  of  Good  and 
especially  a  Variety  of  Afflictions,  which  have  been  in  this  Time 
employ'd  upon  me;  and  the  slow  and  small  Progress  I  have  made 
in  a  Return  unto  GOD. 

I  also  confess  with  Sorrow,  all  the  Impieties  and  Impurities,  with 
which  my  Life  has  been  defiled,  and  the  vile  Idolatries  in  aiming  at 
self,  with  which  my  very  Services  have  generally  been  polluted.  And 
I  make  my  Fhght  unto  the  great  Sacrifice  of  my  SAVIOUR,  for  the 
Pardon  of  them  all. 

I  ask  for  the  Smile  of  GOD  upon  me,  in  the  ensuing  Year ;  and 
a  Soul  prepared  for  all  the  Changes  which  it  may  bring  upon  me. 

But  I  especially  pray,  that  a  singular  Growth  in  an  Acquaintance 
with  a  Glorious  CHRIST,  and  in  the  Skill  and  Care  of  exhibiting 
His  Glories  to  aU  about  me,  may  be  the  Distinguishing  Foelicity, 
whereby  that  year  shall  be  signalized  unto  me. 

G.  D.  In  Pursuance  of  this  Foelicity,  this  Morning  in  dressing 
myself,  I  considered  the  various  Benefits  of  my  several  Garments 
unto  me ;  and  from  thence  I  formed  agreeable  Thoughts  of  the  Bene- 
fits to  be  found  in  the  Enjoyment  of  my  admirable  SAVIOUR,  and 
I  putt  on  CHRIST,  in  doing  so. 

Having  also  been  lately  very  ill,  and  this  being  the  first  Lord's- 

601 


602         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

day  of  my  going  abroad  after  my  Illness,  I  suit  my  Circumstances  in 
that  Regard,  as  well  as  in  my  Birth-day,  by  a  Discourse  on  i.  Chron. 
XXIX.  15.  Our  Days  on  the  Earth  are  as  a  Shadow,  and  there  is  none 
Abiding. 

13.  G.  D.  How  shall  I  convey  to  my  Flock,  such 
Sentiments  of  Piety,  that  they  may  fare  the  better  for  the 
Illness  which  I  have  lately  had  upon  me,  and  be  Gainers 
by  my  AfHictions  and  Experiences. 

14.  G.  D.  Several  Points  of  Cultivation  for  Samuel, 
to  be  prosecuted. 

Especially,  that  of  determining  the  End  of  his  pursuing 
the  several  Points  of  Learning  which  he  has  in  Prosecution. 

15.  G.  D.  Think  on  some  noble  Subject,  which  my 
Kinsman  at  Roxbury,  may  cultivate  for  the  Service  of  the 
Kingdome. 

And  encourage  a  Collection  that  some  charitable  Gentle- 
men are  Meditating  for  the  Releef  of  his  Necessities. 

16.  G.  D.  It  may  have  a  notable  Tendency  to  the 
Revival  of  the  Boston-Lecture,  and  be  for  the  Edification 
and  Satisfaction  of  the  Auditory,  if  the  Lecturers  might  agree 
to  preach  on  connected  Subjects,  and  such  as  the  Cause 
of  Piety  most  calls  to  be  insisted  on,  and  such  as  the  Auditory 
may  be  aforehand  apprised  of  what  may  be  looked  for. 

Prosecute  this  Design. 

17.  G.  D.  I  would  see  whether  I  can't  publish  and 
scatter  thro'  the  Countrey,  certain  Proposals  for  the  reviv- 
ing and  praeserving  of  Piety,  by  religious  Societies,  well 
animated  and  regulated,  in  every  Plantation. 

Because  of  my  late  Illness,  and  the  Weakness  yett  re- 
maining on  me,  I  did  not  sett  apart  this  Day,  for  Fasting 
with  Prayer,  as  else  I  would  have  done,  and  as  I  use  to  do. 
Yett  it  was  with  me  a  Day  of  Sacrifices. 

18.  G.  D.  Several  of  the  Flock  are  distressed  with 
grievous  Temptations. 

*  19.   G.  D.    A  most  gracious  Providence  of  my  dear, 


FEBRUARY,     1721  603 

kind  faithful  SAVIOUR,  has  led  me  to  the  Perusal  of  Mr. 
Walter  Marshal's  Book,  on,  The  Gospel-Mystery  of  Sancti- 
ficationJ  In  the  perusing  of  it,  I  find  admirable  Hints, 
about  the  true  Methods  of  arriving  to  the  highest  Pitch  of 
Holiness,  and  some  Things,  whereof  I  had  not  so  clear  and 
full  a  Sense  as  now  the  glorious  Lord  has  given  me.  I  hope, 
to  improve  in  Holiness  exceedingly  by  this  Communication. 

20.  G.  D.  The  Committee  of  the  Church,  must  be 
stirred  up,  to  renew  their  Cares  and  employ  their  Thoughts, 
and  revive  their  Meetings,  for  the  Good  of  the  Flock.  The 
Time  growes  yett  more  Critical. 

21.  G.  D.  My  Negro-Servant,  seeks  Baptism.  I  must 
use  my  best  Endeavours  to  prepare  him  for  it. 

22.  G.  D.  What  shall  I  say  to  the  Unhappy  R.  H.  at 
his  taking  leave  of  me,  going  to  the  W.  Indies. 

23.  G.  D.  Something  must  be  done,  and  I  must  be 
at  some  Expence,  for  the  offer  of  the  Gospel  unto  our  Narra- 
ganset  Countrey. 

24.  G.  D.  Something  should  be  done,  that  the  Inter- 
views of  the  Ministers  every  fortnight,  may  be  rendred  yett 
more  profitable  to  ourselves  and  others. 

25.  G.  D.  A  Family  in  the  Neighbourhood,  where  one 
is  distracted. 

*  26.  G.  D.  I  am  collecting  into  my  Paterna,  several 
Methods  of  conversing  with  my  Admirable  SAVIOUR, 
which  of  late  Months  I  have  been  instructed  in:  that  so 
having  them  together  before  me,  for  a  frequent  Perusal,  I 
may  keep  in  the  lively  Exercise  of  them,  and  may  not  lose 
them  in  my  feeble  and  broken  Conversation. 

27.  G.  D.  I  observe  a  great  Number  of  People  in  the 
Flock,  whose  Employments  are  so  circumstanced,  that  while 
their  Hands  are  employ'd,  their  Minds  are  very  much  at 
liesure,  and  others,  in  whose  Business  both  Hands  and  Minds 

*  Walter  Marshall  (1628-1680),  a  Presbyterian  divine,  whose  chief  work,  just 
mentioned,  was  not  published  until  1692. 


6o4         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

are  so  I  would  in  a  Sermon  propose  Methods  for  these 
Neighbiours  to  Redeem  this  Time,  especially  in  such  good 
Thoughts  as  may  be  of  the  best  Consequence  unto  them ; 
and,  if  I  can  publish  and  scatter  the  Sermon  among 
them. 

28.  G.  D.  Warnings  to  Sammy!  About  this  Time,  I 
committ  unto  the  Press,  two  Treatises,  wherein  I  propose 
many  Services  to  the  Kingdome  of  God. 

First,  having  obtained  a  Time  of  Prayer  with  the  Com- 
missioners for  our  Indian-a&diixs,,  they  direct  the  publica- 
tion of  my  Sermon  to  them  on  that  Occasion.  And  having 
held  some  Correspondence  with  the  Missionaries  in  the 
East-Indies,  I  take  the  Occasion  to  exhibit  some  very 
entertaining  Things  relating  thereunto :  especially  my  Letter 
to  them,  and  theirs  to  me. 

(I)  It  is  entituled,  India  Cecristiana.  A  Discourse 
delivered  unto  the  COMMISSIONERS  for  the  Propagation 
of  the  Gospel,  among  the  AMERICAN  Indians  which  is 
accompanied  with  several  Instruments  relating  to  the  Glorious 
Design  of  propagating  our  Holy  Religion,  in  the  Eastern  as 
well  as  the  Western  INDIES.  An  Entertainment,  which 
they  that  are  waiting  for  the  Kingdome  of  GOD,  will  receive  as 
Good  News  from  a  far  Countrey.^ 

(II)  Moreover,  observing  the  grievous  Mispence  of 
Time  everywhere  indulged,  and  more  particularly  observing 
how  much  there  might  be  a  better  Husbandry  of  Time  for 
good  Purposes,  in  them  whose  Heads  are  little  employed 
when  their  Hands  are  following  their  Business,  and  in  others 
whose  Heads  as  well  as  Hands  are  very  much  at  Liesure ; 
I  preached  a  Sermon,  which  I  then  printed,  with  a  Purpose 
to  lodge  it  where  I  come,  in  the  pastoral  Visits.  Tis  en- 
tituled, Honesta  Parsimonia.  An  Essay  upon.  Time  spent 
as  it  should  be ;  with  PROPOSALS,  To  prevent  that  great 
Mischief,  The  Loss  of  Time;  and  employ  the  Talent  of  Time 

*  Printed  by  B.  Green,  1721. 


MARCH,     1721  605 

SO  watchfully  and  Fruitfully  that  a  good  Account  may  at  least 
be  given  of  it.^ 

March,  i.  G.  D.  Encourage  a  Collection  for  the 
Releef  of  my  Kinsman  at  Roxbury. 

2.  G.  D.  I  would  endeavour  that  the  Governour  may 
interpose  to  putt  an  effectual  Stop  to  those  cursed  Pam- 
phlets and  Libels,  wherewith  some  wicked  Men,  are  endeav- 
ouring to  Poison  the  Countrey.^ 

3.  G.  D.  An  excellent  young  Minister,  as  bright  a 
Thing  as  ever  this  Town  produced,  who  is  particularly 
insulted  and  abused  by  the  scurrilous  and  scandalous  Libels, 
I  would  greatly  encourage  him,  and  endeavour  that  he  may 
not  be  at  all  disheartened.^ 

4.  G.  D.  I  would  endeavour,  that  a  well-qualified 
young  Gentleman,  who  is  out  of  Employment,  may  be  made 
a  Tutor  at  the  Colledge. 

*  5.  G.  D.  That  sublime  Thought,  the  first  Idea  and 
Archetype  of  all  Creatures,  being  in  the  eternal  SON  of  GOD 
who  is  the  Wisdome  of  the  FATHER;  from  whence  there 
follow  Consequences  full  of  Astonishments:  I  would  culti- 
vate it  with  my  Contemplations,  and  thereby  prosecute 
my  main  Intention  of  His  becoming  all  unto  me. 

6.  G.  D.  A  comfortable  Hope,  yea,  a  lively  and  joy- 
ful Perswasion,  that  our  great  SAVIOUR  has  taken  us 
under  the  Shadow  of  His  Wings,  and  will  surely  do  us  good, 
and  make  us  righteous  and  holy,  and  save  us  to  the  utter- 
most, I  take  to  belong  so  much  to  a  saving  Faith,  that  I 
doubt  the  dropping  of  this  Doctrine  by  Divines  of  later 
Years,  had  been  a  real  Disservice  unto  Piety;  and  it  may 

'  Printed  by  S.  Kneeland  for  J.  Edwards,  1721. 

'A  bill  entitled,  "An  act  for  preventing  of  libels  and  scandalous  pamphlets, 
and  punishing  the  authors  and  printers,"  was  laid  before  the  House  of  Repre- 
sentatives, but  was  negatived  on  a  second  reading,  March  27,  172 1.   Journals. 

'  Thomas  Walter  was  probably  the  young  minister,  and  John  Checkley's 
Choice  Dialogues,  between  a  godly  Minister  and  ati  honest  Countryman,  concerning 
Election  and  Predestination,  one  of  the  cursed  pamphlets.  Walter  replied  in  a 
Choice  Dialogue  between  John  Faustus,  a  Conjurer,  and  Jack  Tory  his  Friend. 


6o6         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

quicken  Piety  in  my  Flock,  and  have  a  Tendency  to  recover 
them  from  that  condition  of  more  feeble  Christians,  in  which 
they  are  generally  languishing,  if  this  Doctrine  were  in  its 
true  Light  and  with  a  suitable  Inculcation  sett  before  them. 

7.  G.  D.  I  see,  I  must  again,  with  the  strongest  Rein- 
forcements, direct  Employments  for  Sammy,  that  may 
rescue  him  from  the  Idleness,  which  he  is  too  ready  to  fall 
into. 

A  further  Accomplishment  for  Creasy,  to  render  him  a 
more  finished  Gentleman  (Oh!  when,  when  shall  I  say. 
Christian)  must  be  paid  for. 

8.  G.  D.  Writing  to  my  Brother  Samuel,  I  propose  to 
him  a  matter  of  great  Consequence. 

9.  G.  D.  I  w^ould  use  Methods,  that  several  of  my 
poor  Treatises  to  serve  the  Kingdome  of  GOD,  may  reach 
to  the  Frederician  University ;  where  tis  possible  they  may 
be,  some  of  them,  translated  for  further  Service. 

10.  G.  D.  May  I  not  visit  the  Watch-house,  and  there 
prevail  with  the  Watchmen,  to  spend  their  Time  in  devout 
Exercises,  especially  in  reading  Books  of  Piety  when  they 
are  not  abroad  upon  their  Duty! 

11.  G.  D.  There  are  several  aged  People,  that  I  have 
a  strong  Disposition  to  Visit,  upon  the  Intention  of  bringing 
their  Preparations  for  Death  into  its  perfect  Work. 

*  12.   G.  D.     Temperate  in  all  Things. 

13.  G.  D.  Should  not  something  be  done  towards  the 
mending  of  the  Singing  in  our  Congregation  ?  ^ 

14.  G.  D.  Sammy  now  returning  to  Cambridge,  I 
would  write  Letters,  unto  some  superior  Students  there  to 
keep  a  strict  Inspection  on  Him,  and  oblige  him  to  observe 
certain  Points  of  good  Conduct,  which  I  shall  propose  unto 
them. 

15.  G.  D.  I  have  a  Kinsman,  who  needs  my  Exhorta- 
tions and  Stimulations,  to  stick  well  to  his  Business. 

*See  page  693,  infra. 


MARCH,     1721  607 

16.  G.  D.  There  is  a  very  wicked  Party  in  this  Countrey 
who  fill  the  Land  with  Strife  and  Sin,  and  who  are  drawing 
the  People  into  continual  Snares,  and  into  such  Actions  and 
Folhes,  as  are  a  Blemish  unto  us,  and  threaten  to  bring 
horrible  Oppresion  and  Slavery  upon  us.  And  such  is  our 
poor  Condition,  that  except  the  Hand  of  our  glorious  Lord, 
in  some  wonderful  Way  deliver  the  Countrey  from  two  or 
three  Men,  who  are  the  very  Soul  and  Staff  of  the  wicked 
Party,  the  Countrey  must  in  an  ordinary  way  be  ruined, 
and  the  Churches  of  the  Lord  reduced  unto  wretched  Cir- 
cumstances, and  His  Work  wherein  much  of  His  Glory 
has  appeared,  be  lost  among  us.  In  this  Distress,  what  can 
I  do,  for  this  poor,  ungrateful  and  unworthy  Country, 
but  cry  imto  GOD  ;  and  unto  my  SAVIOUR,  who  has  more 
Pity  and  Patience  for  a  Congregation  full  of  Murmuring 
than  ever  a  Moses  could  express  for  his  froward  People? 
Accordingly,  bewayling  my  own  manifold  impurities,  and 
particularly  my  own  Frowardness  under  the  Provocations 
of  this  People,  and  getting  my  Soul  well-purified  from  all 
personal  Revenge  or  Malice  against  these  Men,  I  carry  them 
unto  the  Lord,  and  I  earnestly  intercede  with  Him,  that 
the  Countrey,  which  is  perishing  by  their  Means,  may  be 
delivered  from  them.  Within  these  few  Hours,  GOD  has 
in  a  marvellous  Manner,  and  at  a  very  critical  Moment, 
smitten  with  an  Apoplexy,  one  who  has  been  and  would 
still  have  been  the  greatest  Hinderer  of  good,  and  Mis- 
leader  and  Enchanter  of  the  People,  that  there  was  in  the 
whole  House  of  Representatives,  who  are  just  now  come 
together.'  Methinks,  I  see  a  wonderful  Token  for  good  in 
this  Matter :  And  I  go  on  with  my  humble  Supplications 
to  the  Lord. 

* "  Dr.  Oliver  Noyes  is  seized  with  an  Apoplexy,  at  10  at  night."  He  died 
the  next  day,  and  prayers  were  made  for  him  by  Rev.  Thomas  Foxcroft  and 
Rev.  Benjamin  Colman.  On  the  following  Sabbath  many  ministers  "  improved 
the  sudden  death  of  Dr.  Noyes  to  awaken  all  to  prepare  for  the  Lord's  coming." 
Sewall,  Diary,  m.  284. 


6o8         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

In  the  Evening  I  preached  unto  a  large  Auditory,  where 
a  Society  [of]  persons  learning  to  Sing,  began  a  quarterly 
solemnity.      On  Rev.  xiv.  3.^ 

17.  G.  D.  I  am  this  day,  in  the  most  solemn  way 
Prosecuting  the  Design  mentioned  yesterday. 

17  d.  1  m.  Friday.  I  sett  apart  this  Day,  for  Supplica- 
tions, wherein  I  carry  unto  the  Lord  the  affairs  about  which 
I  am  concerned,  and  cast  my  Burdens  upon  Him. 

Especially,  the  Deliverance  of  the  Countrey  from  the 
Men  and  Things  that  are  Snares  unto  it.  An  happy  Period 
of  my  Administration.  The  conversion  of  my  Son  In- 
crease, the  Preservation  of  my  Son  Samuel,  who  returns 
this  day  to  the  Colledge.  The  Presence  of  the  Lord  with 
me,  in  the  Lecture  upon  early  Piety,  which  I  have  the  next 
Week  before  me. 

18.  G.  D.  Several  new  Objects  of  Charity  and  Com- 
passion, more  than  one  or  two,  present  themselves  unto  me, 
to  be  cared  for. 

*  19.  G.  D.  I  grow  continually  more  and  more  sensible 
of  this:  That  I  cannot  apprehend  my  SAVIOUR  except 
I  am  first  apprehended  of  Him.  I  seek  my  Satisfaction 
in  conversing  with  Him,  and  my  Consolation  in  having 
the  precious  Thoughts  of  Him  raised  in  my  Mind.  But  I 
cannot  myself  raise  these  Thoughts;  I  continue  without 
them,  if  He  dart  not  His  Rayes  into  my  Mind,  for  the 
enkindling  of  them.  This  therefore  must  be  the  Way  that 
I  take ;  when  I  feel  (as,  alas,  I  often  do)  my  Soul  at  a  dis- 
tance from  the  glorious  CHRIST,  who  is  my  Life,  I  must 
first  Uft  up  a  Cry  to  Him,  0  my  dear  SAVIOUR,  shine  into 
my  Mind,  and  send  into  we  the  Thoughts  wherein  I  shall 
enjoy  thee! 

20.   G.  D.     I  am  furnishing  myself  with  my  Essay  on, 

*  He  preached  on  the  i6th  to  the  young  musicians.  "House  was  full,  and 
the  Singing  extraordinarily  Excellent,  such  as  has  hardly  been  heard  before  in 
Boston.    Sung  four  times  out  of  Tate  and  Brady."     Sewall,  Diary,  m.  285- 


MARCH,     1721  609 

Time  spent  as  it  should  be;  and  I  purpose  in  my  pastoral 
Visits,  to  bestow  it  upon  those,  whose  Business  affords  them 
Time  to  have  their  Minds  filled  with  such  Thoughts  as 
may  be  of  the  greatest  Use  unto  them. 

21.  G.  D.  Creasy  needs  fresh  and  strong  Admonitions 
to  be  diligent  in  his  Business. 

Oh!  my  God;  when,  when  the  Month  in  which  thou 
wilt  find  him! 

22.  G.  D.  I  will  take  my  religious  Neighbour  Dr. 
Perkins,  into  the  Number  of  my  Relatives ;  I  will  study  his 
Welfare ;  I  will  promote  his  Practice  ;  I  will  do  for  him  all 
that  I  can  do  for  the  dearest  Brother. ^ 

23.  G.  D.  Having  invited  the  Ministers  of  the  City 
into  a  Resolution  to  entertaining  the  People  with  eight 
Lectures  on  early  Piety;  I  do  this  Day  begin  the  Course, 
with  a  Sermon  on  parental  Sollicitudes  to  see  it  wrought 
in  their  Children,  and  vehement  Expostulations  with  the 
Children  themselves  to  look  after  such  a  Blessedness. 

And  tho'  I  was  faint  and  weak,  yett  crying  to  my  glorious 
Lord,  that  He  would  send  His  good  Angel  to  strengthen  me, 
I  was  after  a  surprising  Manner  strengthened  in  the  Service 
before  me.  It  was  a  very  vast  Assembly,  that  I  preached 
unto;  and  I  stood  very  long  in  my  Sermon;  but  my  glori- 
ous Lord  mightily  assisted  me ;  and  when  all  was  finished, 
I  was  less  tired  and  broken,  that  ever  in  my  ordinary  Per- 
formances I  use  to  be.    Oh !  what  shall  I  render  to  the  Lord ! 

24.  G.  D.  Lord,  what  shall  I  do,  for  a  self-destroying 
People!  My  foolish,  and  froward,  wretched  Countrey, 
will  destroy  itself  unless  two  or  three  wicked  Men  may  feel 
the  Hand  of  GOD  upon  them. 

25.  G.  D.  A  poor  Infant  of  a  poor  woman  perishing 
under  scrophulous  ulcers. 

*  26.   G.  D.     May  I  with  much  Activity  of  Mind  grow 

•John  Perkins  is  mentioned  in  1707  as  "poor,"  but  paying  a  rental  of  £12 
for  a  house.     Boston  Record  Commissioners,  x.  120.     See  p.  93,  supra. 
"  -39 


6lO         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

in  the  Skill  and  the  Use  of  this  Exercise,  that  whatever  I 
enjoy  or  observe  useful  or  grateful  in  any  Creatures,  I  may 
still  form  thereupon  some  Thoughts  of  the  Excellencies  in 
my  SAVIOUR,  to  render  Him  useful  and  grateful  unto  the 
Children  of  men. 

27.  G.  D,  A  Warning  unto  the  young  People  of  the 
Flock,  to  beware  lest  the  Essays  of  the  Ministers  in  the 
Town,  to  produce  early  Piety,  prove  their  impoenitency, 
but  an  Introduction  to  a  grievous  Mortality  among  them. 

28.  G.  D.  Further  Projections  for  Sammy's  Welfare 
at  the  Colledge. 

29.  G.  D.  Animate  some  charitable  Intentions  to 
releeve  and  support  my  Kinsman  at  Roxbury. 

30.  G.  D.  Several  important  Things  to  be  mentioned 
unto  the  Governour. 

But,  I  am  entertaining  serious  Thoughts  upon  the 
Condition  of  Religion,  and  of  the  Dissenters,  especially,  in 
England;  Whether  I  may  not  come  into  such  Meditations 
thereupon,  as  may  carry  the  Voice  of  the  glorious  GOD, 
and  be  of  great  Use,  unto  them. 

31.  G.  D.  My,  Christian  Philosopher,'^  in  a  vessel  blown 
off  our  Coast  last  Winter,)  is  this  Week  arrived  from  Eng- 
land; an  Hundred  of  the  Books  are  come.  I  may  glorify 
God,  especially  by  getting  our  Colledges  filled  with  them. 

April.  I.  G.  D.  Several  Neighbours,  I  see  Death 
approaching  on  them.  Lett  me  treat  them  agreeably, 
profitably. 

*  2.  G.  D.  The  use  of  a  glorious  CHRIST,  (or,  How 
the  Faith  of  Him  is  to  operate)  in  every  Part  of  the  Chris- 
tian Life:  this  noble  Subject,  O  my  Soul,  prosecute  it  with 
a  yett  more  notable  Cultivation  of  it.  And  may  He  assist 
thee  in  it. 

3.  G.  D.  Two  Sermons  on  the  unhappy  Condition  of 
those,  who  walk  in   the  Darkness  of  a  woful  Uncertainty 

'Printed  in  London  by  Emanuel  Matthews,  1721. 


APRIL,     1721  611 

about  their  State  in  the  eternal  World,  and  know  not  whither 
they  are  going;  The  Flock  needs  greatly  to  be  rowsed 
with  them. 

4.  G.  D.  My  miserable,  miserable,  miserable  Son  In- 
crease! The  Wretch  has  brought  himself  under  public 
Trouble  and  Infamy  by  bearing  a  Part  in  a  Night-Riot, 
with  some  detestable  Rakes  in  the  Town. 

Oh !  what  shall  I  do !  How  shall  I  glorify  my  just,  wise 
dear  SAVIOUR,  on  this  deplorable  Occasion!  And  what 
is  my  Duty  in  relation  to  the  incorrigible  Prodigal ! 

Apply  to  the  Secretary  who  employs  him. 

5.  G.  D.  My  Neighbour,  Perkins,  needs  to  be  advised 
of  something  for  his  Welfare. 

6.  G.  D.  Disperse  among  the  Scholars  at  the  Colledge, 
a  Number  of  my,  Honesta  Parsimonia. 

Enter  into  a  Correspondence  with  Geneva,  whereto  I 
am  invited. 

7.  G.  D.  Certain  things  for  the  public  Welfare,  to  be 
projected  with  the  Govemour. 

8.  G.  D.  A  very  poor,  miserable  Family,  in  my  Neigh- 
bourhood. 

Widows  also  multiplied. 

*  9.  G.  D.  I  draw  up,  a  Recapitulation  of  the  various 
Methods  to  converse  with  a  glorious  CHRIST,  which  His 
good  Spirit  has  led  me  to ;  that  so  I  may  by  a  Review 
prevent  my  losing  any  of  them,  or  my  failing  in  their  Exer- 
cise; And  I  propose  also  to  communicate  the  same  unto 
some  special  Friends,  that  they  may  learn  in  the  like 
Methods  also  to  glorify  GOD. 

10.  G.  D.  The  very  wicked  House  of  Representatives, 
that  satt  lately  among  us,  have  wickedly  encouraged  the 
People  to  cast  Contempt  on  the  Order  for  the  general  Fast. 
And  there  may  be  hazard  lest  some  of  my  Flock  be  drawn 
into  the  Impiety.  By  what  I  speak,  at  the  Reading  of  the 
Proclamation,  I  endeavour  to  save  them  from  it. 


6l2         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

11.  G.  D.  My  miserable  son  Increase,  I  must  cast 
him  and  chase  him  out  of  my  Sight ;  forbid  him  to  see  me, 
until  there  appear  sensible  Marks  of  Repentance  upon  him. 
Nevertheless  I  will  entreat  his  Grandfather  to  take  Pains 
for  his  Recovery. 

12.  G.  D.  Some  of  my  Kinsmen,  I  will  endeavour 
to  assist  and  excite  into  the  Methods  of  a  Society,  for  a 
profitable  Conversation. 

Prevail  with  my  Father  to  preach  the,  Concio  ad  Clerum 
at  the  Election. 

13.  G.  D.  Encourage  the  Booksellers,  to  publish  the 
eight  Sermons  at  the  Lecture,  for  early  Piety. 

14.  G.  D.  A  wicked  House  at  our  End  of  the  Town, 
which  proves  a  Snare  and  a  Ruine  to  young  People ;  pro- 
cure the  Extirpation  of  it. 

15.  G.  D.    A  poor  Widow,  made  so  this  Week. 

*  16.  G.  D.  Now,  Now!  I  have  a  dreadful  Oppor- 
tunity to  Try,  how  far  I  may  find  a  Glorious  CHRIST, 
a  Comforter,  that  shall  releeve  my  Soul.  What  can  I 
find  in  Him  to  comfort  me,  under  the  terrible  Distresses, 
which  the  Condition  of  my  wicked  son  Increase  brings 
upon  me! 

17.  G.  D.  Consider  seriously  and  consult  with  Heaven 
about  it,  whether  a  Course  of  Sermons  on  the  Forty-fifth 
Psalm,  will  be  a  Food  which  I  may  do  well  to  treat  my 
Flock  withal. 

18.  G.  D.  I  will  write  a  tremendous  Letter  to  my 
wicked  Son  Increase;  and  after  I  have  sett  his  Crime  in 
order  before  his  Eyes,  I  will  tell  him,  that  I  will  never  own 
him  or  do  for  him,  or  look  on  him,  till  the  Characters  of 
a  Poenitent  are  very  conspicuous  in  him.     God  prosper  it! 

Lord,  tho'  I  am  a  Dog,  yett  cast  out  the  Devil,  that  has 
possession  of  the  Child. 

19.  G.  D.  My  very  aged  Father-in-Law  in  Charles- 
town,  what  may  I  do  further  for  him? 


APRIL,     1721  613 

20.  G.  D.    This  Day  is  a  general  Fast. 

And  I  this  Day  bear  Testimonies  for  GOD.  And  invite 
my  Neighbours  to  consider  His  Judgments  that  are  abroad 
in  the  Earth,  and  the  spiritual  Judgments  under  which  this 
Town  and  Land  is  perishing, 

21.  G.  D.  In  my  Dispatches  to  Lofidon  this  week, 
I  contrive  some  very  extensive  Services  to  the  Kingdome 
of  God  in  the  World. 

22.  G.  D.  Several  of  my  Neighbours  are  languishing 
and  they  are  hastening  to  the  Gates  of  Death.  I  would 
with  all  possible  Discretion  and  Charity,  endeavour  to 
prepare  them. 

*  23.  G.  D.  0  dismal  Case!  0  doleful  Case!  I  am  a 
Man  of  Sorrows  and  acquainted  with  Griefs.  But  I  am 
now  afraid  of  my  Sorrows! 

It  looks,  as  if  there  were  certain  Sorrows  wherein  the  Sentence 
of  Heaven  has  putt  me  into  a  State  of  Punishment,  tho'  I  am  therein 
punished  less  than  my  Sins  deserve.  My  Crimes  have  procured  an 
order  from  GOD,  that  I  must  languish  under  these  heavy  Sorrows, 
and  Heaven  is  become  inexorable ;  No  Prayers,  no  Cries,  no  Tears, 
must  prevail  for  the  Removal  of  them.  There  are  more  than  two 
of  these  grievous  Things;  yett  I  shall  in  this  Place  take  notice  of 
no  more  than  two.  The  one  is.  The  Abandonment  of  my  ungodly, 
distracted,  hard-hearted  son  Increase,  unto  those  foolish  and  vicious 
Courses,  which  must  bring  him  to  Misery,  and  throw  me  into  unspeak- 
able Trouble  and  Anguish  and  Confusion.  The  other  is,  the  maUg- 
nant  and  venemous  Disposition  of  a  great  part  of  the  Town  and 
Countrey  towards  me,  with  implacable  Resolutions  to  do  all  they 
can  devise,  or  their  Father  can  assist  them,  to  riiine  my  Opportunities 
to  do  good  in  the  World. 

But  if  I  am  indeed  in  a  State  of  Punishment,  and  my  Iniquity 
not  be  purged  with  Sacrifice  nor  Offering ;  in  this  Condition,  how  am 
I  to  behave  myself,  and  glorify  God  ? 

First,  I  must  accept  the  Punishment  of  my  Iniquity:  And  I 
must  patiently  bear  the  Indignation  of  the  Lord;  because  I  have 
sinned  against  Him ;  and  I  will  humbly  take  part  with  His  Holi- 
ness and  Righteousness  against  myself;  with  some  Satisfaction  of 
Soul  in  the  View  of  the  glorious  One  gratified  in  breaking  me  to  Peeces, 


6l4         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

I  will  entertain  every  Stroke  with  that  Acclamation,  Just  art  thou, 
0  Lord,  and  just  are  all  thy  Indignations/ 

But  then,  I  will  most  earnestly  and  with  Agony  deprecate  all 
share  in  the  Punishment  reserved  for  the  Workers  of  Iniquity  in 
another  World ;  since  I  am  here  so  judged  of  the  Lord ;  and  plead 
the  Sacrifice  of  my  SAVIOUR  for  my  Dehverance. 

Thirdly,  My  main  Concern  shall  be,  what  Improvements  in 
Repentance  and  all  Piety  I  shall  make,  under  my  Punishment,  and 
by  Means  of  it.  And  for  this  purpose  I  employ  my  Thoughts 
distinctly,  on  each  of  the  Articles. 

Lastly :  Yett  will  I  hold  on  weeping  to  the  Lord,  that  if  it  be 
possible,  the  Cup  may  pass  from  me ;  and  sitt  alone,  and  keep  silence, 
because  I  have  bom  it  upon  me,  and  putt  my  mouth  in  the  Dust,  if 
so  be  there  may  be  Hope. 

Walking  in  this  Darkness  this  Day,  I  had  anon  a  strange  Ray  of 
Light  shott  into  my  mind,  with  a  Reflection  upon  this ;  that  I  found 
my  Will  wonderfully  united  with  my  SAVIOURS :  and  being  so  one 
with  Him,  I  must  anon  see  some  comfortable  Events,  which  will  be 
greatly  to  be  wondred  at. 

And  in  a  Prayer  at  a  Baptism  in  the  Afternoon,  I  could  not  but 
with  Tears  expostulate  the  Matter  after  this  Manner  before  the 
Lord.  "O  our  dear  SAVIOUR;  Hast  thou  not  commanded  us  to 
bring  our  Children  unto  thee?  Yes,  and  in  obedience  to  thy  Com- 
mand, we  do  it,  we  do  it.  But,  shall  Dust  and  Ashes  plead  with 
thee?  Lord  why  didst  thou  call  for  our  Children?  Was  it  that 
thou  mayst  putt  them  over  unto  Satan  to  take  Possession  of  them? 
Was  it,  that  they  might  be  given  up  to  BUndness  and  Hardness, 
and  Madness  ?  Was  it  that  they  might  have  the  Distempers  of  their 
Souls  ly  uncured,  when  one  gracious  Word  of  thine  can  cure  them? 
Or,  was  it,  that  they  might  still  have  their  Hearts  confirmed  in  their 
Sins,  when  one  Touch  of  thy  almighty  Arm  can  give  a  new  Biass  to 
their  Hearts."*  No ;  No ;  thou  hast  called  for  them,  that  by  thy  won- 
drous Power  they  may  become  disposed  for  the  Service  of  our  God. 
O  our  God,  our  God,  we  will  yett  beleeve,  that  we  shall  see  thee  doing 
Wonders  for  them." 

I  could  not  but  think  on  poor  Increase,  when  these 
Expressions  were  thus  educed  from  me. 

24.  G.  D.  A  Sermon  on  Virtue  proceeding  from  our 
SAVIOUR.     Contrive  an  Association  of  young  People,  to 


APRIL,     1721  615 

advance  Religion  among  their  Brethren,  and  bring  them 
forwards  to  the  Table  [of]  the  Lord ;  and  bring  them  into 
my  Company. 

25.  G.  D.  Ah,  Poor  Increase,  Tho'  I  spake  against  him, 
yett  I  earnestly  remember  him,  and  my  Bowels  are  troubled 
for  him.  Is  there  nothing  further  to  be  done  ?  His  Grand- 
father, and  his  Kinsmen  and  others,  must  labour  with  him. 

26.  G.  D.  My  aged  Parent,  I  must  assist  both  his 
Conduct  and  his  Comfort,  with  relation  to  our  new  foolish 
Builders. 

27.  G.  D.  I  hope,  I  have  provided  a  Missionary  for 
the  Eastern  Indians. 

28.  G.  D.  May  not  I  try,  whether  the  Reading  of 
my  Supplies  from  the  Tower  of  David  may  not  be  introduced 
among  the  Students  in  our  Colledges. 

29.  G.  D.  Several  of  my  Neighbours  have  Death, 
with  lingring  Circumstances  making  its  Advances  upon 
them.     I  must  assist  their  Preparations. 

*  30.  G.  D.  I  am  now  called  unto  an  uncommon  Trial, 
wherein  it  will  be  found,  whether  I  am  Dead  unto  Creatures, 
or  no;  and  whether  having  a  CHRIST  left  unto  me,  I  can 
live  upon  Him  alone.  The  ungodly  Doings  in  our  New- 
North  Church,  have  caused  an  Assembly  of  enraged, 
violent,  boisterous  Men,  to  build  a  new  and  very  large 
Brick  Meeting  house,  the  finest  in  the  Countrey.  To  fill 
their  House  they  prevail  with  a  mighty  Number  of  the 
Flock  which  I  serve,  to  join  with  them ;  and  the  Religion 
of  Pues  which  with  a  proud,  vain,  formal  People  seems  to 
be  now  the  chief  Religion  of  the  Town,  is  too  powerful  a 
Temptation  for  them. 

Now  on  this  Occasion,  Oh!  how  sollicitous  must  I  be, 
to  glorify  my  admirable  SAVIOUR!  In  the  first  Place,  I 
cry  to  Him  for  the  Aid  of  His  Grace,  without  which  I  can 
do  nothing.  0  thou  Comforter,  who  alone  canst  releeve  my 
Soul,  be  not  thou  far  from  met 


6l6         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

I  then  endeavour  an  entire  Satisfaction  in  the  Dissipa- 
tion and  the  Diminution  of  the  Flock ;  especially  from  these 
Considerations. 

Tis  my  wise,  holy,  righteous,  and  faithful  SAVIOUR, 
who  has  ordered  it :  and  for  such  Ends  as  I  shall  know  here- 
after, but  ought  in  the  meantime  to  be  well-perswaded  of. 

I  shall  enjoy  a  bright  Conformity  to  my  SAVIOUR  in 
it,  if,  just  before  my  Death,  I  suffer  a  general  Withdraw  of 
my  Hearers  from  me. 

I  shall  still  have  a  CHRIST  with  me,  as  the  Object  of 
my  Studies,  and  I  shall  preach  Him  to  as  many  as  He  will 
allow  to  Hear  me. 

While  I  have  a  CHRIST  I  have  enough,  tho'  all  Crea- 
tures desert  me. 

And  who  can  tell,  what  my  glorious  Lord  may  in  all 
these  things  be  preparing  me  for! 

May.  I.  G.  D.  I  must  now  more  than  ever  look  on 
my  Flock  with  a  sacrificing  Eye.  Tis  incredible,  what 
Numbers  are  swarming  off  into  the  New  Brick  Meeting- 
house in  the  Neighbourhood.  But  it  falling  unto  me,  to 
preach  the  first  Sermon  in  that  Meeting-house,  I  propose 
then  and  there  to  take  my  Farewel  of  them  with  a  most 
solemn  Warning  unto  them,  that  they  do  not  perish  after 
all  that  they  have  received  and  heard  in  my  public  Ministry. 

2.  G.  D.  Accustoming  myself  alwayes  to  fall  asleep 
with  a  Meditation  on  some  Text,  that  has  in  it  something 
of  my  SAVIOUR,  I  do  now,  while  I  am  undressing,  mention 
the  Text  of  the  Night  in  the  Hearing  of  my  Consort,  (and 
of  my  Servant,  if  attending,)  with  some  Thought  upon  it, 
that  may  be  worthy  to  be  remembred. 

3.  G.  D.  It  is  necessary  for  me  to  Reform  something 
at  Roxbury. 

4.  G.  D.  More  must  be  done,  to  strengthen  the  Pa- 
tience of  our  Governour. 

5.  G.  D.    I  send  a  Nimiber  of  my,  Honesta  Parsimonia 


MAY,     I  7  2  I  617 

to  be  distributed  among  the  Scholars,  in  the  CoUedge  at 
New-Haven. 

6.  G.  D.  A  poor  Man  in  the  Flock,  taken  distracted ; 
I  must  bespeak  and  procure  Prayers  for  him. 

*  7.  G.  D.  This  Morning  having  my  Thoughts  on  the 
Sacrifice  of  my  Flock,  which  I  am  call'd  unto,  among  other 
of  my  sacrificing  Strokes,  I  considered  this :  the  Men  who 
are  drawing  off,  are  of  several  Employments.  Were  they 
all  of  them  to  be  always  at  work  for  me  in  the  Way  of  their 
several  Employments,  what  would  be  my  Enjoyments  from 
them  ?  I  have  a  CHRIST  concerned  for  me,  and  conversing 
with  me.  While  I  have  so,  I  am  sure  of  enjoying  as  much 
of  what  these  could  help  me  to,  as  I  have  any  Occasion  for. 
But  then  I  find  in  Him,  analogous  Blessings  that  are  in- 
finitely superior  to  all  the  Comforts,  which  these  Neighbours 
could  have  afforded  me. 

8.  G.  D.  Must  nothing  be  done  to  preserve  the  Flock 
from  Dissipations !  Lett  the  Deacons  be  made  more  sensible 
of  their  Duty. 

9.  G.  D.  The  sick  State  of  my  Consort  calls  for  a 
good  and  a  wise  Conduct  in  me  towards  her. 

10.  G.  D.  My  aged  Father,  too  much  laies  to  Heart; 
the  withdraw  of  a  vain,  proud,  foolish  People  from  Him  in 
His  Age.  Lett  me  comfort  him  what  I  can,  and  inculcate 
my  Maxims  of  rejoicing  in  a  Glorious  CHRIST  upon  the 
Withdraw  of  all  Creatures  from  us. 

Yea,  to  obtain  and  secure  this  Point  with  him  (and 
honour  my  SAVIOUR)  I  do  in  his  Name  as  well  as  my  own, 
this  day  take  a  solemn  Farewel  of  the  People  going  from 
us,  I  conclude  my  Sermon  ;  with  much  Solemnity  calling 
Heaven  and  Earth  to  record,  for  our  Fidelity  in  the  Dis- 
charge of  our  Ministry  unto  them.  And  with  high  Strains 
of  Sacrificing,  I  give  all  the  People  to  see,  how  easily  and 
cheerfully  we  endure  their  Departure  from  us ;  especially 
in  this  Regard  that  (as  the  Withdraw  of  the  Disciples  from 


6l8         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

our  SAVIOUR  a  little  before  He  died,)  we  saw  in  it  a  com- 
fortable Symptom  of  our  drawing  very  near  to  the  best 
Hour  that  ever  we  saw. 

11.  G.  D.  My  Opportunities  to  serve  a  glorious  CHRIST 
in  my  weekly  Auditory,  coming  under  a  very  great  Abridg- 
ment, I  must  apply  my  Thoughts,  to  Projections  for  the 
making  my  Studies  more  extensively  useful  in  some  other 
ways.  And  therefore  I  will  Think,  whether  in  my  Ministry, 
I  may  not  handle  such  Subjects,  and  praepare  such  Sermons, 
as  may  by  the  Way  of  the  Press  in  Europe,  serve  the  King- 
dome  of  God.  I  think  yett  more  particularly,  whether 
some  Discourses  on  the  Life  of  Piety  maintained  by  a  Faith 
in  the  GOD-HEAD  of  our  SAVIOUR,  may  not  be  very 
proper  upon  that  Intention. 

12.  G.  D.  I  will  move  a  godly  Midwife,  to  procure  a 
new  Edition  of  my  little  Essay,  entitided,  Elizabeth  in  her 
Holy  Retirement:  that  it  may  be  scattered  thro  Towti  and 
Countrey ;  and  occasion  be  taken  from  the  Circumstances 
of  them  who  are  expecting  an  Hour  of  Travail,  to  quicken 
their  Praeparation  for  Death,  and  the  Exercise  of  all  suit- 
able Piety,  1 

13.  G.  D.  A  miserable  Negro  under  Sentence  of  Death, 
for  the  Murder  of  his  Wife,  must  be  visited,  instructed, 
counselled. 

*  14.  G.  D.  Finding  my  Will  entirely  swallowed  up 
in  the  Will  of  my  SAVIOUR,  and  the  Enjoyment  of  a 
glorious  CHRIST  that  which  abundantly  satisfies  me  in 
the  Withdraw  of  all  Creatures  from  me :  and  calling  to 
mind,  that  He  sees  and  knows  these  Dispositions  of  my 
Mind,  and  has  a  Delight  in  beholding  what  His  good  SPIRIT 
has  brought  me  to;  inexpressible;  inexpressible  are  the 
Consolations,  which  do  from  hence  arise  unto  me! 

'  It  was  on  this  day  that  the  freeholders  first  took  notice  of  the  smallpox. 
The  man-of-war,  Sea-horse,  lay  in  the  harbor,  with  two  or  three  men  on  her  sick 
with  the  disease.    Boston  Record  Commissioners,  vni.  154. 


MAY,     1721  619 

The  Holy  Angels  will  take  Pleasure  in  me.  And,  GOD 
will  shew  Wonders  to  the  Dead ! 

15.  G.  D.  Notwithstanding  the  Sacrifice  I  appre- 
hended myself  call'd  unto,  in  the  Dissipation  of  my  Auditory 
looked  for,  I  had  yesterday  a  very  considerable  Auditory : 
The  People  drawn  off,  were  hardly  to  be  missed  in  the  great 
Congregation.  I  am  surprised  at  the  Spectacle!  But  I 
took  the  Occasion  in  the  public  Prayers,  to  ask,  that  the 
Flock  which  did  thus  remain,  might  be  more  united  than 
ever  in  Love  to  one  another,  and  feel  such  precious  Impres- 
sions from  the  Gospel  preached  here,  and  have  such  Visits 
of  Grace  here  made  unto  their  Souls,  as  to  make  them  say, 
Tis  Good  to  be  here.  There  may  be  a  sensible  Service  to 
the  Flock  in  this  Petition. 

16.  G.  D.  My  Consort  having  been  for  some  Weeks 
languishing,  what  shall  I  do,  most  for  her  Advantage; 
especially  with  a  due  Improvement  in  Piety  under  it? 

17.  G.  D.  A  Kinsman,  serving  of  CHRIST  at  Bristol 
must  be  encouraged. ^ 

18.  G.  D.  My  India  Christiana  being  pubhshed,  I  am 
sending  it  into  several  Parts  of  Europe  with  Designs  to 
serve  the  Kingdome  of  GOD. 

Writing  to  Europe,  I  am  soUicitous  in  a  singular  Manner 
to  learn  the  present  Condition  of  the  Vaudois,  on  which  I 
have  my  Eye  with  great  Expectations. 

19.  G.  D.  Try,  whether  my,  Supplies  from  the  Tower 
of  David,  may  not  be  entertained  at  the  CoUedge,  and  become 
influential. 

20.  G.  D.  If  I  live  till  to  morrow,  I  purpose  to  press 
my  usual  Practice  for  this  Day,  upon  my  Auditory.  To 
be  on  the  Look-out  for  objects  to  show  Compassion  to. 

*  21.  G.  D.  The  Time  of  the  Year  arrives  for  the 
glories  of  Nature,  to  appear  in  my  Garden.    I  will  take  my 

'Nathaniel  Cotton,  ordained  in  1721,  in  the  place  of  Rev.  James 
McSparran,  who  had  taken  orders  in  the  Church  of  England. 


620         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

Walks  there,  on  purpose  to  read  the  Glories  of  my  SAVIOUR 
in  them.  I  will  make  it  an  Emblem  of  a  Paradise,  wherein 
the  second  Adam  shall  have  Acknowledgments  paid  unto 
Hun. 

2  2,  G.  D.  Is  it  possible  for  me  to  glorify  my  SAVIOUR 
more,  or  make  the  House  wherein  I  serve  Him  to  be  more 
an  House  of  His  Glory,  than  by  a  Course  of  Sermons  on 
His  Illustrious  MIRACLES?  Yea,  who  can  tell  what 
Wonders  He  may  be  going  to  shew  by  as  well  as  to  the 
Dead? 

23.  G.  D.  I  will  draw  up  certain  Quaestions,  turning 
upon  the  several  chief  Actions  of  humane  Life,  in  the  right 
Stating  of  the  Answers  whereto,  there  hes  the  Skill  of  living 
unto  GOD.  I  wiU  putt  these  Quaestions  into  the  Hands  of 
my  two  Sons,  that  they  may  form  and  write  proper  Answers 
to  them.  So  Try,  whether  the  Life  of  God  may  not  this 
Way  come  into  them. 

24.  G.  D.  Further  Services  and  Kindnesses,  to  be 
done  for  the  beloved  Physician  in  my  Neighbourhood. 

25.  G.  D.  The  Providence  of  my  glorious  Lord,  still 
strangely  continuing  and  multiplying  my  Opportunities  to 
glorify  Him,  it  comes  to  pass,  that  on  my  Lecture,  there  falls 
out  the  Execution  of  a  Negro,^  who  has  been  instructed  and 
baptised,  and  rendred  himself  a  pretty  noted  Fellow,  is 
this  day  to  be  hanged  for  murdering  his  Wife.  A  vast 
Assembly  attends  the  Lecture ;  and  with  a  great  Assistance 
from  Heaven,  I  bring  forth  many  Things  which  I  hope, 
will  make  a  good  Impression  upon  the  People.  More 
particularly,  wicked  and  froward  Husbands,  (as  well  as  our 
Ethiopian  Slaves)  have  this  Day,  their  Portion  with  a  due 
Pungency  given  to  them. 

26.  G.  D.  The  grievous  Calamity  of  the  Small-Pox 
has  now  entered  the  Town.  The  Practice  of  conveying 
and  suffering  the  Small-pox  by  Inocidation,  has  never  been 

'  Joseph  Hanno. 


M  A  Y  ,     I  7  2  I  621 

used  in  America,  nor  indeed  in  our  Nation.  But  how  many- 
Lives  might  be  saved  by  it,  if  it  were  practised?  I  will 
procure  a  Consult  of  our  Physicians,  and  lay  the  matter 
before  them.^ 

27.  G.  D.  A  poor  Man  in  Prison  for  Debt;  some  Care 
must  be  taken  of  liim. 

*  28.  G.  D.  The  Entrance  of  the  Small-pox  into  the 
Town  must  awaken  in  me  several  Tempers  and  Actions  of 
Piety  relating  to  myself,  besides  a  Variety  of  Duty  to  the 
People. 

First:  The  glorious  Lord  having  employ'd  me  a  few 
Months  ago,  under  an  Afflatus  from  Heaven,  to  entertain 
the  City  with  a  Lecture  on  Trouble  near,  and  foretel  the 
speedy  Approach  of  the  destroying  Angel :  It  becomes  me 
to  humble  myself  exceedingly,  and  ly  in  the  Dust.  Lest 
the  least  Vanity  of  mine  upon  seeing  my  poor  praediction 
accomplished,  should  provoke  the  holy  One  to  do  some 
grievous  Thing  unto  me. 

Secondly;  I  have  two  Children  that  are  hable  to  the 
Distemper ;  and  I  am  at  a  Loss  about  their  flying  and 
keeping  out  of  the  Town.  As  I  must  cry  to  Heaven  for 
Direction  about  it,  so  I  am  on  this  Occasion  called  unto 
Sacrifices ;  that  if  these  dear  Children  must  lose  their 
Lives,  the  will  of  my  Father  may  be  duely  submitted  to. 

Thirdly ;  my  own  Life  is  Hkely  to  be  extremely  in  danger, 
by  the  horrid  Venom  of  the  sick  Chambers,  which  I  must 
look  to  be  call'd  unto ;  and  I  would  accordingly  Redeem 
the  Time  to  do  what  my  hand  finds  to  do. 

29.  G.  D,  The  Diminution  of  my  Flock,  and  the 
wicked  Spirit  manifested  by  them,  who  for  the  Pride  of 
Pues,  and  such  vile  Motives,  are  gone  out  from  us,  must 
quicken  my  Concern  to  do  good  unto  them  that  remain. 

'See  Dr.  R.  H.  Fitz's  essay  on  "Zabdiel  Boylston,  inoculator,"  in  Johns 
Hopkins  Hospital  Bulletin,  xxn.  314.  The  Boston  News-Letter,  on  May  27, 
reported  eight  cases  in  the  town. 


622         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

My  Labours  have  heretofore  taken  singular  Notice  of  two 
Sorts  among  us,  our  young  People,  and  our  Mariners. 
None  are  now  withdrawn  from  me,  more  than  these.  Is  it 
from  a  Wrath  of  GOD  upon  me,  for  my  Miscarriages  in 
the  Discharge  of  my  Ministry  towards  the  Objects?  I 
would  humble  myself,  as  deserving  it.  Yett,  when  I  feel 
my  Soul  triumphing  in  my  SAVIOUR  on  this  Occasion, 
I  can't  but  hope,  that  there  may  be  His  Love  unto  me  in 
it.  I  wish  there  be  not  His  Wrath,  upon  the  unfruitful 
and  obstinate  Sinners,  that  are  departed. 

30.  G.  D.  My  two  Children,  that  have  their  Terrors 
of  the  Contagion  breaking  in  upon  us ;  I  must  lay  hold  on 
the  Occasion  to  quicken  their  effectual  Flights  unto  their 
SAVIOUR. 

31.  G.  D.  A  Kinsman,  generously  doing  his  part  for 
Bristol,  under  the  woful  Troubles  there,  must  be  encouraged 
and  animated  and  pray'd  for. 

My  glorious  Lord,  will  still  give  me  to  bring  forth  Fruit 
unto  Him  and  unto  His  People. 

(HI.)  Having  prevailed  with  the  eight  Lecturers  of 
the  City,  to  preach  so  many  Sermons  on  Early  Piety,  the 
Booksellers,  are  upon  publishing  of  them,  all  in  one  Volume 
together.  Here  mine  stands  the  first,  and  is  entituled; 
What  the  Pious  Parent  wishes  for.^ 

(IV.)  It  fell  unto  me,  to  preach  the  first  Sermon  in  the 
New  Brick  Meeting-house.  I  made  it  an  Opportunity,  to  glo- 
rify my  admirable  SAVIOUR  ;  and  I  concluded  the  Sermon 
with  a  very  solemn  Speech,  in  my  Father's  Name  as  well  as 
my  own,  taking  a  Farewel  of  them.  The  People  publish  the 
Sermon.  And  the  Title  of  it  is,  A  Vision  in  the  Temple. 
The  Lord  of  Hosts  adored;  and  the  King  of  Glory  proclaimed. 
On  a  Day  of  Prayer  kept,  {May,  10,  iy2i ;)  at  the  Opening  of 
the  New  Brick  Meeting  house  in  the  North  part  of  Boston. ^ 

'  Printed  by  S.  Kneeland  for  N.  Buttolph,  B.  Eliot  and  D.  Henchman,  1721. 
Each  sermon  had  a  separate  titlepage.  *  Printed  for  Robert  Starkey,  1721. 


JUNE,     1721  623 

(V.)  The  Divine  Providence  having  somewhat  strangely- 
ordered  it,  I  preached  a  Sermon,  on  the  day  when  a  wretched 
Murderer  was  executed. ^  The  Sermon  made  a  great  Im- 
pression, and  served  the  Cause  of  Piety.  The  Booksellers 
give  it  unto  the  Publick;  under  this  Title,  Tremenda. 
The  dreadful  Sound,  with  which  the  Wicked  are  to  be  Thunder- 
struck, In  a  SERMON  delivered  unto  a  great  Assembly,  in 
ivhich  was  present  a  miserable  African,  just  going  to  be  exe- 
cuted for  a  most  Inhumane  and  uncommon  Murder.  To 
which  is  added,  A  Conference  between  a  Minister  and  the 
Prisoner,  on  the  Day  before  his  Execution.^ 

June.  I.  G.  D.  In  the  Convention  of  the  Ministers' 
Meeting  at  the  Election,  I  endeavour  several  Services. 

2.  G.  D.  Because  of  the  destroying  Angel  standing 
over  the  Town,  and  the  grievous  Consternation  on  the 
Minds  of  the  People,  I  move  the  Ministers  who  are  the 
Lecturers  of  the  City,  to  turn  the  next  Lecture  into  a  Day 
of  Prayer,  that  we  may  prepare  to  meet  our  God. 

3.  G.  D.  A  miserable  Creature,  who  has  long  lain 
under  the  Censures  of  our  Church, 

*  4.  G.  D.  It  is  a  Time,  wherein  we  are  strongly  and 
hourly  expecting  our  Ships  from  England.  I  have  my 
important  Points  of  Expectation,  which  make  me  unawares 
long  for  their  Arrival.  But  I  rebuke  my  Expectation  as 
one  dead  unto  this  World,  and  unto  all  Things  here  below. 
I  consider,  what  are  the  Things,  the  coming  or  knowing 
whereof  now  from  the  other  Side  of  the  Water  would  give 
me  some  satisfaction.  I  find  something  in  a  glorious 
CHRIST  analagous  unto,  and  praiferrible  before  those 
Things ;  and  I  take  a  Satisfaction  in  Him  superior  to  what 
any  Creatures  can  afford  me.  I  rejoice  in  Him,  and  I  am 
easy  tho'  I  should  have  nothing  else  to  comfort  me. 

'  Joseph  Hanno. 

'  Two  editions  were  printed  in  this  year;  one  by  B.  Green,  for  B.  Gray  and 
J.  Edwards,  and  the  other  for  Robert  Starkey. 


624         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

5.  G.  D.  I  must  of  Necessity  do  something,  that  the 
Exercise  of  Singing  the  sacred  Psalms  in  the  Flock,  may  be 
made  more  beautiful,  and  especially  have  the  Beauties  of 
Holiness  more  upon  it. 

6.  G.  D.  My  African  Servant,  stands  a  Candidate  for 
Baptism,  and  is  afraid  how  the  Small-pox,  if  it  spread,  may 
handle  him.  I  must  on  this  Occasion  use  very  much  Appli- 
cation to  bring  him  into  a  thorough  Christianity. ^ 

1  On  June  6,  1721,  Cotton  Mather  prepared  an  address  to  the  physicians  of 
Boston  in  which  he  called  attention  to  this  "new  method"  of  inoculation,  and  em- 
bodied in  his  address  a  summary  of  two  letters  describing  the  method,  as  published 
by  the  Royal  Society  of  London.  One  of  these  letters  was  written  by  Dr.  Emanuel 
Timonius,  F.R.S.,  from  Constantinople,  in  December,  1713,  and  the  other  by 
Jacobus  Pylarius,  Venetian  Consul  at  Smyrna.  The  publication  by  the  Royal 
Society  had  come  to  the  hands  of  Dr.  William  Douglass,  then  in  Boston,  and  he 
loaned  it  to  Mather.  After  Mather's  publication  Douglass  recalled  the  Society's 
issue,  charged  that  Mather's  summary  of  the  letters  was  not  correct,  and  refused 
again  to  lend  the  tract  for  use  or  comparison.  One  of  the  physicians  to  whom 
Mather's  address  had  been  sent,  Dr.  Zabdiel  Boylston,  determined  to  make  experi- 
ments upon  his  own  family.  The  diflSculties  encountered  he  told  in  his  Historical 
Account  of  the  Small-pox  Inoculated  in  New  England  (1726). 

He  made  inquiries  among  the  Africans  in  Boston,  who  confirmed  the  methods 
employed  and  the  results  obtained,  telling  the  story  "plainly,  brokenly,  and 
blunderingly,  and  like  Ideots,"  but  agreeing  in  the  main  features.  Having  experi- 
mented "with  all  the  Disadvantages  that  can  be  imagined,"  Boylston  became  con- 
vinced of  its  efficacy,  and  in  this  pamphlet  undertook  to  reply  to  his  critics,  to 
demonstrate  the  benefit  and  safety  of  the  practice,  and  to  prove  its  lawfulness. 
The  chief  moral  reason  brought  against  inoculation  was  that  it  was  a  heathen 
practice,  and  it  was  unlawful  to  learn  of  the  heathen.  Absurd  as  the  argument 
seems,  Boylston  could  point  out  in  reply  that  all  the  physicians  of  antiquity  were 
heathen,  and  that  the  Colonists  had  learned  from  the  Indians  a  corrective  to 
snake  bites  and  the  practice  of  smoking. 

Into  this  controversy  Mather,  the  principal  instrument  in  introducing  the 
method  in  Boston,  threw  himself  with  great  zeal,  and  naturally  the  moral  or  re- 
ligious aspect  of  the  question  received  his  greatest  attention.  He  prepared  and 
printed  a  tract,  giving  An  Account  of  the  Method  and  further  Success  of  Inoculating 
for  the  Small  pox  in  London  (1721),  but  no  copy  has  been  preserved.  He  wrote  a 
Letter  to  a  Friend  in  the  Country,  attempting  a  Solution  of  the  Scruples  and  Objections 
of  Conscientious  or  Religious  Nature  commonly  made  against  the  new  Way  of  receiving 
the  Small  pox,  the  nature  of  which  may  be  conjectured  from  the  entries  in  his  Diary. 
He  also  caused  to  be  reprinted  his  Pastoral  Letter  to  Families  visited  with  Sickness, 
which  had  not  been  put  to  the  press  since  1713,  and  for  which,  with  good  publish- 
ing instinct,  he  now  saw  a  need  for  a  new  edition.  He  induced  his  father,  in 
November,  to  put  his  name  to  a  tract  offering  Several  Reasons  proving  that  Inocu- 
lating or  Transplanting  the  Small  pox  is  a  lawful  Practise,  etc.,  which  was  answered 


JUNE,     1721  625 

7.  G.  D.  I  have  a  Kinswoman  at  this  time  sick  of 
the  Small-pox ;  but  not  without  hopes  of  Recovery.  As 
I  must  now  be  concerned  for  her,  so  when  she  is  able  to 
receive  it,  I  must  present  unto  her  my  Book  of,  A  perfect 
Recovery. 

8.  G.  D.  Having  procured  the  Lecture  of  this  Day, 
to  be  turned  into  a  Day  of  Prayer,  because  of  the  Calamity 
impending  over  the  Town,  I  have  an  Opportunity  of  speak- 
ing many  things  in  a  Sermon  this  day,  for  the  Good  of  the 
Inhabitants,  and  for  the  Advancement  of  that  PIETY,  to 
which  the  Judgments  of  GOD  should  awaken  them. 

By  the  pubHc  Fast  which  occurred  a  Month  ago,  and 
now  again,  by  that  of  this  Week,  I  am  diverted  (the  feeble 
State  of  my  Health  not  allowing  it,)  from  the  Fasting  in 
Secret,  with  which  I  use  to  prepare  for  the  Table  of  the 
Lord. 

9.  G.  D.  There  are  some  ungospellized  Places,  which  I 
have  diverse  Proposals  of  Compassion  to.  Especially, 
Providence. 

10.  G.  D.  There  is  a  poor  Man  in  my  Neighbourhood, 
roaring  under  the  horrible  Torments  of  a  Cancer,  in  a  Seat 
rarely  heard  of. 

*  II.  G.  D.  My  glorious  Lord,  has  accepted  my 
Testimonies.  My  American  Sentiments,  on  the  present 
Controversies,  about  the  GOD-HEAD  of  our  SAVIOUR, 
and  the  Way  of  owning  it,  are  published  and  scattered  thro' 

by  John  Williams,  "tobacconist,"  as  his  critics  called  him.  From  this  answer  is 
obtained  a  title  of  an  anonymous  defence  of  the  new  method,  Sentiments  on  the 
Small  Pox  Inoculated,  of  which  no  copy  has  been  found.  Another  anonymously 
printed  tract.  The  Imposition  of  Inoculation  as  a  Duty  Religiously  Considered,  has 
been  attributed  to  Samuel  Grainger ;  while  the  author  of  still  another,  A  Letter 
from  one  in  the  Country,  to  his  Friend  in  the  City;  in  relation  to  the  Distresses  oc- 
casioned by  .  .  .  Inoculation,  has  thus  far  escaped  identification.  A  "wicked  pam- 
phlet" entitled  Inoculation  of  the  Small  Pox  as  practised  in  Boston:  considered  in  a 
Letter  to  A.  S."  etc.,  excited  the  ire  of  Increase  Mather,  who  replied  in  Some  Further 
Account  from  London  of  the  Small-Pox  Inoculated,  which  reached  a  second  edition. 
The  newspapers  of  the  day  contained  much  on  the  controversy,  and  the  year  172 1 
was  made  as  notable  by  this  discussion  on  inoculation  as  by  the  visitation  itself. 
II  •  40 


626         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

the  Nation.  I  am  indeed  hereby  exposed  unto  Sufferings; 
I  feel  myself  a  Loser  in  some  Temporal  Interests.  But  I 
have  my  Spirit  so  rejoicing  in  GOD  my  SAVIOUR  on  this 
Occasion,  that  I  am  sure  of  His  owning  me  among  His 
Followers  and  Confessors,  and  of  His  Dealing  wonderfully 
with  me. 

12.  G.  D.  Whether  I  may  not  profitably  and  season- 
ably entertain  my  Flock,  with  some  Thoughts  on  the  Snares 
of  a  worldly  Mind;  awakened  by  the  marvellous  Confusion 
which  the  Bubble  of  the  South-Sea,  has  brought  upon  our 
foolish  Nation !  ^ 

13.  G.  D.  What  shall  I  do?  what  shall  I  do,  with  regard 
unto  Sammy?  He  comes  home,  when  the  Small-pox  begins 
to  spread  in  the  Neighbourhood ;  and  he  is  lothe  to  return 
unto  Cambridge,  I  must  earnestly  look  up  to  Heaven  for 
Direction. 

The  State  of  him,  and  of  Lizy,  who  is  in  greater  Fears 
than  he,  I  must  improve  with  all  the  Contrivance  I  can, 
to  make  [it]  subservient  unto  the  Interests  of  Piety  in  them. 

14.  G.  D.  The  mischievous  Tricks  of  a  rascally  Boy, 
and  his  foolish  and  froward  Mother,  have  raised  some  Dis- 
cord in  my  Father's  Family.  I  must  with  all  possible 
Meekness  and  Patience,  and  with  as  much  Prudence  as 
may  be,  endeavour  to  prevent  evil  Consequences. 

15.  G.  D.  The  Eruption  of  a  new  Volcano,  producing 
an  Island  in  the  Sea,  near  Tercera,  is  a  just  Alarum  to  a 
secure  and  sleepy  World.  It  affords  Occasion  for  some 
Thoughts  which  may  be  of  use  more  Ways  than  one,  if 
the  Minds  of  sensible  People  may  be  entertained  with 
them. 

(VI.)  And  behold,  at  the  very  time,  when  I  am  writing 
my  Thoughts  upon  the  Subject,  the  Bookseller  comes  to 
me,  with  Desires  to  have  them,  that  he  may  give  them  to 

*  The  South  Sea  Company,  incorporated  in  171 1,  ended  nine  years  later  in 
disaster. 


JUNE,     1721  627 

the  public.     So  he  has  them  under  this  Title,  The  World 
alarum' d.^ 

16.  G.  D.  Move  among  the  Ministers,  that  our  stated 
Interviews  may  be  rendred  more  useful  unto  our  selves, 
and  unto  the  Public. 

17.  G.  D.  A  miserable  Woman,  that  has  long  been 
under  the  Censures  of  the  Church,  presses  to  be  restored.^ 

*  18.  G.  D.  So  precious  are  the  Thoughts  of  a  glorious 
CHRIST  unto  me,  and  so  do  I  find  all  my  Riches  and  all  my 
Delights  in  Him,  that  every  new  View  of  Him,  and  every 
new  Way  of  conversing  with  Him,  into  which  He  leads  me, 
more  satisfies  me  and  ravishes  me,  than  if  any  worldly 
Wealth  were  poured  in  upon  me.  And,  when  upon  a  Pros- 
pect of  any  Trouble  coming  upon  me,  I  recollect,  this 
Trouble  will  raise  fresh  Contemplations  on  my  SAVIOUR 
in  me;  I  find  myself  sweetly  reconciled  unto  it,  and  ready 
to  entertain  it. 

19.  G.  D.  I  must  request  the  Church  to  meet,  that  so 
the  Desire  of  some  to  be  dismiss'd  from  us,  may  be  laid 
before  them ;  and  I  would  endeavour  that  there  may  be  a 
praeparation  for  Things  proper  to  be  spoke  on  that  Occasion. 

20.  G.  D.  Oh!  what  shall  I  do,  that  my  Family  may 
be  prepared,  for  the  Visitation  that  is  now  every  day  to 
be  expected! 

21.  G.  D.  Being  entirely  satisfied  in  the  SkiU  of  my 
pious  Neighbour  Dr.  Perkins,  I  will  take  all  Occasions  to 
recommend  him  unto  the  Use  of  the  Neighbourhood,  in 
the  Calamity  of  the  Small-pox  coming  upon  us :  As  well 
as  make  my  daily  Prayers  for  him. 

I  will  also  daily  pray,  for  my  Friend  Mr.  [John]  Briggs, 
whom  GOD  has  made  a  great  Blessing  unto  me. 

22.  G.  D.  I  prepare  a  little  Treatise  on  the  Small- 
Pox;  first  awakening  the  Sentiments  of  Piety,  which  it 

'  Printed  by  B.  Green  for  S.  Gerrish,  1721. 
'  Abigail  Star.     See  p.  629,  infra. 


628         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

calls  for;  and  then  exhibiting  the  best  Medicines  and 
Methods,  which  the  world  has  yett  had  for  the  managing 
of  it;  and  finally,  adding  the  new  Discovery,  to  prevent 
it  in  the  way  of  Inoculation.  It  is  possible,  that  this  Essay 
may  save  the  Lives,  yea,  and  the  Souls  of  many  People. 
Shall  I  give  it  unto  the  Booksellers?  I  am  waiting  for 
Direction. 

23.  G.  D.  I  write  a  Letter  unto  the  Physicians,  entreat- 
ing them,  to  take  into  consideration  the  important  Affair  of 
preventing  the  Small-Pox,  in  the  way  of  Inoculation.  ^ 

24.  G.  D.  Miserables  neglected  and  perishing  in  Sick- 
ness;   I  must  concern  myself,  to  have  them  look'd  after. 

*  25.  G.  D.  Some  new  Treatises  of  Dr.  Owens,  about 
A  Walk  with  God,  may  assist  me  in  my  endeavours  for  it. 

26.  G.  D.  For  any  of  the  Flock,  that  fear  the  Con- 
tagion, (as  People  generally  do,  even  with  Amazement  upon 
them,)  to  continue  with  earnest  and  constant  Prayer  to  the 
glorious  God  at  such  a  Time,  lett  me  mightily  aggravate 
imto  them  the  Impiety,  the  Impenitence. 

27.  G.  D.  Lett  me  take  Advantage  from  the  Fear, 
which  Distresses  Liza,  to  quicken  her  Flights  unto  her 
SAVIOUR.  And  lett  me  give  her,  the  Uttle  Book,  which 
relates  the  Death  of  a  young  French  Lady. 

28.  G.  D.  Among  the  Number  of  my  Relatives,  I 
will  take  in  Mr.  John  Briggs,  whom  GOD  has  made  a  most 
helpful  and  useful  Friend  unto  me.  I  do  several  good 
Offices  for  Him,  and  pray  for  him  every  Day. 

29.  G.  D.  I  am  writing  for  London,  and  sending  more 
Things  to  serve  the  Kingdome  of  God. 

30.  G.  D.  The  Affair  mention'd  this  day  Se'nnight, 
is  begun  and  has  raised  an  horrid  Clamour,  which  Occasions 
new  Cares  upon  me. 

July.  I.  G.  D.  A  Family  of  the  Neighbourhood, 
brought  into  much  Darkness,  by  Mortality. 

^  Massachusetis  Magazine,  i.  778. 


JULY,     1721  629 

One  under  much  Distress  of  Mind. 

*  2.  G.  D.  In  my  Meditations,  on  the  dying  Speeches 
of  our  SAVIOUR  to  His  Disciples,  I  find  very  astonishing 
Matters ;  and  very  divine  Consolations.  I  hope,  to  live  on 
those  Chapters  of  John,  after  another  Manner  than  I  have 
ever  done  heretofore.  Oh!  that  clause.  You  in  me,  and 
I  in  you!  How  much  is  comprehended  in  it!  What  an 
incomprehensible  Blessedness ! ' 

3.  G.  D.  Faithfully  speak  to  the  Flock,  about  the 
Irregularities  frequently  committed,  in  a  Contempt  cast 
upon  their  Covenant,  and  a  Withdraw  from  the  Com- 
munion of  the  Church  on  very  sleight  Occasions. 

4.  G.  D.  How  shall  Sammy  spend  his  Time,  to  the 
best  Advantage  ? 

5.  G.  D.  My  aged  Parent  is  under  InjBrmities,  what 
shall  I  do  for  his  Releef? 

Assist  him  also  in  a  prasface  to  the  eight  Lectures  now 
coming  out  of  the  Press. 

And  procure  the  Sermon  he  preaches  to  young  People, 
the  next  Lord's-Day,  to  be  transcribed  for  the  Press,  that 
it  may  accompany  the  Eight  Lectures  of  Early  Piety .^ 

6.  G.  D.  Several  Places  destitute  of  the  Gospel,  begin 
to  appear  Fields  that  may  be  laboured  in.  What  shall  be 
done  for  them  ? 

7.  G.  D.  Now  and  then,  I  may  suggest  Passages  for 
our  public  News-Letter,  which  may  do  considerable  good 
among  the  Readers. 

']  d.Y  m.  Friday.  This  Day  I  sett  apart  for  Humilia- 
tions and  SuppHcations,  that  I  may  obtain  from  a  Recon- 
ciled GOD,  and  a  Powerful  and  merciful  SAVIOUR,  the 

i"2(f.  s  w.  Abigail  Star,  who  was  laid  under  the  Censure  of  the  Church 
three  and  twenty  Years  ago,  appearing  this  Day  before  the  Church  with  a  very 
expressive  Confession  of  her  Crimes,  and  some  Testimony  of  a  reformed  Conversa- 
tion, she  was  restored  unto  the  favor  and  fellowship  of  the  People  of  God."  Cotton 
Mather's  MS.  Records  of  the  Second  Church,  ni. 

'  It  was  printed  the  last  in  the  volume. 


630         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

Blessings  of  Goodness,  and  His  gracious  Presence  with  me 
in  my  Ministry. 

One  special  Errand  unto  Heaven  was,  to  beg  (as  good  Things  for 
all  my  Children,  so  especially)  the  Lives  of  my  two  Children,  which 
are  threatened  by  the  contagious  Distemper  of  the  Small-Pox ;  which 
is  now  spreading  among  us ;  and  a  Direction  of  Heaven,  what  I  may 
do  for  their  Welfare  in  that,  and  (for  all  of  them)  in  all  Regards. 

Another  special  Errand  was :  that  my  unhappy  Administration, 
which  has  been  the  Occasion  of  so  much  Trouble  to  me,  is  yett  un- 
finished. And  my  Children-in-Law,  have  laid  a  deep  Design,  assisted 
with  crafty  and  cruel  Adversaries,  if  they  can,  to  ruine  me.  I  must 
fly  to  my  strong  Redeemer,  with  Cries  for  Help  against  my  unjust 
and  wicked  Persecutors,  and  for  my  Deliverance  from  them.  I  am 
sure,  my  God  wUl  hear  me  I 

8.  G.  D.  Some  under  grievous  Consternation,  from 
Small-Pox  now  spreading,  must  be  directed  and  comforted. 

*  9.  G.  D.  The  glorious  Lord  who  orders  my  Condition 
for  me,  has  order'd  me  a  Condition  of  considerable  Poverty. 
What  very  Httle  Estate  I  had,  has  been  sold,  and  the  Money 
is  gone  to  pay  my  Debts.  I  do  not  own  a  Foot  of  Land  in 
all  the  World.  My  Salary  is  not  enough  to  support  me  com- 
fortably, I  meet  with  many  Wants  and  Straits :  in  my  Diet, 
much ;  in  my  Habit,  more.  There  occur  strange  Wayes  to 
pull  me  back,  and  keep  me  low,  if  at  any  time  I  have  begun 
to  lay  by  any  Thing  for  the  Releef  of  my  Necessities. 

NOW  tis,  that  I  find  a  glorious  CHRIST  becoming  All  unto  me. 

I  am  so  far  from  any  Impatience  under  my  Difficulties,  that  I 
feel  an  inexpressible  DeUght  in  that  Conformity  to  the  Condition  of 
my  humbled  SAVIOUR,  which  they  help  me  to.  My  Poverty  makes 
me,  with  a  very  sensible  Pleasure  to  think,  now  I  am  conformed  unto 
the  Blessed  Jesus,  who  was  poor,  and  had  nothing  of  this  World,  that  He 
called  His  own;  and  encountred  with  many  Difficulties. 

I  think,  that  while  I  have  a  CHRIST  concerned  for  me,  and  while 
I  can  converse  with  a  CHRIST  continually,  and  while  my  Oppor- 
tunities to  glorify  a  CHRIST  are  multiplied  unto  me,  I  have  the  best 
of  Riches;  yea,  the  unsearchable  Riches  of  CHRIST.  I  really  look 
upoi^every  new  Enjoyment  of  a  CHRIST,  and  every  new  Advantage 


JULY,     I  7  2  I  631 

to  glorify  Him,  as  a  vast  Accession  to  my  Riches ;  and  with  the  same 
Eye,  that  the  Men  of  this  World,  look  upon  any  new  Accession  and 
Affluence  of  Wealth  unto  them. 

It  is  with  an  unspeakable  Pleasure,  that  I  behold  my  SAVIOUR 
having  entirely  in  His  Hands,  the  Supply  of  all  the  good  Things, 
which  I  have  any  real  Occasion  for.  I  can  with  a  sweet  Assurance 
rely  upon  Him,  to  supply  me  with  all  that  His  Wisdome  and  Good- 
ness may  judge  proper  for  me ;  and  I  will  not  so  much  as  indulge  a 
Wish  for  any  more. 

I  look  forward  and  I  certainly  know,  that  there  is  another  World, 
wherein  my  SAVIOUR  will  bring  me  to  inherit  all  things,  and  I  shall 
in  that  world  have  enough  and  enough  to  make  a  Compensation  for 
all  that  in  this  World  has  been  denied  unto  me.  Dotnine,  ubi  omnia 
mea,  Tu  Sets  I 

10.  G.  D.  The  various  Distresses  come  upon  the  Flock, 
in  the  grievous  Disease  novi^  beginning  to  distress  the  Town, 
must  be  suitably  considered  by  me ;  my  Prayers  and  Ser- 
mons must  be  adapted  unto  their  Condition. 

11.  G.  D.  For  Sammy,  and  Liza,  Oh!  what  shall  I  do  ? 
A  continual  Dropping  of  Instructions  and  Awakenings. 

12.  G.  D.  A  Kinsman  has  done  bravely  and  expressed 
a  noble  Compassion,  and  Self-denial  and  Courage  in  accept- 
ing an  Invitation  to  miserable  Bristol.  I  write  as  pathetic 
a  Letter  as  I  can  unto  him,  to  encourage  him. 

13.  G.  D.  The  Supplications  to  be  made  this  Day, 
the  Testimonies  to  be  born  this  Day: 

Tis  a  Day  of  Humiliation  thro'  the  Province,  on  the 
Occasion  of  the  Calamity  now  upon  miserable  Boston. 

14.  G.  D.  Do  something  further  to  strengthen  the 
Govemour's  Patience. 

Write  unto  our  Agent  at  London,  what  may  be  for 
our  good  and  his  own. 

15.  G.  D.    Widows  multiply.    Marahs  to  be  spoken  to. 
*  16.    G.  D.     At   this  Time,   I   enjoy  an   unspeakable 

Consolation.  I  have  instructed  our  Physicians  in  the  new 
Method  used  by  the  Africans  and  Asiaticks,  to  prevent  and 


632         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

abate  the  Dangers  of  the  Small-Pox,  and  infallibly  to  save 
the  Lives  of  those  that  have  it  wisely  managed  upon  them. 
The  Destroyer,  being  enraged  at  the  Proposal  of  any  Thing, 
that  may  rescue  the  Lives  of  our  poor  People  from  him,  has 
taken  a  strange  Possession  of  the  People  on  this  Occasion. 
They  rave,  they  rail,  they  blaspheme ;  they  talk  not  only 
like  Ideots  but  also  like  Franticks,  And  not  only  the  Physi- 
cian who  began  the  Experiment,  but  I  also  am  an  Object 
of  their  Fury;    their  furious  Obloquies  and  Invectives. 

My  Conformity  to  my  SAVIOUR  in  this  Thing,  fills  me 
with  Joy  unspeakable  and  full  of  Glory. 

17.  G.  D.  What  shall  I  do  for  that  Part  of  the  Flock, 
that  are  fled  into  other  Towns,  to  escape  the  Dangers  of 
the  Small-Pox. 

Accommodate  them  with  Books  of  Piety. 
And  unto  a  Number  of  them  in  the  Neighbour-Town, 
go  and  preach  a  Lecture. 

18.  G.  D.  The  cursed  Clamour  of  a  People  strangely 
and  fiercely  possessed  of  the  Devil,  wUl  probably  prevent 
my  saving  the  Lives  of  my  two  Children,  from  the  Small- 
pox in  the  Way  of  Transplantation.  So  that  I  have  no  way 
left,  but  that  of  my  continual  and  importunate  Cries  to 
Heaven  for  their  Preservation.  Accompanied  with  Admo- 
nitions unto  them  to  make  their  own. 

19.  G.  D.  A  little  Kinsman  admitted  into  the  Colledge, 
I  must  procure  Subscriptions,  towards  the  supporting  of 
him  there.  1 

20.  G.  D.  Writing  to  London  and  Bristol,  I  project 
several  extensive  Services  to  the  Kingdome  of  GOD. 

And  I  more  particularly  encourage  our  Agent,  cheer- 
fully to  continue  his  Endeavours  to  do  good  for  the  most 
ungrateful  and  barbarous  people  in  the  World. ^ 

'Andrew  Oliver,  who  died  in  1774. 

'  Jeremiah  Dummer  was  the  agent,  and  the  barbarous  people  were  those  of 
Massachusetts. 


J  U  L  Y  ,      I  7  2  I  633 

21.  G.  D.  There  being  several  Societies  of  young 
People,  meeting  for  the  Exercises  of  Religion  on  the  Lords- 
day-Evenings,  and  they  generally  lying  obnoxious  to  the 
Danger  of  the  Small-Pox,  I  would,  as  far  as  I  can  find 
Strength  for  it,  visit  them,  and  entertain  them  with  Prayers 
and  Sermons  that  shall  be  suitable  for  them. 

This  Day,  I  sett  apart,  for  Supplications  to  the  glorious 
Lord,  especially  on  the  behalf  of  my  two  Children,  that  are 
exposed  unto  the  Dangers  of  the  Small-Pox,  and  that  I 
may  obtain  Blessings  for  all  my  Children.  I  also  implore 
the  Compassion  of  Heaven  to  a  Town  already  under  dread- 
ful Judgments,  but  ripening  for  more. 

And  that  GOD  would  requite  me  Good  for  all  the  Curs- 
ing of  a  People  that  have  Satan  filling  of  them ;  and  yett 
appear  to  rescue  and  increase  my  Opportunities  to  do  good, 
which  the  great  Adversary  is  now  making  an  hellish  Assault 
upon. 

22,  G.  D.  Some  of  Neighbours  are  in  very  particular 
Circumstances  obliging  me  to  visit  them  and  comfort  them. 

*  23.  G.  D.  I  have  my  Meditations  very  strongly 
employed  on  that  Question : 

//  /  were  fastened  unto  a  CROSS,  and  under  all  the  Cir- 
cumstances of  a  Crucifixion,  what  would  he  my  Dispositions ; 
what  my  Exercises? 

My  Answer  to  it,  is  written  down  on  a  separate  Paper. 

But  I  find  myself  so  entirely  brought  unto  such  Dis- 
positions, and  such  Exercises :  that  I  have  abundant  Evi- 
dence that  I  am  crucified  with  CHRIST.  And  now,  Oh, 
the  glorious  Consequences! 

24.  G.  D.  A  young  Man  in  the  Flock  has  made  a  very 
hopeful  and  joyful  End,  and  has  gloriously  triumphed  over 
Death!  To  animate  Piety,  especially  among  the  young 
People  in  the  Flock,  especially  now  the  Fire  of  GOD  is 
consuming  them ;    I  preach  a  Sermon  on  this  Occasion. 

25.  G.  D.    A  young   Woman    (a   Kinswoman   of   my 


634         DIARY  or  COTTON  MATHER 

Wife's,)  sojourns  in  my  Family.  Books  of  Piety,  whereof  she 
appears  too  neghgent  must  be  commended  unto  her  Perusal. 
I  must  also  be  patient  under  it,  that  my  own  Children 
must  be  turned  and  kept  out  of  Doors,  and  their  Place  be 
taken  by  a  Stranger  so  unacceptable  to  me. 

26.  G.  D.  I  have  some  Kindred  in  the  Town  who 
languish  under  great  Fear  of  the  Contagion,  that  is  now 
spreading  among  us.  It  furnishes  me,  with  an  Opportunity, 
to  address  them  in  the  most  effectual  Way  upon  their 
greatest  Interests. 

27.  G.  D.  The  monstrous  and  cr}dng  Wickedness  of 
this  Town,  (a  Town  at  this  time  strangely  possessed  with 
the  Devil,)  and  the  vile  Abuse  which  I  do  myself  particu- 
larly suffer  from  it,  for  nothing  but  my  instructing  our  base 
Physicians,  how  to  save  many  precious  Lives ;  these  things 
oblige  me,  in  the  Fear  of  the  divine  Judgments,  to  fall 
down  before  the  Lord,  with  most  earnest  Supplications,  for 
His  Pitty  and  Pardon  to  a  People  so  obnoxious  to  His 
Displeasure.  1 

28.  G.  D.  The  Minister  of  Wenham  ^  sends  to  me  for 
Directions,  to  regulate  and  animate  the  private  Societies 
of  Religion  there.  I  send  him  the  Directions,  with  Pro- 
posals to  make  them  of  a  more  diffusive  Usefulness  through- 
out the  Countrey. 

I  sett  apart  this  Day,  as  I  did  this  Day  Se'nnight,  for 
Supplications  to  the  glorious  Lord.  The  Occasions  and 
the  Exercises  were  the  same  now,  that  they  were  then ; 
only  that  I  enjoy'd  rather  more  of  Heaven,  and  Assurance, 
that  my  God  will  hear  me! 

29.  G.  D.  Several  afflicted  People  to  be  visited  and 
comforted. 

'The  Boston  Gazette,  July  27,  1721,  printed  a  letter  on  the  smallpox,  dated 
July  25,  and  signed  by  Increase  and  Cotton  Mather,  Benjamin  Colman,  Thomas 
Prince,  John  Webb,  and  William  Cooper.  The  original  ms.  is  in  the  Boston 
Medical  Library. 

'Robert  Ward,  ordained  January  25,  1720-21,  and  died  in  1732. 


AUGUST,     172I  635 

A  Minister  of  the  Countrey,  who  meets  with  grievous 
Difficulties  among  a  barbarous  People,  must  be  releeved 
and  supported. 

*  30,  G.  D.  What  should  be  my  Conduct  under  the 
Outrages  and  Obloquies  of  a  Town  which  Satan  has  taken 
a  most  wonderful  Possession  of  ? 

I  must  exceedingly  rejoice  in  my  Conformity,  to  my 
admirable  SAVIOUR :  who  was  thus,  and  worse  requited, 
when  He  saved  their  Lives,  and  came  to  save  their  Souls. 

I  must  mightily  take  heed  unto  my  own  Spirit,  and 
watch  against  all  Ebullitions  of  Wrath,  lest  being  provoked, 
I  speak  imadvisedly  with  my  Lips. 

I  must  give  myself  unto  Prayer,  and  wait  with  Patience, 
in  a  full  Perswasion,  that  my  glorious  Lord,  will  restrain 
and  govern  the  Satanic  Fury  that  is  now  raging ;  and  that 
He  will  anon  give  me  to  see  my  Opportunities  to  do  good 
strangely  multipHed. 

31.  G.  D.  I  must  yett  more  particularly  give  to  our 
People,  a  Sermon  that  shall  most  plainly  and  fully  Instruct 
them,  how  to  gett  into  such  Terms  with  Heaven,  that  they 
may  be  Ready,  for  whatever  Events  the  Contagion  that 
spreads  in  the  Town  may  bring  upon  them. 

August.  I.  G.  D.  Full  of  Distress  about  Sammy;  He 
begs  to  have  his  Life  saved,  by  receiving  the  Small-Pox, 
in  the  way  of  Inoculation,  whereof  our  Neighbourhood  has 
had  no  less  than  ten  remarkable  Experiments ;  and  if  he 
should  after  all  dy  by  receiving  it  in  the  common  Way,  how 
can  I  answer  it?  On  the  other  Side,  our  People,  who  have 
Satan  remarkably  filling  their  Hearts  and  their  Tongues, 
will  go  on  with  infinite  Prejudices  against  me  and  my  Min- 
istry, if  I  suffer  this  Operation  upon  the  ChUd :  and  be 
sure,  if  he  should  happen  to  miscarry  under  it,  my  Condition 
would  be  insupportable. 

His  Grandfather  advises  that  I  keep  the  whole  Proceeding 
private,  and  that  I  bring  the  Lad  into  this  Method  of  Safety. 


636         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

My  GOD,  I  know  not  what  to  do,  but  my  Eyes  are 
unto  Thee! 

2.  G.  D.  I  will  employ  the  Witt  and  Pen  of  my  Kins- 
man at  Roxbury,  to  serve  the  Cause  of  Truth  and  Right  on 
the  present  Occasion. 

3.  G.  D.  The  glorious  God  has  with  marvellous  Dis- 
plays of  His  Free-grace,  employ'd  me  to  articulate  His 
Voice  unto  His  People,  on  many  Occasions.  I  am  inclinable 
to  send  over  unto  London,  an  Essay,  of.  Seasonable  Reflec- 
tions and  profitable  Instructions,  produced  by  the  Matchless 
Distress  which  the  Managements  of  the  South-Sea  Company 
have  brought  upon  an  unhappy  Nation.  Direct  me  and  Accept 
me,  O  my  SAVIOUR. 

4.  G.  D.  I  will  allow  the  persecuted  Physician,'  to 
publish  my  Communications  from  the  Levant,  about  the 
Small-Pox,  and  supply  him  with  some  further  Armour,  to 
conquer  the  Dragon. 

I  sett  apart  this  Day  also,  as  I  have  several  Prae- 
ceeding  Fridays,  for  secret  Supplications ;  on  the  same 
Occasions,  and  with  the  same  Exercises,  that  I  have  the 
former. 

Especially,  to  cry  unto  Heaven  for  the  Lives  of  my 
Children. 

And,  to  cast  indeed  all  my  Burdens  on  the  Lord. 

I  am  sure,  that  I  have  obtained  the  Conduct  of  a  good 
ANGEL  from  my  GOD  and  SAVIOUR. 

But  Oh!  how  comprehensive  a  Blessing  am  I  therein 
made  Partaker  of! 

5.  G.  D.  The  Condition  of  my  pious  Barber,  and  his 
Family,  calls  for  my  particular  Consideration. 

*  6.  G.  D.  It  is  the  Hour  and  Power  of  Darkness  on 
this  miserable  ^  Town  ;  and  I  need  an  uncommon  Assistance 
from  Above,  that  I  may  not  miscarry  by  any  froward  or 
angry  Impatience,  or  fall  into  any  of  the  common  Iniquities, 

'Zabdiel  Boylston.  *  He  had  first  written  "detestable." 


AUGUST,     1721  637 

of  Lying,  and  Railing  and  Malice :    or  be  weary  of  well- 
doing and  of  overcoming  Evil  with  Good. 

7.  G.  D.  My  clear  Ideas  of  a  crucified  Christian,  I 
would  communicate  unto  the  Flock,  and  inculcate  upon 
them,  with  all  Faithfulness  imaginable. 

8.  G.  D.  What  further  shall  I  do,  for  my  Samuel, 
(Not  mine,  but  thine,  O  Lord!  For  I  offer  Him  up  unto 
thee !)  That  he  may  be  prepared  for  what  is  every  day  to 
be  looked  for ! 

I  will  much  employ  him  in  preparing  of  Sermons. 

9.  G.  D.  Some  Kinsmen  in  continual  Fears  of  being 
siezed  by  the  Small-pox;  I  lay  hold  on  the  Opportunity  to 
press  the  Lessons  of  Piety  upon  them. 

10.  G.  D.  I  rejoice  in  taking  Opportunities  to  preach 
Lectures  at  the  neighbouring  Towns ;  and  carry  to  them 
the  Glories  and  Maxims  of  an  admirable  SAVIOUR. 

11.  G.  D.  Instigate  a  Neighbour-Minister  to  take 
proper  Methods,  for  the  Saving  of  his  Life,  now  in  extreme 
Danger  by  the  Contagion  spreading  among  us. 

12.  G.  D.  A  poor  godly  Widow,  has  lost  her  only  Son, 
by  a  sudden  and  awful  Death.  ^ 

*  13.  G.  D.  I  propose  a  particular  Advantage  unto 
Piety  in  me,  by  reading  a  Book  newly  published,  on  the 
Employments  and  Services  of  the  Blessed  Spirits  in  Heaven. 

And  prosecuting  that  Subject,  with  yett  more  penetrat- 
ing Meditations. 

14.  G.  D.  And  may  I  not  be  serviceable  to  the  Flock 
by  entertaining  them,  with  what  of  this  kind  may  be  proper 
for  them  ? 

15.  G.  D.  My  dear  Sammy,  is  now  under  the  Operation 
of  receiving  the  Small-Pox  in  the  way  of  Transplantation. 
The  Success  of  the  Experiment  among  my  Neighbours, 
as  well  as  abroad  in   the  World,   and  the  urgent   Calls 

'Nathaniel  Parkman,  son  of  Nathaniel  and  Hannah  Parkman.  He  was 
killed  by  the  fulling  mill  onNeponset  River,  August  11.    Sewall,  Diary,  ra.  291. 


638         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

of  his  Grandfather  for  it,  have  made  me  think,  that  I  could 
not  answer  it  unto  God,  if  I  neglected  it.  At  this  critical 
Time,  how  much  is  all  Piety  to  be  press'd  upon  the  Child ! 
And  it  may  be  hoped,  with  the  more  of  Efficacy,  be- 
cause his  dearest  Companion  (and  his  Chamber-fellow  at 
the  Colledge,)  dies  this  Day,  of  the  Small-pox  taken  in  the 
common  Way. 

16.  G.  D.  I  know  not  why  I  should  not  press  diverse 
of  my  distressed  Kinsmen,  to  come  under  the  same  Experi- 
ment. 

17.  G.  D.  The  Notable  Experience  I  now  have  of  this 
New  Method,  for  the  Saving  of  many  Lives,  yea,  and  for 
the  Abating  and  preventing  of  Miseries  undergone  by  many 
who  do  live,  and  survive  an  horrible  Distemper,  enables  me 
to  recommend  the  matter  so,  that  I  hope  it  may  be  intro- 
duced into  the  English  Nation,  and  a  World  of  good  may 
be  done  to  the  miserable  Children  of  IMen.  I  take  the 
Matter  into  Consideration. 

18.  G.  D.  I  may  propose  some  agreeable  Passages, 
to  be  inserted  in  the  News-Letters,  which  may  have  a  Notable 
Tendency  to  correct  and  restrain  the  Epidemical  Follies 
of  the  Town. 

19.  G.  D.  Some  greatly  bereaved  Parents  must  be 
visited  and  comforted. 

*  20.  G.  D.  My  Soul  makes  a  glorious  Improvement 
in  the  prosecution  of  the  Foelicity,  which  my  SAVIOUR  has 
in  those  Terms  propos'd  unto  me.  You  in  me,  and  I  in  you. 

And  I  am  now  feeding  and  living  upon  His  most  gracious 
Promise ;  //  you  abide  in  me,  and  my  Words  abide  in  you, 
you  shall  ask  what  you  will,  and  it  shall  be  done  unto  you. 

21.  G.  D.  The  Committee  of  the  Church,  ought  to 
be  pressed  unto  more  Expedition  in  settling  of  some  Affairs, 
which  may  have  a  Tendency  to  our  Tranquillity. 

22.  G.  D.  My  dear  Sammy,  having  received  the  Small- 
pox in  the  Way  of  Inoculation,  is  now  under  the  Fever 


AUGUST,     172I  639 

necessary  to  produce  the  Eruption.  But  I  have  Reason  to 
fear,  that  he  had  also  taken  the  Infection  in  the  common 
Way ;  and  he  had  likewise  but  one  Insition,  and  one  so  small 
as  to  be  hardly  worthy  the  Name  of  one,  made  upon  him. 
If  he  should  miscarry,  besides  the  Loss  of  so  hopeful  a  Son,  I 
should  also  suffer  a  prodigious  Clamour  and  Hatred  from  an 
infuriated  Mob,  whom  the  Devil  has  inspired  with  a  most 
hellish  Rage,  on  this  Occasion.  My  continual  Prayers  and 
Cries,  and  Offerings  to  Heaven,  must  be  accompanied  with 
suitable  Instructions  to  the  Child,  while  our  Distresses 
are  upon  us. 

23.  G.  D.  My  little  Kinsman,  recovering  from  the 
Small-Pox,  I  will  direct  him,  that  He  draw  up  and  write 
down,  the  Returns  to  the  Lord  his  Healer,  which  are  now  to 
be  endeavoured  by  him. 

24.  G.  D.  The  Town  is  become  almost  an  Hell  upon 
Earth,  a  City  full  of  Lies,  and  Murders,  and  Blasphemies, 
as  far  as  Wishes  and  Speeches  can  render  it  so ;  Satan  seems 
to  take  a  strange  Possession  of  it,  in  the  epidemic  Rage, 
against  that  notable  and  powerful  and  successful  way  of 
saving  the  Lives  of  People  from  the  Dangers  of  the  Small- 
Pox.  What  can  I  do  on  this  Occasion,  to  gett  the  miserable 
Town  dispossessed  of  the  evil  Spirit,  which  has  taken  such 
an  horrible  Possession  of  it?  What  besides  Prayer  with 
Fasting,  for  it  ? 

25.  G.  D.  I  will  assist  my  Physician,  in  giving  to  the 
Public,  some  Accounts  about  releeving  the  Small-Pox  in 
the  way  of  Transplantation;  which  may  be  of  great  Conse- 
quence ! 

25  J.  VI  m.  Friday.  It  is  a  very  critical  Time  with 
me,  a  Time  of  unspeakable  Trouble  and  Anguish,  My  dear 
Sammy,  has  this  Week  had  a  dangerous  and  threatening 
Fever  come  upon  him,  which  is  beyond  what  the  Inocula- 
tion of  the  Small-Pox  has  hitherto  brought  upon  any  Sub- 
jects of  it.     In  this  Distress,  I  have  cried  unto  the  Lord; 


640         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

and  He  has  answered  with  a  Measure  of  Restraint  upon  the 
Fever.  The  Eruption  proceeds,  and  he  proves  pretty  full, 
and  has  not  the  best  sort,  and  some  Degree  of  his  Fever 
holds  him.     His  Condition  is  very  hazardous. 

I  sett  apart  this  Day,  for  Supplications  to  my  glorious 
Lord,  on  this  distressing  Occasion.  I  was  enabled  by  him 
to  make  a  Sacrifice  of  my  Son,  unto  Him.  I  submitted 
and  consented  unto  it,  that  if  He  would  please  to  kill  the 
Lad,  even  in  such  aggravating  Circumstances  of  Sorrow,  as 
his  Death  must  now  be  attended  with,  I  would  humbly 
acquiesce  in  His  most  sovereign,  just  and  wise  Dispensations. 
A  CHRIST  being  left  unto  me,  I  would  entirely  take  my 
whole  satisfaction  in  Him  alone,  and  count  myself  Happy 
enough,  while  I  have  Him  to  comfort  me.  But  yett,  I 
beg'd  for  the  Life  of  the  Child,  that  he  may  live  to  serve 
the  Kingdome  of  GOD,  and  that  the  Cup  which  I  fear, 
may  pass  from  me. 

I  have  other  Children  also  at  this  Time,  sick  and  weak 
and  languishing,  and  in  much  Affliction.  My  SAVIOUR 
seems  to  multiply  very  many  and  heavy  Loads  at  once  upon 
me.  Oh!  may  He  help  me  to  carry  it  well  under  them! 
Oh !  may  my  Carriage  yeeld  Him  a  grateful  Spectacle ! 

What  can  I  do,  but  cast  my  Burden  on  the  Lord! 

26.  G.  D.  Several  poor  People,  sick  of  the  common- 
Distemper,  call  for  my  Releefs,  more  Ways  than  one  unto 
them. 

*  27.  G.  D.  My  blessed  SAVIOUR,  the  Healer  of  my 
Soul,  has  at  length  brought  me  to  a  Blessedness,  which  noth- 
ing in  this  World,  nor  all  the  good  Things  of  a  thousand 
such  Worlds,  may  be  compared  unto.  It  was  not  enough 
that  I  should  come  unto  this ;  I  am  willing  to  be  stript  of 
all  my  worldly  Enjoyments,  and  have  neither  Wealth,  nor 
Health,  nor  Name,  nor  Friend  left  unto  me,  and  find  in  a 
glorious  CHRIST  alone,  all  the  satisfactions  which  People 
vainly  promise  themselves  in  Creatures. 


AUGUST,     172I  641 

But  I  must  also  come  unto  this ;  My  dear,  dear  SAV- 
IOUR, thou  hast  brought  me  to  it!  I  am  content,  That  I 
see  no  Reward  of  PIETY  in  the  whole  Time  of  my  Pilgrim- 
age upon  Earth ;  and  that  none  of  my  Prayers  have  such 
Answers  here  given  to  them,  as  I  could  have  wished  for.  I 
am  satisfied,  in  what  I  am  sure,  shall  after  Death  be  done 
for  me,  by  a  SAVIOUR,  who,  I  am  sure  is  Himself  risen  from 
the  Dead.  I  can  cheerfully  take  up,  with  what  shall  in  a 
future  State  be  done  for  me,  by  a  SAVIOUR,  whom  I  can 
with  a  strong  Faith  rely  upon,  and  give  Glory  to  God. 

28.  G.  D.  This  miserable  Town,  is  a  dismal  Picture 
and  Emblem  of  Hell;  Fire  with  Darkness  filling  of  it,  and  a 
lying  Spirit  reigning  there ;  many  members  of  our  Churches, 
have  had  a  fearful  Share  in  the  false  Reports,  and  blasphe- 
mous Speeches,  and  murderous  Wishes  in  which  the  Town 
is  become  very  guilty  before  the  Lord.  Calling  upon  the 
Flock  to  prepare  for  the  Table  of  the  Lord,  I  warn  them  to 
repent  of  whatever  may  have  been  in  them  offensive  unto 
GOD,  and  come  with  suitable  Dispositions  of  Love  to  GOD 
and  CHRIST  and  their  Neighbour,  lest  they  provoke  Him 
to  be  terrible  in  His  holy  Places. 

29.  G.  D.  The  Condition  of  my  Son  Samuel  is  very 
singular.  The  Inoculation  was  very  imperfectly  performed, 
and  scarce  any  more  than  attempted  upon  him ;  And  yett 
for  ought  I  know,  it  might  be  so  much  as  to  prove  a  Benefit 
unto  him.  He  is  however,  endanger'd,  by  the  ungoverned 
Fever  that  attends  him.  And  in  this  Distress,  I  know  not 
what  to  do ;   but,  O  Lord,  my  Eyes  are  unto  thee ! 

30.  G.  D.  That  which  adds  to  my  Distress,  is,  that 
my  Son-in-Law,  D.  W[illard]  is  not  only  languishing  under 
an  unknown  Fever,  but  also  grown  delirous  with  it. 

My  Daughter  Abigail,  within  a  few  Weeks  of  her  Time, 
is  very  hazardously  circumstanced  with  several  Infirmities. 

My  Daughter  Hannah,  has  a  violent  Feavour  upon  her, 
which  extremely  threatens  her  Life. 
II  •  41 


642         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

My  Sister's  Family  has  the  Small-Pox  broken  in  upon 
it.     Her  Son,  Daughter,   Grandson. 

Tis  an  abundance  of  Duty,  which  on  these  Occasions  I 
am  called  unto. 

I  sett  myself  to  consider,  what  I  could  see  desirable  and  comfort- 
able in  my  Children,  and  what  it  is,  that  would  render  me  glad  of 
their  Continuance  with  me :  but  then  I  considered,  what  I  could 
find  in  a  glorious  CHRIST,  infinitely  more  desirable  and  comfortable ; 
and  what  I  can  find  in  Him,  that  will  abundantly  satisfy  me  in  the 
Withdraw  of  these  and  all  Creatures  from  me. 

These  are  my  Children,  I  am  therefore  from  Nature  and  from 
Duty  to  love  them. 

A  CHRIST  is  the  Son  of  the  eternal  GOD,  GOD  must  be  more  to 
me  than  myself.     My  highest  Love  must  soar  away  to  Him. 

I  see  my  Image  on  my  Children.     Does  this  endear  them  to  me? 
A  CHRIST  is  the  express  Image  of  His  FATHER.    How  much 
more  Dear  should  this  render  Him  to  me? 

My  Children  are  nearly  Related  unto  me.  Not  so  nearly  as  my 
SAVIOUR.     I  am  One  with  Him. 

The  Afectio7i  which  my  Children  have  and  show  to  me,  causes 
me  to  delight  in  them. 

The  Afection  of  my  SAVIOUR  to  me,  shines  forth  in  the  most 
incomparable  Instances. 

My  Children  in  their  Conversation  with  me  entertain  me  with 
many  Things  that  are  delectable. 

I  find  what  is  beyond  all  Expression  more  delectable  in  convers- 
ing with  my  SAVIOUR. 

My  Children  are  taken  from  the  good  Things  of  this  World,  which 
I  should  gladly  have  seen  them  rejoicing  in. 

My  SAVIOUR  takes  them  unto  Himself,  and  unto  better  Things 
than  any  that  are  in  this  present  evil  world. 

My  sad  Things  are  welcome  to  me,  because  of  the  Invitations 
and  Opportunities,  which  they  give  me,  thus  to  fly  unto  a  glorious 
CHRIST,  and  feed  and  live  upon  Him. 

And  in  the  Skill  and  Will  which  He  has  given  me  to  do  so,  I 
enjoy  unsearchable  Riches;  I  have  a  sure,  a  full,  a  Perpetual  Fund 
of  Blessedness. 

Being  brought  unto  these  Dispositions  and  Contempla- 
tions, I  went  on,  and  made  a  Sacrifice  of,  my  beloved  Son 


SEPTEMBER,     172I  643 

and  offered  him  up  unto  my  glorious  Lord,  with  all  the 
Resignation  that  I  could  attain  unto. 

Immediately  resuming  my  Chair,  I  thought  I  would 
visit  my  Bible,  the  Store-house  of  my  Consolations ;  and 
if  the  first  Place,  I  found  it  open  at,  should  not  prove  the 
fittest  Matter  for  my  Meditations,  I  would  then  turn  to 
the  Relation  of  the  miraculous  Cure  which  the  blessed 
JESUS  wrought  on  the  Son  of  the  Nobleman,  and  meditate 
upon  it.  Unto  my  Surprize,  the  Bible  tho'  under  some 
disadvantage  for  doing  so,  by  a  paper  lodged  behind  the 
Leaf,  it  opened  at  that  very  place ;  and  the  Passage  which 
immediately  lay  before  my  Eye,  was  that  Go  thy  Way,  thy 
Son  liveth. 

Towards  the  Evening,  the  Child's  Fever  arose  to  an 
Heighth  which  distressed  us  all.  But  he,  under  an  Im- 
pression of  such  Violence  upon  him,  as  if  it  came  from  some 
superiour  Original,  fell  into  an  unpacifiable  Passion,  to  have 
a  Vein  breathed  in  him.  We  gratified  him,  and  he  had 
not  one  uneasy  Hour  after  it ;  his  Recovery  went  on  to 
admiration. 

31.  G.  D.  But  tho'  the  Recovery  of  my  Son  is  hope- 
fully going  on,  yett  his  Danger  is  not  over.  And  the  Dis- 
tress for  his  two  elder  Sisters  goes  on  to  an  Extremity. 
Especially,  poor  Nancy,  dear  Nancy,  tis  the  plain  Symptoms 
of  approaching  Death  continually  increasing  upon  her. 

Wherefore  I  sett  apart  this  Day,  for  Humiliations  and 
Supplications,  with  Fasting  before  the  Lord.  That  so  I 
might  as  a  Son  of  Jacob,  weep  and  make  Supplications, 
when  I  see  my  Family  threatened  with  Desolations. 

September,  i.  G.  D.  What  if  I  should  move  our 
Ministers  to  join  with  me,  in  publishing  some  Directions 
of  Piety,  for  Families  visited  with  Sickness. 

My  two  dying  Daughters ! 

Especially,  dear  Nancy,  in  the  very  Jaws  of  Death ! 

My  God  keeps  my  Faith  in  continual  Exercise.    And 


644         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

in  my  Essays  to  live  upon  a  CHRIST,  He  does  quicken 
me  and  assist  me  wonderfully! 

2.  G.  D.  I  need  not  now  be  at  a  Loss  for  particular 
objects  of  Compassion.  They  multiply  wonderfully ;  they 
become  innumerable. 

*  3.  G.  D.  A  vast  Collection  of  heavy  Loads  comes  at 
once  upon  me :  Some  that  I  do  not  mention  in  these 
Papers,  are  added  unto  them.  Full  of  Resignation  to,  and 
Satisfaction  in,  my  SAVIOUR  under  all  I  am  verily  per- 
swaded,  that  I  shall  anon  find  the  GOD  of  Patience,  to  be 
the  GOD  of  Consolation. 

Dear  Nancy  dying ! 

The  Physicians  give  her  over,  and  pronounce  it,  that  she 
has  not  many  Hours  to  hve.  I  do  myself  also  resign  her ; 
and  visit  her  with  many  Prayers,  in  a  Day  for  that  purpose. 

But  I  know  not  what  well  to  make  of  it ;  in  the  midst 
of  all  my  Darkness,  a  strange  Light  breaks  in  upon  my 
Mind  with  a  Perswasion,  that  I  shall  see  that  Word  ful- 
filled upon  the  Child,  /  was  brought  low,  atid  He  helped  me. 
The  Child  herself  also  returning  for  a  few  Minutes  to  her 
Sense  and  her  Speech,  told  me,  she  had  yett  some  Hope  to 
see  that  Word  fulfill'd  unto  her. 

4.  G.  D.  The  Flock  must  hear  me  take  a  very  solemn 
and  bitter  Notice  of  it,  that  tho  the  Arrows  of  Death  are 
flying  among  us,  and  our  young  People  are  afraid  of  their 
Lives,  yett  we  are  not  sensible  that  any  notable  Effects  of 
Piety  are  produced  among  them.  Instead  thereof,  there  is 
a  Rage  of  Wickedness  among  us,  beyond  what  was  ever 
known  from  the  Beginning  to  this  Day. 

Dear  Nancy,  still  adying:  and  given  over,  condemned 
by  the  Physicians,  to  dy  within  a  very  few  Hours. 

5.  G.  D.  Sammy  recovering  Strength,  I  must  now 
earnestly  putt  him  on  considering,  what  he  shall  render  to 
the  Lord!  Use  exquisite  Methods  that  he  may  come  Gold 
out  of  the  Fire. 


SEPTEMBER,      1721  645 

Nibby  still  dangerously  circumstanced. 
And  Nancy  stUl  a  dying. 

6.  G.  D.  The  Condition  of  my  Sister  Maria's  Family : 
(full  of  affliction ;)  calls  for  my  great  Concern  about  it. 

Nancy  still  a  dying. 

7.  G.  D.  In  the  Circumstances  of  my  dying  Children, 
I  am  called  unto  repeated  Sacrifices;  I  must  go  thro'  the 
Duty  of  a  Sacrificer.  But  shall  I  not  exhibit  unto  the 
People  of  GOD,  the  Conduct  of  a  Sacrificer,  in  such  a  Man- 
ner, that  my  Trials  may  be  made  useful  to  my  Neighbours? 

I  do  it  this  Day  in  the  Lecture. 

8.  G.  D.  I  make  a  Motion  among  the  Ministers  to 
serve  the  Design  of  Piety  in  the  sick  Families  of  the  City. 

To  our  Surprize,  this  Day,  dear  Nancy  revives,  and  her 
Feaver  breaks,  and  gives  us  Hopes  that  she  may  yett  return 
unto  us. 

9.  G.  D.  Still  I  don't  want  Objects  for  Compassion 
in  my  Neighbourhood.     They  grow  exceedingly. 

*  10.  G.  D.  That  Word  of  our  SAVIOUR,  //  the 
World  hate  you,  yee  know  that  it  hated  me  before  it  hated  you; 
my  Soul  exceedingly  feeds  and  lives  upon  it.  I  consider 
the  Maxims  and  Actions,  of  my  SAVIOUR,  which  exposed 
Him  to  the  Hatred  of  the  World :  I  will  entirely  conform 
unto  them :  and  if  the  World  thereupon  treat  me  with  all 
the  Aversion  imaginable,  it  shaU  be  welcome  to  me,  I  will 
rejoice  in  it.  The  Joy  sett  before  me  in  my  SAVIOUR  and 
in  a  Better  World,  gives  me  all  the  Satisfaction  that  can  be 
wished  for. 

11.  G.  D.  Entertain  the  Flock,  with  Meditations  on 
the  lothsome  Disease  upon  us,  in  regard  of  our  Sin :  whereof 
we  have  a  lively  Emblem  in  the  Distemper  that  is  now 
raging  among  us. 

12.  G.  D.  What  shall  I  do,  that  Sammy  in  his  new 
Life  may  live  unto  God? 

What  shall  I  do,  for  my  two  feeble  Daughters? 


646         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

13.  G.  D.  I  have  two  Kinsmen  recovering  of  the 
Small-Pox.  What  shall  I  do,  to  produce  in  them,  the 
grateful  Improvements  of  serious  Piety? 

14.  G.  D.  GOD  is  doing  of  terrible  Things,  imto 
France;  and  the  Time  comes  on,  that  this  tenth  Part  of  the 
City  must  be  over-turned  in  a  mighty  Earthquake.  It 
may  be  a  very  seasonable  Action,  if  GOD  please  to  direct 
and  prosper  it,  and  very  astonishing  may  be  the  Conse- 
quences of  it,  if  I  form  an  agreeable  Instrument,  that  shall 
make  due  Remarks  on  the  Judgments  of  God,  which  are 
distressing  and  even  destroying  the  French  Nation,  and  call 
upon  the  Nation  to  Repent  of  the  unparallell'd  Persecution 
on  the  Worshippers  of  GOD  and  Followers  of  CHRIST 
which  brings  on  them  a  wrath  unto  the  uttermost,  and 
exhort  them  to  come  out  of  Babylon,  and  instruct  them  in 
the  Maxims  of  the  everlasting  Gospel,  which  they  must 
unite  upon.  Wherefore,  I  am  now  forming  of  such  an 
Instrument,  and  putting  it  into  the  French  Language,  and 
seeking  Direction  from  Heaven,  how  to  procure  the  Dis- 
persion of  it  in  France;  and  praying  and  waiting  for  the 
Success  of  it. 

15.  G.  D.  A  Minister  of  the  New  North, ^  having  his 
Consort,  by  Death  taken  from  him,  it  gives  me  an  Oppor- 
tunity, to  serve  him,  and  preach  for  him,  and  thereby  to 
introduce  a  more  peaceable  Condition  of  Things  in  our 
Churches. 

16.  G.  D.  Alas,  my  Afflictions  multiply  upon  me.  I 
cannot  number  them. 

I  will  propose  one  comprehensive  Service  for  them.  In 
moving  the  Selectmen  to  look  for  a  seasonable  Supply  of 
Wood,  for  the  Town  ;  that  the  Poor  may  not  suffer  for  want 
of  a  convenient  Fuel,  in  the  approaching  Winter. 

*  17.  G.  D.  Instead  of  any  Regrett  at  the  Things 
which  for  the  present  are  not  joyous  but  grievous,  I  will 

'  Rev.  John  Webb,  whose  wife,  Frances,  died  September  14. 


SEPTEMBER,     172I  647 

intermix  with  the  darkest  and  saddest  of  them,  a  marvelous 
Joy  upon  my  Encounter  with  such  Things,  as  carry  on  my 
Crucifixion  to  This  World,  and  my  Conformity  to  my 
crucified  SAVIOUR,  and  the  Condition  of  one  dying  on  a 
Cross:  because  of  the  Joy  sett  before  me,  and  the  View 
therein  given  me,  of  my  Partaking  with  my  SAVIOUR  in 
the  heavenly  Glories  which  He  has  in  the  future  State 
reserved  for  His  Followers. 

18.  G.  D.  How  pathetically  may  my  public  Prayers 
represent  the  various  Condition  of  the  Flock  in  this  Time 
of  Trouble  before  the  Lord.  Lett  me  study  and  contrive 
to  do  it  in  the  Manner  that  shall  be  most  edifying  for  them. 

19.  G.  D.  My  unhappy  Son  Increase  is  again  in  la- 
mentable Circumstances.  A  vile  Sloth,  accompanied  with 
the  Power  of  Satan  still  reigning  over  him,  mines  him, 
destroyes  him.  I  must  not  only  repeat  my  solemn  Admoni- 
tions unto  the  impenitent  Youth,  but  (notwithstanding  the 
Provocations  he  has  given  me)  invite  him  to  come  again 
and  live  with  me,  that  I  may  have  him  under  my  Eye 
continually. 

My  lovely  Nibby,  who  was  delivered  of  a  Daughter  on 
the  Lord's-day,  is  now  in  Dying  Circumstances.  Lord! 
what  a  Sacrifice  am  I  called  unto! 

I  am  daily  with  the  dear  Child,  assisting  and  comforting 
of  her. 

20.  G.  D.     My  Neece,  Mrs.  Eliot,  is  also  dying. ^ 

A  Variety  of  services  to  be  done  for  her,  and  for  the 
ajSSicted  Family. 

21.  G.  D.  I  am  using  Methods,  to  gett  my  pastoral 
Letter  to  Families  visited  with  Sickness,  reprinted,  and  scat- 
tered in  our  sick  Families. 

22.  G.  D.  Move  the  Govemour,  to  assist  and  promote 
several  important  Services. 

1  Maria,  daughter  of  Maria  Mather  and  Bartholomew  Green,  born  in  1693, 
and  died  September  21,  1721.     She  married  Captain  John  Elliott. 


648         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

23.  G.  D.  The  afflicted  multiply  fast  enough.  One 
Day  this  Week  their  Condition  obliged  it,  that  my  Prayers 
were  seventeen,  on  another  Day,  twenty-two. 

*  24.  G.  D.  The  dying  Circumstances  of  my  lovely 
Daughter,  in  conjunction  with  a  Variety  of  other  Trials, 
oblige  me  this  morning  to  preach  on,  Isa.  xxxviii.  14. 
O  Lord,  I  am  oppressed,  undertake  for  me.  And  I  conclude 
my  Sermon  with  such  Terms  as  these. 

"You  are  sensible,  that  the  Condition  whereinto  the  glorious 
Lord  has  brought  me,  by  calling  me  to  the  Sacrifices  of  a  Jephtah,  and 
the  Condition  of  some  neariy  Related  unto  me,  has  obUged  my  Flight 
into  these  Contemplations,  whereupon  I  have  two  Things  to  observe 
unto  you.  The  one  is,  that  it  pleases  the  Holy  One,  to  make  my 
Sorrows  profitable  to  some  few  among  His  People.  There  are 
some  few  among  the  Children  of  GOD  who  fare  the  better  for  my 
Sorrows.  And  the  View  of  this,  renders  my  Sorrows  in  a  Measure 
welcome  to  me.  The  other  is,  that  a  poor  Servant  of  GOD  can 
assure  you,  from  his  own  happy  Experience,  that  while  he  knowes  he 
has  a  CHRIST  concerned  for  him,  and  feels  a  CHRIST  possessing 
of  Him,  and  conversing  with  Him,  none  of  all  his  Distresses  prove 
too  heavy  for  him.  He  don't  sink  under  any  Pressures,  but  can 
rise  and  soar  and  sing  the  Songs  which  God  our  Maker  has  given 
His  children  for  whatever  Night  He  will  have  to  be  passing  over 
them.    Oh !  prize  the  CHRIST,  for  whom  you  hear  our  Testimony." 

The  New-born  Grandchild,  should  have  been  brought 
forth  to  Baptism  in  the  Afternoon,  and  the  Water  stood 
ready  for  it  and  the  Name  of,  Resigned,  should  have  been 
put  upon  it.  But  its  dying  in  the  Time  of  the  public  Ser- 
vice prevented  it.     An  Uncommon  Occurrence! 

25.  G.  D.  Can  I  edify  the  Flock  more,  than  by  two 
such  Testimonies  as  I  bore  Yesterday  unto  them? 

What  have  I  to  support  me,  under  the  Pressures  which 
the  View  of  my  dying  Daughter  laics  upon  me  ?  A  glorious 
CHRIST!  He  is  my  Life,  He  is  my  All.  I  feel  what  it 
is  to  live  by  the  Faith  of  the  SON  of  GOD.  A  glorious 
CHRIST  is  carrying  my  Child  unto  the  Paradise,  where 


SEPTEMBER,     1721  649 

she  shall  be  comforted  with  Enjoyments  ten  thousand  Times 
more  comfortable  than  any  in  this  World,  which  my  Love  to 
her  might  have  disposed  me  to  have  wished  for  her.  All 
that  I  can  see  in  her,  to  endear  her  to  me,  I  can  see  much 
more  in  a  glorious  CHRIST,  who  gave  her  all  that  is  de- 
sirable in  her.  I  could  have  no  Satisfaction  in  conversing 
with  her,  but  what  I  can  find,  and  infinitely  more,  in  con- 
versing with  a  Glorious  CHRIST,  whom  I  have  always 
with  me.  My  SAVIOUR  will  also  take  abundant  Care  of 
the  Orphans,  that  she  leaves  behind  her. 

26.  G.  D.  To  strengthen  a  dear  Child  in  the  Agonies 
of  Death,  is  a  sad  Work,  which  I  am  again  call'd 
unto. 

Between  ten  and  eleven  in  the  Evening  the  dear  Child  ex- 
pired. A  long  and  an  hard  Death  was  the  Thing  appointed 
for  her. 

Some  Account  of  her,  and  the  Circumstances  of  her 
Death,  with  her  Dispositions  under  them,  is  given  in  some 
other  Papers. 

27.  G.  D.  The  Condition  of  my  widowed  Son-in-Law, 
now  calls  for  my  singular  Cares,  to  befriend  him,  and  advise 
him. 

28.  G.  D.  How  much  may  I  serve  the  Cause  of  Piety, 
and  edify  the  People  of  God,  if  I  entertain  the  Public  with 
such  Sentiments  as  the  Faith  and  Love  of  CHRIST  has 
given  me,  on  such  Occasions  as  I  have  now  before  me ! 

I  do  therefore  particularly  take  the  Lecture  this  Day ; 
and  entertain  the  Auditory  with  Meditations  on  the  holy 
Silence,  wherewith  we  are  to  glorify  GOD,  under  all  the 
sad  Things  that  come  upon  us. 

29.  G.  D.  There  will  be  good  devised  in  my  setting 
apart  this  Day,  as  I  do,  for  Prayer  with  Fasting ; 

That  I  may  humble  myself  before  the  Lord,  for  all  the 
Sins  which  the  Death  of  my  dear  Nihhy  calls  me  to  a  Repent- 
ance for. 


650         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

That  I  may  obtain  Mercy  for  the  Family  that  she  has 
left  behind  her. 

That  Nancy  may  have  a  perfect  Recovery;  Creasy  be 
made  a  new  Creature ;  Liza  have  her  Life  preserved  in  the 
Dangers  of  the  Contagion ;  and  Sammy  be  bless'd  in  his 
Education. 

That  I  may  be  supported  and  preserved  in  my  daily 
Visits  to  the  sick  Chambers,  that  are  so  lothsome,  and  full 
of  Malignity. 

That  I  may  be  directed,  assisted,  prospered  in  my  whole 
Ministry. 

And  have  a  particular  Smile  of  Heaven  on  the  Essays  I 
am  now  sending  beyond-sea,  to  serve  the  Kingdome  of  God. 

30.  G.  D.  The  Afflicted.  Lord,  How  are  they  increased 
that  affect  me : 

My  glorious  Lord,  makes  me  still  fruitful  in  the  Land  of 
my  Affliction. 

(VII.)  A  particular  Direction  of  the  divine  Providence, 
ordered  my  preaching  at  the  New  North  Church,  the  Lord's- 
day  after  the  Death  of  the  Ministers  Consort.  There  never 
were  but  three  Sermons  printed,  that  were  preached  in  that 
Church,  and  all  these  three  have  been  mine.  What  I  now 
preached  is  one  of  them.  The  Relatives  have  desired  it.  It 
is  entituled.  Genuine  Christianity.  Or,  A  True  Christian, 
both  in  Life  and  in  Death  glorifying  the  most  glorious  Lord. 
A  Sermon  on  the  departure  of  Mrs.  Frances  Web,  the  Vertuous 
Consort  of  Mr.  John  Web,  (a  Pastor  to  one  of  the  Churches  in 
Boston.)  who  expired,  Sept.  14.  1721.' 

(VIII.)  I  also  gave  to  the  Bookseller,  my  two  Sermons, 
which  were  occasioned  by  the  Death  of  my  lovely  Daughter. 
The  Book  is  Entituled,  Silentiarius.  A  short  Essay  on 
the  Holy  Silence,  which  Sad  Things  are  to  be  Entertained 
withal.  A  Sermon  preached  at  Boston-Lecture,  the  Day 
before  the  Interment  of  Mrs.  Abigail  Willard. 

*  Printed  by  S.  Kneeland  for  S.  Gerrish,  1721. 


OCTOBER,      1721  651 

Whereto  there  is  added,  A  Sermon  on,  The  Refuge  of  the 
Oppressed;  which  was  preached  on  the  Lord's-day  preceeding.^ 

Moreover,  My  Pastoral  Letter  to  Families  visited  with 
Sickness,  is  at  this  time  under  a  Third  Impression ;  ^  to 
be  dispersed  into  such  Famihes. 

October.  *  i.  G.  D.  It  is  a  Time,  when  people  are 
strangely  abandoned  unto  a  froward,  raging,  lying  Spirit ; 
a  Time  wherein  Malice  and  Falsehood  have  a  mighty  Opera- 
tion among  us.  Help  me,  O  my  SAVIOUR,  that  I  may 
not  be  in  the  least  Measure  infected  with  the  Vices  of  the 
Time.  Help  me,  that  with  a  constant  Care  of  Truth  in 
all  I  speak,  I  may  maintain  the  Meekness  of  Wisdome,  and 
be  full  of  Goodness,  in  all  my  Conversation,  whatever 
Provocation  to  Impatience  I  may  meet  withal. 

2.  G.  D.  A  Sermon  on  the  Death  of  our  promising 
young  People,  may  be  very  serviceable. 

3.  G.  D.  My  Children  are  with  me.  I  have  now  three 
of  them  (and  my  wife's  Kinswoman)  at  my  Table.  Among 
other  Methods  of  Piety,  I  would  make  use  of  this.  Tho' 
I  will  have  my  Table-Talk  facetious  as  well  as  instructive, 
and  use  much  Freedom  of  Conversation  in  it ;  yett  I  will 
have  this  Exercise  continually  intermixed.  I  will  sett 
before  them  some  Sentence  of  the  Bible,  and  make  some 
useful  Remarks  upon  it.  The  Book  of  the  Proverbs,  is  what 
I  begin  withal. 

4.  G.  D.  My  bereaved  Son-in-Law,  and  his  Family, 
must  continue  a  Subject  which  my  Cares  and  Prayers  are 
to  be  employ 'd  upon. 

I  must  consider  the  special  Temptations,  which  he  may 
be  obnoxious  to. 

5.  G.  D.  Having  this  Week  finished  the  Grande  Voix 
du  del  a  La  France  sous  La  Verge  de  Dieu;  I  am  contriving 

1  Printed  by  S.  Kneeland. 

2  Printed  by  B.  Green  for  S.  Gerrish,  1721.  It  was  first  published  in  1703, 
and  again  in  1713. 


652         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

the  best  Methods  I  can  to  obtain  the  pubhshing  and  the 
Dispersing  of  it.  Among  others,  I  propose  the  way  of 
Holland. 

6.  G.  D.  And  I  will  employ  the  Hand  of  a  Minister 
somewhat  acquainted  there,  for  that  Purpose. 

7.  G.  D.  The  afilicted  stiU  multiply  upon  me.  The 
contagious  Distemper,  seems  now  at  the  Heighth  in  my 
Neighbourhood. 

The  Number  of  the  Sick  that  had  Prayers  asked  for 
them  in  the  Bills  at  the  Old  North  Church,  on  the  last 
Lord's-day,  was,  two  hundred  and  two. 

On  the  Monday,  the  Number  of  my  Prayers  with  the 
Sick,  added  unto  those  of  my  domestic  Sacrifices,  were  one 
and  thirty. 

So  that  I  am  exceedingly  tired,  and  have  little  Time 
to  study. 

*  8.  G.  D.  My  Soul  fills  with  strong  Desires,  to  be 
more  acquainted  with  the  heavenly  World,  and  more 
Initiated  here  below  at  the  Emplo}Tnents  and  Enjoyments 
of  it ;  Groaning  after  that  Attainment,  Thy  will  be  done  on 
Earth  as  it  is  done  in  Heaven. 

In  order  hereunto,  I  would  by  way  of  Praeface  to  the 
Prayer  which  I  usually  make  in  my  Study  in  the  Beginning 
of  the  Evening,  have  a  Meditation  on  the  heavenly  World; 
the  Glories,  and  the  wonderful  Circumstances  of  it. 

What  a  Week  must  I  look  for !  The  Number  of  Persons 
in  the  Bills  for  Prayers  on  behalf  of  the  Sick  of  the  Small- 
pox, in  the  Old  North  Church  this  day,  amounts  to  about 

315- 

9.  G.  D.    The   Flock  may   be   profitably  entertained 

with  a  Sermon  on  a  lothsome  Desease. 

10.  G.  D.  It  is  time  for  me,  to  renew  my  Directions 
unto  Samuel,  for  the  Spending  of  his  Time,  and  carrying 
on  the  Course  of  his  Studies. 

11.  G.  D.     What  shall  I  do,  that  my  aged  Parent,  who 


OCTOBER,     172I  653 

is  now  wholly  laid  by  from  all  public  Service,  may  be  yett 
further  serviceable  and  comfortable? 
This  day,  about  thirty  prayers ! 

12.  G.  D.  I  am  consulting  with  the  Governour,  how 
to  gett  my  Grande  Voix  du  del,  into  France.^  And  about 
some  other  Services. 

13.  G.  D.  May  I  not  excite  some  considerable  Per- 
sons among  us,  to  project  Ways,  wherein  some  great  Afflic- 
tions which  they  have  suffered  in  their  Families,  may  be 
made  useful  to  the  People  of  GOD. 

14.  G.  D.  I  am  furnished  with  Money,  to  be  dispensed 
unto  miserable  Families.  My  dear  Greenwood"^  supplies 
me  with  a  Sum  for  that  Purpose.  I'l  be  as  faithful  and 
prudent  a  Steward  as  I  can :  But  lett  it  be  declared,  that 
I  am  not  myself  the  original  Bestower  of  the  Charity. 

*  15.  G.  D.  That  Account  given  of  my  SAVIOUR, 
He  pleased  not  Himself,  I  find  my  Soul  penetrate  more  into 
the  Meaning  of  it ;  and  grow  more  deeply  affected  with  it. 
I  will  study,  that  in  my  Devotions  towards  GOD,  and  in 
my  Benignities  towards  Men  I  may  grow  more  conform'd 
unto  the  glorious  Character. 

322  in  the  Notes  for  the  Sick  of  the  small-pox 
prayed  for.' 

16.  G.  D.  My  Prayers  with  the  Sick  of  the  Flock, 
now  take  up  a  very  great  Part  of  my  Time.  I  wUl  contrive 
to  make  them  as  pertinent  and  pathetic  as  ever  as  I  can.  I 
will  also  disperse  my  Pastoral  Letter,  in  my  Visits. 

17.  G.  D.     Dear  Nancy s  Condition. 

18.  G.  D.  My  Kinsman  at  Roxbury  needs  to  be  advised 
as  well  as  assisted  by  me,  for  the  Accomplishment  of  his 
desire  to  suffer  and  escape  the  Small-pox,  in  the  Way  of 
Inoculation.  . 

*  See  p,  665,  infra. 

'  Perhaps  Isaac  Greenwood,  who  married  Sarah,  daughter  of  Dr.  John  Clark. 
'  Written  in  the   margin.     The  number  of   bills  put  up   in   the    church. 
See  p.  683,  infra. 


654         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

19.  G.  D.  Consider,  with  the  other  Ministers,  what 
further  Duty  the  Distress  now  upon  us  may  call  us  to. 

20.  G.  D.  A  young  Minister  of  the  To\^^l,  whose 
Life  I  have  earnestly  pray'd  for,  having  suffered  but  a 
gentle  Visitation  from  the  Small-pox,  and  being  upon 
Recovery,  I  propose  to  make  this  an  Occasion,  and  him  an 
Instrument,  of  unconmion  Services  to  the  Kingdome  of 
GOD. 

21.  G.  D.     Far  from  wanting  Objects  of  Compassion. 

*  22.  G.  D.  Having  made  a  Collection  of  my  Methods 
to  live  upon  a  Glorious  CHRIST,  I  will  often  peruse  them, 
that  I  may  not  suffer  any  Decay  in  my  Practice  of  them. 

The  Sick  of  the  Small  Pox  in  the  Notes  to  be  pray'd 
for,  sunk  to  180.^ 

23.  G.  D.  The  Wounds  given  to  my  Flock,  in  the 
Deaths  which  the  Small-Pox  has  multiplied  among  us, 
must  have  a  great  Improvement  made  of  them  for  the 
awakening  of  Piety  in  the  Survivours. 

24.  G.  D.     Poor  Increase! 

25.  G.  D.  My  kinsman  at  Roxbury,  1  will  send  for 
him,  to  lodge  at  my  House,  that  he  may  there  have  the 
Small-Pox  in  the  way  of  Inoculation  upon  him. 

26.  G.  D.  Shall  I  not  endeavour  to  shew  our  People, 
after  what  manner  the  Praises  of  the  glorious  GOD  and  His 
Christ,  are  to  be  copiously  and  affectuously  celebrated? 
I  do  it  this  Day ;  which  is  a  Day  of  general  Thanksgiving 
throughout  the  Province. 

This  Day,  towards  the  Evening,  a  Fever  siezes  me ; 
brought  on  me  by  Colds  taken  in  my  Night- Visits,  and  by 
the  Poisons  of  infected  Chambers. 

Is  my  Hour  come  ?    Tis  welcome. 

27.  I  have  a  View  of  speedily  conquering  the  Fever  with 
which  I  am  threatened ;  and  not  suffering  above  three  or 
four  days  Idleness  and  Confinement  by  it. 

'  Written  in  the  margin. 


NOVEMBER,     172I  655 

G.  D.  I  putt  a  Number  of  the  Pastoral  Letter  to 
Families  visited  with  Sickness,  into  the  Hands  of  a  pious 
Physician  to  be  prudently  dispersed  by  him  in  his 
Visits. 

28.   G.  D.     Still  objects  of  Compassion  enough ! 

*  29.  G.  D.  I  am  still  sensible  that  in  my  Remarks 
on  the  Folly  and  Baseness  continually  expressed  by  our 
absurd  and  wicked  People,  I  do  not  always  preserve  that 
Meekness  of  Wisdome,  which  would  adorn  the  Doctrine  of 
GOD  my  SAVIOUR.  I  use  too  bitter  Terms.  I  will  ask 
Wisdome  of  GOD  for  the  Cure  of  this  Distemper. 

30.  G.  D.  Entertain  the  Flock,  with  a  Discourse  on 
the  Sovereignty  of  the  glorious  GOD,  in  His  Dispensations ; 
going  down  to  the  House  of  the  Potter. 

31.  G.  D.  I  will  have  our  Satureday  Evenings  in  the 
Family,  rescued  into  more  Opportunities,  for  a  Variety  of 
Devotions;  about  which  I  will  study  yett  more  exquisite 
Contrivances. 

November,  i.  G.  D.  I  am  giving  a  Reception  in  my 
House  to  my  Kinsman  T.  W[alter]  who  is  come  under  the 
Inoculation  of  the  Small-Pox.  But  I  would  make  it  an 
Opportunity,  for  my  doing  and  speaking  many  Things,  that 
may  render  him  yett  more  serviceable  to  the  Kingdome  of 
God. 

2.  G.  D.  In  the  Lecture  this  Day,  I  may  edify  a  few 
People  of  this  miserable  and  detestable  Town,  with  a  Dis- 
course on  a  lothsome  Disease. 

3.  G.  D.  This  abominable  Town,  treats  me  in  a  most 
malicious,  and  murderous  Manner,  for  my  doing  as  CHRIST 
would  have  me  to  do,  in  saving  the  Lives  of  the  People  from 
an  horrible  Death ;  but  I  will  go  on,  in  the  Imitation  of  my 
admirable  SAVIOUR,  and  overcome  Evil  with  Good.  I 
will  address  a  Letter  to  the  Lieut.  Governour  and  other 
Gentlemen  of  New  Hampshire,  to  obtain  from  their  Charity, 
a  considerable  Quantity  of  Wood,  for  the  poor  of  this  loth- 


656         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

some  Town,  under  the  Necessities  of  the  hard  Winter  com- 
ing on.i 

4.  G.  D.  Still,  the  Objects  of  Compassion  are  so  many, 
that  I  cannot  make  a  particular  Mention  of  them. 

Among  these,  there  are  several  Strangers  arriving  from 
Irelafid,  which  are  to  be  considered. 

*  5.  G.  D.  By  reading  an  holy  Treatise,  about  a 
Christian  Crucifixion,  I  propose  to  strengthen  my  Senti- 
ments of  it,  and  Submissions  to  it,  and  my  Capacity  to 
entertain  the  People  of  GOD  with  a  Treatise  on  it,  which 
I  am  endeavouring. 

The  Number  of  the  Sick  in  our  Bills  now  sunk  to  little 
more  than  50.2 

6.  G.  D.  It  is  time  to  feel  the  Pulse  of  the  Flock, 
about  an  Assistent  and  Successor  in  the  Ministry. 

7.  G.  D.  There  is  a  Variety  of  excellent  Employments, 
which  I  must  invent  for,  and  assign  to,  my  Children,  each 
of  them :  that  they  may  enrich  their  Minds  with  valuable 
Treasures,  and  furnish  themselves  to  do  good  in  the  World. 

They  may  on  a  Paper  proper  for  it,  be  more  distinctly 
declared. 

8.  G.  D.  I  will  consider  the  young  Gentlemen  that 
accompanied  my  Kinsman  for  the  Inoculation  of  the  Small- 
Pox;  as  being  pro  hac  vice  my  Kinsmen  too.  And  I  will 
sett  myself  to  do  them  all  the  Good  I  can,  and  quicken 
them  to  make  a  right  Improvement  of  the  divine  Favour 
to  them,  in  their  present  easy  happy  Circumstances. 

9.  G.  D.  The  sottish  Errors,  and  cursed  Clamours, 
that  fill  the  Town  and  Countrey,  raging  against  the  aston- 
ishing Success  of  the  Small-Pox  Inoculated;  makes  it 
seasonable  for  me,  to  state  the  Case,  and  exhibit  that  which 
may  silence  the  unreasonable  People. 

•  The  local  feeling  against  Mather  was  very  strong,  and  on  the  fourth  a  meet- 
ing of  freeholders  voted  against  permitting  inoculated  persons  to  come  to  town 
Boston  Record  Commissioners,  Viii.  159. 

'  Written  in  the  margin.  ' 


NOVEMBER,     1721  657 

10.  G.  D.  May  not  I  animate  a  noted  Minister  in  the 
Countrey,  to  appear  on  this  Occasion  ? 

Letter  to  Roxhury,  may  enable  my  Brother  there,  to  do 
some  Service. 

11.  G.  D.  A  dear  Friend,  whose  Life  is  in  daily  Danger 
of  the  Small-pox,  Lett  me  write  unto  him,  and  (if  I  must 
lose  him,  which  God  prevent!)  lett  me  Liberare  Animam. 

*  12.  G.  D.  Reading  a  nameless  Essay,  just  arrived 
from  London,  about,  The  Temptations  of  Ministers,  I  am 
inexpressibly  suited  and  pleased ;  I  find  my  own  case 
admirably  exhibited  in  many  Articles.  I  am  awakened 
unto  exceeding  Watchfulness,  that  none  of  my  Temptations 
may  discourage  and  enfeeble  my  usefidness. 

But  after  these  Impressions  of  the  Messages  from 
Heaven  so  sent  unto  me,  to  my  Surprise  I  find,  that  the 
Essay  was  of  my  own  Brother's  writing. 

13.  G.  D.  Continual  Charges  unto  the  young  People 
of  the  Flock,  recovered  from  the  Small-Pox,  as  they  come 
in  my  Way,  which  they  do  continually,  to  live  unto  GOD, 
and  by  His  Goodness  be  led  unto  Repentance;  This  will 
be  one  Article  of  my  Conduct. 

14.  G.  D.  What  an  Occasion,  what  an  Incentive,  to 
have  PIETY,  more  than  ever  quicken'd  and  shining  in  my 
Family,  have  I  this  morning  been  entertained  withal! 

My  Kinsman,  the  Minister  of  Roxbury,  being  Enter- 
tained at  my  House,  that  he  might  there  undergo  the  Small- 
Pox  Inoculated,  and  so  Return  to  the  Service  of  his  Flock, 
which  have  the  Contagion  begun  among  them; 

Towards  three  a  Clock  in  the  Night,  as  it  grew  towards 
Morning  of  this  Day,  some  unknown  Hands,  threw  a  fired 
Granado  into  the  Chamber  where  my  Kinsman  lay,  and 
which  uses  to  be  my  Lodging-Room.  The  Weight  of  the 
Iron  Ball  alone,  had  it  fallen  upon  his  Head,  would  have 
been  enough  to  have  done  Part  of  the  Business  designed. 
But  the  Granado  was  charged,  the  upper  part  with  dried 

n  •  42 


658         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

Powder,  the  lower  Part  with  a  Mixture  of  Oil  of  Turpen- 
tine and  Powder  and  what  else  I  know  not,  in  such  a  Man- 
ner, that  upon  its  going  ofif,  it  must  have  spUtt,  and  have 
probably  killed  the  Persons  in  the  Room,  and  certainly- 
fired  the  Chamber,  and  speedily  laid  the  House  in  Ashes. 
But,  this  Night  there  stood  by  me  the  Angel  of  the  GOD,  whose 
I  am  and  whom  I  serve;  and  the  merciful  Providence  of 
GOD  my  SAVIOUR,  so  ordered  it,  that  the  Granado 
passing  thro'  the  Window,  had  by  the  Iron  in  the  Middle 
of  the  Casement,  such  a  Turn  given  to  it,  that  in  falling 
on  the  Floor,  the  fired  Wild-fire  in  the  Fuse  was  violently 
shaken  out  upon  the  Floor,  without  firing  the  Granado. 
When  the  Gra?iado  was  taken  up,  there  was  found  a  Paper 
so  tied  with  String  about  the  Fuse,  that  it  might  out-Live 
the  breaking  of  the  Shell,  which  had  these  words  in  it; 
Cotton  Mather,  You  Dog,  Dam  you:  Fl  inoculate  you  with 
this,  with  a  Pox  to  you.^ 

15.  G.  D.  My  Kinsman  having  received  so  great  a 
Deliverance,  he  shall  not  stir  from  me  till  we  have  con- 
trived and  resolved,  some  very  special  and  signal  Service 
to  be  done  by  him  for  the  Kingdome  of  God. 

16.  G.  D,  Ought  not  the  Ministers  of  the  Towti,  to 
be  called  together  that  we  may  consider,  what  may  be  our 
Duty  and  most  proper  to  be  done  upon  the  Occasion  of 
Satan  so  strangely  lett  loose  to  possess  the  Town? 

17.  G.  D.  On  this  Day,  I  use  to  think,  what  good 
shall  I  putt  others  upon  doing  of?  I  must  now  think, 
how  shall  I  prevent  others  from  doing  Evil?  Particularly, 
in  spreading  false  Reports  about  the  Countrey.  For  this 
Purpose,  I  convey  unto  our  News-Writers,  a  true  Account 
of  the  Tuesday- Af  air,  which  is  very  much  talk'd  of,  that  it 
may  be  pubhshed.^ 

'  In  his  newspaper  account  of  the  incident,  Mather  made  the  paper  read: 
"  Cotton  Mather,  I  was  once  one  of  your  Meeting,  but  the  cursed  Lie  you  told 
of — ,  you  know  who,  made  me  leave  you,  you  Dog;   And,"  etc. 

*  Printed  in  the  Boston  News-LcUer  November,  20,  1721. 


NOVEMBER,     1721  659 

18.  G.  D.  Sundry  Lives  are  to  be  saved,  by  my  press- 
ing the  Inoculation  of  the  Small-Pox  upon  them. 

*  19.  G.  D.  Certainly  it  becomes  me  and  concerns 
me,  to  do  something  very  considerable,  in  a  way  of  Grati- 
tude unto  GOD  my  SAVIOUR,  for  the  astonishing  Deliv- 
erance, which  He  did  the  last  Week  bestow  upon  me,  and 
upon  what  belong'd  unto  me. 

Among  other  Things,  I  entertain  the  People  of  GOD, 
with  a  Discourse  on  the  Services  done  by  the  good  Angels, 
for  the  Servants  of  GOD.  So  will  I  bespeak  more  Praises 
to  GOD  my  SAVIOUR  for  the  Benefits  of  the  angehcal 
Ministry :  which  alas  are  not  enough  tho't  upon. 

But,  behold,  what  my  glorious  Lord  has  brought  me  to. 

I  have  been  guilty  of  such  a  Crime  as  this.  I  have 
communicated  a  never-failing  and  a  most  allowable  Method, 
of  preventing  Death  and  other  grievous  Miseries  by  a  ter- 
rible Distemper  among  my  Neighbours.  Every  day  demon- 
strates, that  if  I  had  been  hearken'd  to,  many  precious 
Lives  (many  Hundreds)  had  been  saved.  The  Opposition 
to  it,  has  been  carried  on,  with  senseless  Ignorance  and 
raging  Wickedness.  But  the  growing  Triumphs  of  Truth 
over  it,  throw  a  possessed  People  into  a  Fury,  which  will 
probably  cost  me  my  Life.  I  have  Proofs,  that  there  are 
people  who  approve  and  applaud  the  Action  of  Tuesday 
Morning :  and  who  give  out  Words,  that  tho'  the  first  Blow 
miscarried,  there  will  quickly  come  another,  that  shall  doe 
the  Business  more  effectually. 

Now,  I  am  so  far  from  any  melancholy  Fear  on  this 
Occasion,  that  I  am  filled  with  unutterable  Joy  at  the 
Prospect  of  my  approaching  Martyrdom,  I  know  not 
what  is  the  Meaning  of  it;  I  find,  my  Mouth  strangely 
stop'd,  my  Heart  strangely  cold,  if  I  go  to  ask  for  a  Deliv- 
erance from  it.  But,  when  I  think  on  my  suffering  Death 
for  saving  the  Lives  of  dying  People,  it  even  ravishes  me 
with  a  Joy  unspeakable  and  full  of  Glory.     I  cannot  help 


66o         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

longing  for  the  Hour,  when  it  will  be  accomplished.  I  am 
even  afraid  almost  of  doing  any  thing  for  my  praeservation. 
I  have  a  Crown  before  me ;  and  I  now  know  by  Feeling, 
what  I  formerly  knew  only  by  Reading,  of  the  divine  Con- 
solations with  which  the  Minds  of  Martyrs  have  been  some- 
times irradiated.  I  had  much  rather  dy  by  such  Hands, 
as  now  threaten  my  Life,  than  by  a  Feaver;  and  much 
rather  dy  for  my  Conformity  to  the  blessed  JESUS  in 
Essays  to  save  the  Lives  of  Men  from  the  Destroyer,  than 
for  some  Truths,  tho'  precious  ones,  to  which  many  Martyrs 
testified  formerly  in  the  Flames  of  Smithfield. 

20.  G.  D.  I  entertained  the  Flock,  yesterday,  as  I 
have  there  proposed. 

21.  G.  D.  I  must  assign  unto  Satmiel,  such  Subjects 
to  form  Discourses  on,  as  his  late  Circumstances  may  more 
particularly  lead  unto. 

22.  G.  D.  I  have  some  Kinsmen,  (and  others  as  dear 
to  me)  whom  I  will  encourage  to  save  their  Lives,  in  the 
way  of  the  Small-Pox  Inoculated. 

23.  G.  D.  I  join  with  my  aged  Father,  in  publishing 
some.  Sentiments  on  the  Small-Pox  Inoculated.* 
CHRIST  crowns  the  Cause  for  which  I  have  suffered  so 
much,  with  daily  \^ictories.  And  Abundance  of  Lives 
may  be  saved  by  our  Testimony.  Truth  also  will  be 
rescued  and  maintained. 

24.  G.  D.  I  draw  up  the  Method  of  Proceeding  in  the 
Inoculation  of  the  Small-Pox,  and  communicate  Copies  of 
it,  that  so  Physicians  about  the  Countrey  may  know  how 
to  manage  it. 

24  d.  jx  m.  Friday.  This  Day,  I  sett  apart  for  Sup- 
plications :  Wherein  I  enjoyed  many  sweet  Influences 
of  Heaven ;    assuring  me  that  my  Sins  are  pardoned :  and 

*A  broadside  printed  by  S.  Kneeland  for  J.  Edwards,  November  20,  1721, 
and  entitled  Several  Reasons  proving  that  Inoculating  or  Tram  planting  the  Small 
Pox,  is  a  lawftd  Practise.     Reprinted  in  i.  Collections,  K.  265. 


NOVEMBER,     172I  661 

that  I  shall  be  rescued  out  of  wretched  Encumbrances  that 
ly  upon  me ;  and  that  my  domestic  Wants  and  Straits  also, 
shall  be  releeved. 

But  this  Day,  I  likewise  made  an  offer  of  my  Life  unto 
the  glorious  Lord.  Being  in  daily  Hazard  of  Death  from 
a  bloody  People  from  no  other  Cause  pretended  but  this : 
that  I  have  saved  the  Lives  of  dying  People,  in  a  way  by  a 
gracious  GOD  reveled  unto  us ;  I  declared  unto  my  GOD 
and  SAVIOUR,  that  I  am  unspeakably  willing  to  dy  by 
their  Hands,  and  that  I  cannot  think  of  my  Martyrdome 
for  Him,  without  unutterable  Joy.  I  feel  my  Spirit  not 
only  longing  for  the  Accomplishment  of  it,  but  even  straitned 
until  it  be  accomplished. 

This  Day,  I  also  presented  unto  the  Lord,  my  two  praep- 
arations ;  the  One,  entituled.  The  Roaring  of  the  South- 
Sea  ;  The  other,  Une  Grande  Voix  du  Ciel,  a  La  France, 
sous  LA  Verge  de  Dieu  :  entreating  Him  to  accept  and 
prosper  them. 

25.  G.  D.  My  Visits  to  my  Friends  under  the  Inocu- 
lation. 

*  26.  G.  D.  Will  not  the  Spirit  of  Martyrdome,  to 
which  I  am  arrived,  and  of  which  I  have  such  a  precious 
Opportunity  to  repeat  the  Discoveries  and  Expressions,  be 
upon  me  a  Token  for  good,  that  I  shall  be  received  into 
the  glorious  Army? 

27.  G.  D.  It  is  time  to  putt  our  Committee  upon  doing 
some  things  for  the  welfare  of  the  Flock. 

28.  G.  D.    Sammy s  Studies  to  be  directed. 

29.  G.  D.  Several  Persons  at  this  Time  under  the 
Small-Pox  Inoculated,  I  must  look  on  as  my  Patients,  and 
so,  my  Relatives.  I  will  do  the  best  I  can,  that  they  may 
Resolve  on  some  special  Returns  of  Gratitude,  wherein  God 
their  SAVIOUR  may  be  glorified. 

30.  G.  D.  Writing  Letters  for  Europe,  I  send  over 
many  Things,  that  I  hope,  will  serve  the  Kingdome  of  GOD. 


662         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

And  particularly,  among  the  rest,  I  write  a  further  and 
a  more  distinct  Account  of  the  Small-Pox  Inoculated,  the 
Method  and  Success  of  it  among  us,  and  the  Opposition  to 
it ;  By  which  Means,  I  hope,  some  hundreds  of  thousands 
of  Lives,  may  in  a  little  while  come  to  be  preserved. 

December,  i.  G.  D.  Having  drawn  up,  the  Way  of 
Proceeding,  in  the  Inoculation  of  the  Small-pox,  I  communi- 
cate Copies  of  it  unto  the  Physicians  and  others,  in  several 
Parts  of  the  Countrey;  that  so  they  may  be  directed  in 
the  Practice  of  it,  as  there  may  be  Occasion  for  it. 

2.  CD.  Some  very  wicked  Persons,  must  have  suitable 
Admonitions  dispensed  unto  them. 

*  3.  G.  D.  In  watching  against  having  any  Share  in  the 
Vices  that  are  now  raging  at  an  uncommon  Rate  among  us, 
I  must  beware,  that  I  don't  harbour  or  admitt,  any  Ten- 
dency towards  the  least  Wish  of  Evil,  unto  such  as  may 
have  displeased  me,  in  the  Contradiction  of  Sinners,  which 
I  so  much  meet  withal.  And,  if  I  find  at  any  time  the  least 
sudden  Inclination  that  way,  I  must  immediately  suppress  it 
and  oppose  it,  with  a  contrary  Wish  of  all  Good  unto  them. 

I  must  beware,  that  upon  the  Provocations,  which  the 
prodigious  Nonsense,  and  Folly,  and  Baseness  ever  now  and 
then  expressed  by  the  People  may  give  me,  my  Speeches 
be  not  intemperate  and  unadvised,  or  any  Ebullitions  of 
Impatience;  any  Trespasses  upon  the  Rules  of  Meekness 
and  Wisdome. 

I  must  beware,  that  I  don't  spread  any  false  Reports, 
and  report  any  thing,  but  what  I  [am]  well  informed  and 
assured  of. 

4.  G.  D.  Considering  the  several  Classes  of  People  in 
the  Flock,  the  great  Number  that  have  recovered  of  a 
terrible  Distemper  do  particularly  call  for  my  Considera- 
tion. And  I  would  with  adapted  Prayers  and  Sermons, 
awaken  them  to  glorify  GOD  their  SAVIOUR  with  suitable 
Returns  of  Obedience  to  Him. 


DECEMBER,     1721  663 

5.  G.  D.  My  Negro-Servant,  must  be  prepared  for 
Baptism,  with  some  singular  Instructions. 

6.  G.  D.  Employ  particular  supplications  for  the  Wel- 
fare of  the  unknown  Person,  who  sought  my  Death  by  the 
fired  Granado. 

7.  G.  D.  I  entertain  a  Purpose,  of  writing  in  the 
Latin  Tongue,  a  Discourse  about  the  Union  of  Lutherans 
and  Calvinists,  on  the  Basis  of  Piety;  and  of  sending  it 
unto  the  University  at  Hall  in  the  Lower  Saxony.  Who 
can  tell,  what  may  be  the  Consequences?  Assist  me,  and 
accept  me,  O  my  SAVIOUR! 

8.  G.  D.  Several  Motions  are  to  be  made  among  the 
Ministers  of  the  Town. 

Particularly  relating  to  Days  of  Prayer,  in  this  evU 
Time. 

9.  G.  D.  Warnings  are  to  be  given  unto  the  wicked 
Printer,  and  his  Accomplices,  who  every  week  publish  a 
vile  Paper  to  lessen  and  blacken  the  Ministers  of  the  Town, 
and  render  their  Ministry  ineffectual.  ^ 

A  Wickedness  never  parallel'd  any  where  upon  the  Face 
of  the  Earth ! 

*  10,  G.  D.  There  is  a  Frame  of  PIETY,  which  happy 
am  I,  that  my  dear  SAVIOUR  has  brought  me  to  it! 

I  have  at  my  own  single  Expense  for  many  years,  main- 
tained a  Charity-Schole  for  the  Instruction  of  Negro's  in 
Reading  and  Religion.  A  Lieutenant  of  a  Man  of  War, 
whom  I  am  a  Stranger  to,  designing  to  putt  an  Indignity 
upon  me,  has  called  his  Negro-Slave  by  the  Name  of  Cotton- 
Mather. 

On  this  Occasion,  I  could  recollect  a  great  Variety  of 
Instances,  wherein  the  Point  of  my  singular  Endeavours  to 
glorify  GOD,  instead  of  having  any  temporal  Recompences, 

•  Three  newspapers  were  now  printed  in  Boston,  the  Boston  News-Ldter,  the 
Boston  Gazette  and  the  New  England  Courant.  The  last,  published  by  James, 
brother  of  Benjamin  Franklin  was  regarded  as  the  greatest  offender. 


664         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

have  been  followed  with  nothing  so  remarkable  as  the  con- 
spicuous and  vexatious  Revenges  of  Satan  upon  me. 

Having  done  so,  my  Spirit  rejoicing  in  GOD  my  SAV- 
IOUR, immediately  soared  into  these  two  Dispositions. 

First;  I  do  and  w^ill  reckon,  that  my  Interest  in  a 
glorious  CHRIST,  and  the  Skill  and  Will  to  converse  with 
Him,  wherewith  a  gracious  God  has  enriched  me,  is  a  suf- 
ficient and  abundant  Reward,  of  aU  my  Services,  all  my 
Devotions. 

Next :  I  am  entirely  wdlling  to  have  aU  my  patient 
Continuance  on  WeU-doing  pass  unrewarded  in  this  World ; 
and  with  a  strong  Faith  I  can  be  content,  that  in  a  future 
State,  I  shall  see  all  my  Harv^est ;  reap  nothing  till  I  come 
into  another  and  a  better  World. 

11.  G.  D.  I  am  astonished,  I  am  astonished  at  the 
prodigious  Ignorance  of  our  People  in  Matters  of  Religion, 
after  all  the  Instruction  bestow'd  upon  them.  Among  other 
Instances,  their  foolish  Talk,  about  the  Decrees  of  God,  is 
notorious.  I  must  in  this,  and  in  some  other  Points,  en- 
deavour to  have  the  Flock  better  illuminated. 

12.  G.  D.  My  Son  Increase,  by  a  violent  and  passionate 
Resentment  of  an  Indignity,  which  a  wicked  Fellow  offered 
unto  me,  has  exposed  himself  to  much  Danger,  and  me 
also  to  no  little  Trouble.  I  must  employ  this  Occasion  as 
much  to  his  Advantage,  especially  in  regard  of  Piety,  as 
I  can. 

God  graciously  gives  a  good  Issue  to  it. 

13.  G.  D.  I  am  using  further  Methods  to  promote 
the  Credit  and  Practice  of  the  beloved  Physician  in  my 
Neighbourhood ;  whom  I  would  embrace  as  a  beloved 
Relative. 

14.  G.  D.  The  Small-Pox  making  terrible  Destruction 
in  several  Parts  of  Europe,  I  would  hasten  unto  Eolland, 
an  account  of  the  astonishing  Success,  which  we  have 
here  seen  of  the  Small-Pox  inoculated.    Who  can  tell,  but 


DECEMBER,     1721  665 

Hundreds  of  Thousands  of  Lives,  may  be  saved  by  this 
Comunication. 

15.  G.  D.  It  may  be  an  Introduction  to  some  good,  if 
I  visit  the  Lecture  of  the  New  North  Church  in  my  Neigh- 
bourhood. 

16.  G.  D.  Some  lately  recovered  from  the  Dangers  of 
the  Sm :  Pox  in  the  Way  of  Inoculation  must  be  spoken  to. 

*  17.  G.  D.  My  Brother  has  a  pretty  Fancy,  in  his 
Discourse  of  Temptations ;  that  Ministers,  who  meet  with 
Abuses  from  sorry  and  scoundrel  People,  have  cause  to 
look  on  themselves  as  humbled,  on  the  Account  of  their 
having  the  Egyptian  Plague  of  Lice  upon  them.  I  am  very 
lowsy,  it  seems ;  and  I  ought  therefore  to  be  very  humble. 
Under  the  Assaults  and  Insults  of  contemptible  People,  I 
must  behave  myself,  as  under  the  Fulfilment  of  that  Word, 
my  GOD  will  Humble  me. 

18.  G.  D.  My  Auditory  strangely  reviving  and  in- 
creasing, I  may  do  well,  to  contrive  public  Expressions, 
that  may  have  a  Tendency  to  unite  them,  and  yett  further 
augment  them. 

19.  G.  D.  Books  to  be  assigned  unto  Creasy,  for  his 
Reading. 

And  oblige  him  to  enrich  his  Quotidiana. 

20.  G.  D.  They  that  have  enjoy'd  the  Benefit  of  the 
Small-pox  Inoculated,  being  all  of  them  indeed  my  Patients, 
I  would  consider  them  as  my  Relatives,  and  I  would  use  all 
possible  Methods,  that  they  may  improve  in  Piety  under 
the  Favours  of  God. 

21.  G.  D.  I  am  sending  to  Holland  my,  Grande  Voix 
du  Ciel  a  La  France,  that  it  may  that  way  gett  into 
France. 

I  am  sending  also  some  other  Things  into  Holland,  with 
Hopes  thereby  to  serve  the  Kingdome  of  God. 

22.  G.  D.  I  communicate  unto  some  of  our  best 
Ministers,  those  Papers,  which  may  have  a  Tendency  to 


666         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

raise  them  unto  the  higher  Measures  of  Hohness  and  Use- 
fulness. 

22  d.  10  m.  Friday.  I  sett  apart  this  Day,  for  Suppli- 
cations. 

On  such  Occasions,  and  with  such  Exercises,  as  employ'd 
me,  when  I  was  last  in  this  way  before  the  Lord. 

But  especially  to  obtain  my  final  Deliverance,  from 
the  Encumbrance  which  my  unhappy  Administration  has 
brought  upon  me. 

And  that  my  Opportunities  to  do  good  may  be  delivered 
from  the  Power  of  the  Dog. 

23.  G.  D.  Releefs  to  be  dispens'd  unto  one,  whom  I 
shall  employ  to  pray  for  me. 

*  24.  G.  D.  I  consider,  that  whatever  comes  into  my 
Mind,  has  a  Subsistence  given  unto  it  there.  The  Thing 
receives  a  Notionall  Subsistence  there ;  which  is  indeed  all 
that  a  mind  of  no  higher  power  than  mine,  can  give  unto 
it.  Hence  I  infer  how  watchful  I  should  be  over  the  Thoughts 
that  are  formed  in  my  Mind.  My  Mind  must  beware  of 
giving  a  Subsistence  to  foolish,  and  much  more  to  wicked 
Things ;  to  anything  ofifensive  to  GOD.  My  Obedience  and 
Conformity  to  the  glorious  GOD  must  be  expressed,  in  my 
giving  a  Subsistence  to  nothing,  but  what  shall  upon  Reflec- 
tion be  found  very  good. 

25.  G.  D.  The  Fearful  Withdraw  of  the  holy  Spirit 
of  GOD  from  His  Ordinances,  is  to  be  so  represented  unto 
the  Flock,  in  the  public  (prayers  and)  Sermons,  as  may 
awaken  an  awful  Consideration  of  it. 

26.  G.  D.  A  new  Servant  is  come  into  my  Family. 
By  lodging  Books  of  Piety  in  her  Hands,  and  by  dropping 
the  Maxims  of  Religion  continually  in  her  Hearing,  I  will 
do  my  best  that  she  may  be  brought  home  to  GOD,  and 
obtain  a  CHRIST  by  being  here. 

27.  G.  D.  In  my  daily  Prayers,  when  I  mention  my 
Children  to  the  Lord  for  His  Favours,  I  must  remember 


JANUARY,     1721-22  667 

now  to  make  a  more  particular  Mention  of  my  two  Grand- 
children. 

28.  G.  D.  I  thought  upon  an  Action,  that  might  seem 
a  little  fanciful  and  whimsical,  but  yett  if  it  be  done  with 
a  due  Concealment  on  the  Doer  of  it,  it  may  happen  to  pro- 
duce good  Impressions  on  some  or  other  among  the  chosen 
of  GOD,  who  may  happen  to  consider  it. 

Our  Bills  of  Credit  (which  are  all  the  Money  we  have) 
Circulate  into  numberless  Hands.  A  vile  Sett  of  men, 
have  contrived,  by  the  wicked  Use  of  their  Pens  on  the 
Backs  of  the  Bills,  to  convey  Poison  and  Mischief  thro'  the 
Countrey.  As  the  Reverse  of  this  Wickedness,  I  would 
on  the  Backs  of  the  Bills  which  come  to  me  at  any  Time, 
write  some  Text  of  Scripture,  that  shall  have  a  Tendency, 
to  awaken  in  the  Minds  of  People,  right  Sentiments  of  this 
World,  and  of  what  is  passing  in  it. 

I  would  write  — 

See  Prov.  23.  5.  See  Jer.  17.  ii. 

or    See  Matth.  16.  26.        or        See  i.  Tim.  6.  10. 
or  See  i.  Joh.  2.  15. 

29.  G.  D.  I  would  move  some  Gentlemen  in  Holland, 
unto  several  Services. 

30.  G.  D.  A  dying  Handmaid  of  the  Lord,  in  Dark- 
ness; yea,  more  than  one  such. 

*  31.  G.  D.  By  a  dark  and  a  faint  Cloud  striking  over 
my  Mind,  I  begin  to  feel  some  Hazards,  lest  my  Troubles, 
whereof  I  have  a  greater  Share  than  any  Minister  in  the 
Countrey,  grow  too  hard  for  me,  and  unfit  me  and  unhinge 
me  for  my  Services.  I  must  therefore  cry  mightily  to  the 
glorious  Lord,  that  I  may  not  faint  in  the  Day  of  Adversity. 
And  I  must  labour  exceedingly  to  multiply  the  Exercises 
of  my  Conversation  with  the  Comforter  who  should  releeve 
my  Soul. 

January.  [1721-22.]  i.  G.  D.  Some  of  my  Flock, 
with  whom  I  discourse  occasionally  on  the  Mysteries  of 


668         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

the  Kingdome  of  God,  wherein  His  Will  shall  he  done  on  Earth 
as  it  is  in  Heaven,  seem  desirous  to  be  more  fully  acquainted 
with  those  Mysteries,  and  ask  and  hear  me  privately  upon 
them.  I  am  therefore  upon  forming  a  Society  of  Christians 
agreeable  to  such  an  Intention,  with  Purposes  to  entertain 
them  at  my  house  once  a  fortnight,  with  Discourses  on  that 
noble  and  holy  Subject.  And,  I  hope,  that  the  Society  may 
afford  me  Opportunities  to  do  for  the  Flock,  some  further 
considerable  Services. 

2.  G.  D.    Ah,  poor  Creasy!  Poor  Creasy! 
Yett  will  I  not  utterly  give  him  over ! 

3.  G.  D.  The  sick  State  of  a  Child,  which  I  am  a 
great  Uncle  to,  calls  for  my  Cares  of  it,  and  of  my  Widow- 
Sister  who  is  Grandmother  to  the  orphan. 

4.  G.  D.  Shall  not  I  do  well  to  call  upon  such  of  my 
Flock,  as  have  had  the  Benefit  of  the  Small-Pox  Inoculated, 
that  they  meet  at  my  House  for  a  solemn  Thanksgiving  to 
the  Glorious  Lord?  It  may  have  many  good  Consequences 
attending  of  it. 

5.  G.  D.  There  is  Danger  of  some  Inconveniencies 
befalling  the  Colledge ;  in  which  my  Advice  for  a  due  Temper 
in  Management,  privately  given,  may  be  of  some  Service. 

5  f/.  II  w.  Friday.  This  Day,  I  sett  apart  for  secret 
Supplications. 

Especially,  that  I  may  be  supported  under  the  many 
and  heavy  Trials  which  I  encounter  with. 

And  my  Opportunities  to  do  Good,  be  rescued  from  the 
Rage  of  my  furious  Adversaries ;    the  Floods  of  Belial. 

That  my  Son  Increase  may  yett  have  a  new  Heart  given 
to  him. 

That  the  Wants  and  Straits  which  are  come  upon  me 
may  be  releeved. 

And  yett  more  particularly,  that  I  may  be  well  delivered 
out  of  the  heavy  Encumbrance  which  lies  upon  me,  for  the 
remaining  Part  of  the  Administration  wherein  I  foolishly 


JANUARY,     1721-22  669 

suffered  myself  to  be  entangled ;  and  that  they  who  intend 
my  hurt  may  not  be  able  to  accomplish  it;  and  that  the 
Lord  would  raise  me  up  Friends,  and  lead  me  in  the  Way 
wherein  I  should  go. 

In  the  Evening,  I  began  to  see  a  surprizing  Answer  to 
some  of  the  Prayers  that  had  been  made  in  the  day. 

6.  G.  D.  A  poor  Widow,  perishing  of  Wounds  by  a 
Scald. 

*  7.  G.  D.  When  the  Protomartyr  Stephen  had  his 
Countreymen  crying  out  with  a  loud  Voice  upon  him,  and 
stopping  their  Ears,  and  running  on  him,  and  stoning  oj  him, 
he  was  then  so  favoured  of  Heaven,  that  he  could  say, 
Behold,  I  see  the  Heavens  opened.  At  this  Time,  I  am 
engaged  in  the  Methods  of  Supplication  and  of  Meditation, 
to  seek  such  a  Favour,  that,  I  may.  Behold,  and  see  the  Heavens 
opened.  Oh!  That  with  uncommon  Flights  of  Piety  and 
of  Purity,  and  of  a  Secession  from  this  World,  I  may  soar 
up  to  the  Conversation  in  Heaven,  which  I  am  now  preaching 
on!  Lett  me  in  my  Devotions  particularly  exercise,  illus- 
trate and  acconmiodate  every  Article  of  the  Conversation 
in  Heaven,  which  I  may  be  led  in  my  Studies  to  think  upon. 

8.  G.  D.  And  how  can  I  serve  my  Flock,  better,  than 
by  Communicating  to  them  the  Effects  of  my  Studies  on 
this  noble  and  holy  Subject. 

9.  G.  D.  By  Supplying  of  Creasy,  with  Matters  to  be 
inserted  in  his  Quotidiana,  which  I  will  compell  him  to 
writing  of  (and  Reading  for,)  I  would  hope  to  spread  some 
Netts  of  Salvation  for  him. 

10.  G.  D.  My  Kindred  are  to  be  quickened  unto 
Piety,  from  the  Death  of  the  Child  this  day  to  be  interr'd, 
which  I  am  great  Uncle  to. 

11.  G.  D.  Tomorrow  is  our  good  Governour's  Birth- 
day.    I   not  only  present  him  with   my  Genethlia   Pia,^ 

1  Published  in  1719.  This  entry  determines  the  day  of  Samuel  Shute's 
birth,  a  fact  unknown  to  the  writer  in  the  Dictionary  of  National  Biography. 


670         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

but  also  putt  Sammy  on  addressing  an  agreeable  Poem  to 
him.  I  hope,  in  this  way  to  introduce  good  Services  for  the 
Public. 

12.  G.  D.  Writing  to  South-Carolina,  I  send  some 
things,  that  may  be  of  Service  to  the  Cause  of  Piety  there. 

I  sett  apart  this  Day,  as  I  did  one  a  Week  ago,  for 
Prayer  with  Fasting  before  the  Lord. 

The  Occasions,  and  the  Exercises,  were  the  same  with 
what  they  were  this  Day  se'nnight. 

13.  G.  D.  Make  an  offer  to  a  Minister  at  Marble-head, 
likely  to  be  murdered  by  an  abominable  People,  that  will 
not  lett  him  save  his  Life,  from  the  Small-Pox,  in  the  Way 
of  Inoculation.     Offer  to  receive  and  cover  him.^ 

*  14.  G.  D.  This  Thought  is  very  impressive,  {Lord 
make  it  more  so!)  upon  me.  When  I  am  going  to  Prayer, 
I  am  going  to  Heaven.  With  what  Love  and  Hope  and  Joy 
ought  I  to  repair  thither  on  all  Occasions!  But  then,  that 
by  my  Prayer,  I  may  enter  into  the  most  holy  Place,  lett 
me  still  preface  it,  with  some  Consideration  of  my  Jesus 
acting  as  the  High-priest  of  His  People  there.  Lett  me 
also  consider,  with  what  Aims  and  Frames  ought  my  Prayer 
to  be  carried  on,  that  it  may  have  some  Harmony  with  the 
Devotions  of  the  glorified  Spirits  now  worshipping  of  God 
in  the  heavenly  World.  And  when  I  find  my  Prayer 
managed  with  too  cold  and  vain,  and  wandring  an  Heart, 
lett  me  consider  for  the  Rebuking  of  it,  how  little  is  this 
like  to  what  is  doing  in  the  heavenly  World! 

Spoken  in  a  Meeting  of  the  Ministers. 

15  d.  II  m.  1721  [-22.] 
It  has  been  a  Maxim  with  me,  That  a  Power  to  do  good,  not  only 
gives  a  Right  unto  it,  but  also  makes  the  Doing  of  it  a  Duty. 

I  have  been  made  very  sensible,  that  by  pursuing  of  this  Maxim, 
I  have  entirely  ruined  myself  as  to  this  World,  and  rendred  it  really 

*John  Barnard? 


JANUARY,     1721-22  671 

too  hott  a  Place  for  me  to  continue  in.  But  yett,  in  the  Pursuance  of 
it,  I  have  not  lett  one  Day  pass  me  for  very  many  Years,  which  has 
not  brought  with  it,  shaped  and  written  Projections  to  Do  Good ; 
for  which  Purpose  I  have  divided  the  Objects  into  Classes  to  be 
distinctly  considered,  that  so  I  might  be  sure  to  do  good  unto  all. 
And  besides  all  this,  I  have  scarce  at  any  Time  for  these  five  and  forty 
Years  and  more  so  come  as  to  stay  in  any  Company  without  con- 
sidering whether  no  good  might  be  done  before  I  left  it.  I  would 
not  have  said  this,  if  I  had  not  lived  by  Neighbours  that  compel 
me  to  it.  And  if  they  would  have  me  own,  that  I  have  been  guilty 
of  many  Indiscretions,  and  of  praecipitated  or  preposterous  Manage- 
ments in  some  of  my  Essays  to  do  good,  I  am  ready  to  own  it ;  and 
shall  thank  them,  to  convince  me  of  the  Instances. 

But,  my  Opportunities  to  do  good,  which  have  been  to  me  the 
Apple  of  my  Eye,  have  been  strangely  struck  at.  Odd  Occurences 
have  happened,  which  have  produced  unaccountable  Combinations 
in  all  Ranks  of  Men,  to  disable  me  for  doing  what  I  have  most  incHned 
unto. 

The  most  false  Representations  imaginable  have  been  made  of 
me ;  and  of  my  Conduct.  And  tho'  I  could  easily  have  confuted 
the  Slanders  and  Clamours,  I  have  rather  bom  them  with  Silence, 
and  been  as  the  Sheep  is  before  the  Shearers,  and  as  a  Man  in  whose 
Mouth  there  are  no  Reproofs.  I  hope,  I  have  known  what  it  is  to 
take  Pleasure  in  HumiHations  and  Annihilations. 

I  am  at  length  reduced  unto  this  Condition,  that  my  Oppor- 
tunities to  do  good,  (except  among  a  few  of  my  own  little  Remnant 
of  a  Flock,)  appear  to  me  almost  entirely  extinguished,  as  to  this 
Countrey.  I  must  employ  my  Faculties,  in  projections  to  do  good 
in  more  distant  Places.  And  I  bless  God,  I  have  there  a  Prospect 
of  some  Things,  whereof  I  shall  know  more  hereafter.  But  at  pres- 
ent, I  have  done/  I  have  done!  I  have  done  treating  you  with  any 
more  of  my  Proposals.  If  they  should  be  never  so  good,  yett  if  they 
be  known  to  be  mine,  that  is  enough  to  bespeak  a  Blast  upon  them. 
Do  you  propose  as  many  good  Things  as  you  please,  and  I  will  sec- 
ond them,  and  assist  them  and  fall  in  with  them,  to  the  best  of  my 
Capacity. 

An  ingenous  Person  in  the  Company,  Mr.  Wm.  Cooper, 
made  the  first,  and  a  quick  Reply  to  me,  in  these  Words, 
/  hope  the  Devil  donH  hear  you,  Syr! 

15.   G.  D.    I  have  a  strong  Impression  on  my  Mind, 


672  DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

that  this  poor  Place  will  shortly  see  a  tremendous  Fulfilment 
of  that  word,  they  shall  go  out  of  one  Fire  and  another  Fire 
shall  devour  them.  I  do  to  my  Flock  utter  the  Warn- 
ings of  it;  thinking  it  may  be  serviceable  unto  them  for 
me  to  do  so. 

16.  G.  D.  My  African  Servant  must  be  praepared  for 
the  Baptism,  which  he  has  been  long  seeking  for.^ 

17.  G.  D.  My  personal  Enemies,  and  they  that  hate 
me  with  a  cruel  Hatred,  more  and  more  shew  themselves. 
Lord,  save  me  from  the  evil  Disposition  of  personal  Revenges. 
And  if  I  proceed  unto  any  necessary  Chastisements  upon 
any  of  them,  lett  me  be  very  careful,  that  no  Trespasses 
upon  the  Rules  of  Charity,  be  intermixed  with  them. 

18.  G.  D.  There  are  some  Things  doing  about  the 
CoUedge,  whereabout  my  Help  is  asked,  and  may  be  useful. 

19.  G.  D.  The  villanous  Abuses  offered  and  multiplied, 
unto  the  Ministers  of  this  Place,  require  something  to  be 
done,  for  their  Vindication.  I  provide  IMaterials  for  some 
agreeable  Pens  among  our  People,  to  prosecute  this  Design 
withal. 

This  Day,  I  sett  apart,  for  Prayer. 

On  the  same  Intentions,  and  with  the  same  Exercises 
and  Experiences,  that  I  have  had,  in  those  of  the  Weeks 
preceeding. 

20.  G.  D.  A  young  Bookseller,  in  danger  of  exposing 
himself  to  the  Judgments  of  GOD,  must  be  faithfully  warned 
of  it. 

*  21.  G.  D.  What  is  the  Sabbath,  but  the  Rest  of  GOD? 
I  sabbatize  aright,  if  I  enter  into  the  Rest  of  GOD,  on  the 
Lord's-Day ;  and  all  vital  Religion  will  be  kept  alive,  and 
flourish  and  improve  in  me,  by  my  doing  so.  Coming  to 
a  Rest  in  GOD,  I  do  this  Day  enter  into  the  Rest  of  GOD. 
But  how  is  this  to  be  accomplished  ?  It  is  my  JESUS,  who 
must  carry  me  into  the  Rest  of  GOD  ;  I  must  look  up  con- 

*  See  p.  683,  infra. 


JANUARY,     1721-22  673 

tinually  to  my  JESUS,  who  has  offered  and  promised,  /  will 
give  you  Rest.  My  Thoughts  on  Him  are  to  be  this  Day 
continual  and  Numberless. 

I  must  by  my  Thoughts,  and  with  suitable  Affections 
raised  from  them,  incessantly  fly  away  to  GOD  ;  therein 
saying,  Return  to  thy  Rest,  0  my  Soul;  even  to  the  God  who 
will  deal  bountifully  with  thee. 

I  must  have  my  Thoughts  much  employ'd  upon  the 
Rest  which  remains  for  the  People  of  GOD;  and  have  many 
heart-melting  Meditations  on  the  Blessedness  which  GOD, 
my  SAVIOUR  has  for  me  in  another  World. 

The  Services  of  the  Day,  which  are  an  Imitation  of  what 
is  done  in  that  World,  and  the  Sufferings  of  my  Life,  out 
of  which  I  shall  be  delivered  in  that  World  are  to  lead  me 
into  those  Meditations. 

If  any  Thoughts  which  have  any  Tendency  to  discompose 
my  Rest  in  the  Views  of  God  my  SAVIOUR  on  this  Day 
dart  into  my  Mind,  I  am  out  of  Obedience  unto  Him,  to 
chase  them  away,  and  say  Depart  from  me,  ye  wicked  Things 
for  my  communion  with  my  God  sJiall  be  undisturbed. 

22.  G.  D.  Some  of  my  Flock  seem  desirous,  that  I 
would  form  a  sort  of  Society,  who  should  at  proper  times 
visit  me,  and  receive  my  Instructions  concerning  the  King- 
dome  of  GOD  that  is  to  be  lookd  for,  and  the  Scriptures 
that  relate  imto  it. 

Consider  of  it. 

But  I  think,  I  mention'd  something  of  this  before.  I 
therefore  add,  (that  there  may  be  Nulla  Dies  Sine  Linea) 
there  is  a  very  old  Man,  whom  I  would  bring  into  the  Church 
before  he  dies ;  and  I  would  make  it  an  Occasion  of  speaking 
many  pungent  Things  to  the  old  People  in  the  Assembly. 

23.  G.  D.  A  Servant  come  to  live  in  my  Family,  has 
not  been  baptised.  I  would  use  all  proper  Means  to  bring 
her  into  an  Espousal  to  her  SAVIOUR,  and  so  to  the  Con- 
firmation of  it  in  the  Baptism  of  the  Lord. 

n  •  43 


674         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

24.  G.  D.  My  Kinsman  at  Roxbury,  there  are  things 
he  must  be  excited  to,  and  things  he  must  be  deUvered 
from. 

25.  G.  D.  Something  must  be  done  towards  the  Sup- 
pressing and  Rebuking  of  those  wicked  Pamphletts,  that 
are  continually  published  among  us,  to  lessen  and  blacken 
the  Ministers,  and  poison  the  People. 

26.  G.  D.  Several  Things  of  an  exquisite  Contrivance 
and  Composure,  are  done  for  this  Purpose.  Tho  my  poor 
Hand  is  the  Doer  of  them,  they  must  pass  thro  other  Hands, 
that  I  may  not  pass  for  the  Author  of  them. 

26  d.  II  m.  I  sett  apart  this  Day  for  Supplications,  as 
I  have  now  done  one  Day  in  a  Week,  for  several  Weeks 
together. 

Especially  to  obtain,  a  good  Period  unto  the  wretched 
Encumbrance  of  my  Administration. 

The  Conversion  of  my  miserable  Son  Increase,  and  his 
Rescue  from  the  Power  of  Satan.  And  a  religious  and 
industrious  Mind  for  my  Son  Samuel. 

The  Deliverance  of  my  Opportunities  to  do  good,  from 
the  Rage  of  a  wicked  People ;  Satanically  sett  for  the  Ruin- 
ing of  them. 

The  Releef  of  the  Wants  and  Straits  which  are  oppress- 
ing of  me,  and  wherein  I  sometimes  am  destitute  of  a  Food 
convenient  for  me. 

I  enjoy'd  some  heart-melting  Interviews  with  Heaven, 
in  the  Services  of  the  Day. 

27.  G.  D.  Something  must  be  done,  for  a  Stranger, 
a  young  Minister,  now  at  Watertown,  that  he  may  not 
stumble  on  dark  Mountains. 

*  28.  G.  D.  I  am  gott  into  a  Way,  of  setting  apart 
one  Day  every  week,  for  Supplications.  And  I  think,  I 
will  try  to  continue  the  Practice,  until  my  glorious  Lord 
please  to  arise  and  save  me. 

29.   G.  D.     In  my  Discourses  to  the  Flock,  on  a  Con- 


FEBRUARY,     1721-22  675 

versation  in  Heaven,  I  have  marvellous  Opportunities  to 
feed  and  serve  them;  which  I  study  with  as  exquisite 
contrivance  as  I  can. 

30.  G.  D.  On  the  Lord's-day  Evenings,  I  have  my 
Domesticks  together,  and  have  some  agreeable  thing  read 
among  them.  I  will  single  out  the  most  suitable  Things 
I  can  think  of. 

31.  G.  D.  My  sister  mourning  under  the  Death  of 
her  only  Daughter,  is  in  Danger  of  offending  Heaven,  and 
ruining  herself.  I  must  comfort  her,  advise  her,  perswade 
her. 

February,  i.  G.  D.  There  is  great  Hazard  of  Confu- 
sions (there  are  Contentions)  in  unhappy  Watertown.^ 

Much  of  my  Counsil  and  Labour  to  prevent  these  Things 
is  called  for. 

2.  G.  D.  Much  good  may  be  done,  by  making  an 
Extract  of  Dr.  Harrises  Praelection,  De  Inoculatione  Varro- 
lanum;  and  publishing  of  it  here.^ 

2  d.  12  m.  Friday.  This  Day  I  sett  apart  for  Supplica- 
tions, on  the  Matters  and  in  the  Methods,  and  not  altogether 
without  the  same  enjoyments,  that  have  been  for  such 
a  Day  with  me,  one  every  Week,  for  now  many  Weeks 
together. 

3.  G.  D.  Releefs  to  be  dispensed  unto  a  praying  Soul, 
with  a  Request  that  [unfinished.] 

*  4.  G.  D.  There  is  a  Petition  which  I  am  to  make 
in  my  daily  Prayers;  and  which  is  to  run  in  such  Terms 
as  these :  Lord,  Lett  the  Wrath  of  my  Enemies  praise  thee, 
and  the  Remainder  of  that  Wrath  do  thou  Restrain. 

But,  Oh !  may  I  obtain  the  Grace  to  imitate  my  SAV- 
IOUR in  my  Temper  and  Carriage  towards  these  unrea- 
sonable Enemies. 

5.   G.  D.     A  Sermon  of  Things  to  be  expected  from  a 

*  Two  new  meeting  houses  were  to  be  erected.      Waterlown  Records  11.  279. 
'  John  Harris  (i657?-i7i9.) 


676         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

Remnant,  may  be  much  for  the  Welfare  of  the  Flock  that 
continues  with  me. 

6.  G.  D.  My  African  Servant  is  now  propounded,  for 
the  Baptism  of  the  Lord.  Great  Pains  am  I  to  take,  that 
he  come  to  it,  with  suitable  Understanding  and  Affection.^ 

7.  G.  D.     My  poor  Son-in-Law. 

8.  G.  D.  I  have  a  wondrous  Prospect  of  restoring 
Peace  to  the  Countrey,  by  accomplishing  some  unexpected 
Reconciliations. 

9.  G.  D.  Good  may  be  done  in  our  poor  eastern  Parts, 
by  some  Letters  thither. 

g  d.  12  m.  Friday.  This  Day  I  sett  apart  for  Prayer 
with  Fasting  on  the  same  Occasions  and  with  the  same 
Exercises,  that  I  have  kept  such  a  Day  every  Week,  for 
diverse  Weeks  together. 

I  enjoy'd  something  of  Heaven  in  the  Devotions  of  the 
Day. 

On  each  of  my  important  Articles,  I  repented  of  the 
Sins  by  which  I  had  forfeited  the  Blessing.  I  beleeved, 
confessed,  adored  the  Power  of  GOD  my  SAVIOUR  to 
bestow  the  Blessing.  I  pleaded,  the  Glorj^  and  Service 
that  would  arise  to  GOD  from  it,  if  He  should  grant  the 
Blessing.  And  then  finally,  to  express  my  Faith,  and  re- 
ceive the  Answer  of  my  GOD,  while  I  was  yett  on  my  Knees, 
I  sang  a  Paragraph  of  a  Psalm  suitable  to  my  Purpose ;  in 
leading  me  to  which  I  had  a  strange  Direction  of  Heaven. 

10.  G.  D.  An  aged  Gentlewoman,  eminent  for  her 
Bounties  to  all  sorts  of  Persons  (I  have  been  myself  a  Sharer 
in  them)  is  fallen  into  the  lowest  Poverty ;  extreme  Wants 
and  Straits,  have  overtaken  her.  And  none  of  the  Ingrates 
that  have  partook  in  her  Bounties,  will  now  do  any  thing 
for  her.  I'l  send  her  some  Supplies,  but  ly  entirely  conceled 
from  her.     I  stir  up  some  others  also  to  do  for  her. 

*  II.   G.  D.    The  Year  being  so  finished,  what  can  I 

'  See  p.  683,  infra. 


FEBRUARY,     172I-22  677 

do  better,  than  seriously  peruse  the  Memorials  of  it,  and 
make  the  Reflections  of  Piety  that  may  be  proper  upon 
them! 

The  Course  or  my  Ministry. 

12  d.  12  m.  [February.]  1720-21.  I  preached,  On  i.  Chron. 
XXIX.  15.  No  Continuance  in,  or  Expectation  from,  this  World. 
(It  being  my  Birth-day ;  and  also  the  First-Day  of  my  coming  abroad 
unto  the  public  Services,  after  I  had  been  for  some  Weeks  confined 
by  Illness.) 

igd.  12  m.  On  i.  Pet.  II.  9.  An  holy  Nation.  (And  I  admin- 
istred  the  Eucharist.) 

26  d.  12  m.  On  Exod.  XXI.  19.  The  Damage  in  the  Loss  of 
Time,  with  Methods  and  Motives  to  prevent  it. 

$d.xm.  [March.]     On  Phil.  IV.  4.     A  glorious  CHRIST  rejoiced  in. 

g  d.  I  ni.  Thursday.  The  Lecture ;  On  Matth.  XII.  20.  The 
Compassion  of  our  SAVIOUR,  towards  the  frail  and  vile  Children  of 
Men. 

12  d.  I  m.     On  Phil.  IV.  4.     Finishing  what  I  began  a  Week  ago. 

19  d.  I  m.  On  I  Pet.  II.  9.  An  Holy  Nation.  (Finishing  what 
I  began  a  Month  ago.    Before  the  Eucharist.) 

23  d.  I  m.  Thursday.  The  Lecture.  On  i.  Chron.  XXIX.  19  The 
pious  Mind  which  Parents  that  have  any  Piety  in  them,  will  desire 
for  their  Children.  (To  a  very  great  Assembly  with  a  very  great 
Assistance.) 

2  d.  2  m.  [April.]  On  Joh.  XII.  35.  The  sad  Condition  of  them, 
who  leave  at  Uncertainty,  what  is  to  be  their  Portion  for  Eternity, 
and  know  not  whither  they  are  going. 

gd.  2  m.  On  Joh.  XII.  35.  Finishing  the  awful  Matter  I  began 
the  last  Lord's-day. 

16  d.  2  m.  On  I.  Pet.  II.  9.  h  peculiar  People.  (And  I  admin- 
istred  the  Eucharist.) 

20  d.  2  m.  Thursday.  A  general  Fast.  On  Isa.  XXVI.  ii 
Learning  Righteousness  from  the  Judgments  of  GOD. 

23  d.  2  m.  At  the  old  South.  On  3.  Joh.  2.  The  Prosperity  of 
the  Soul. 

30  d.  2  m.  On  Joh.  XV.  25.  The  Aversion  for  a  glorious 
CHRIST  in  the  Children  of  Men,  always  causeless. 

y  d.  ^m.  [May.]  On  Luk.  VIII.  46.  Virtue  going  out  from  our 
SAVIOUR,  to  them  that  by  Faith  make  their  Apphcation  to  Him. 

10  d.  3  m.  Wednesday.    On  Psal.  XXIV.  10.    Our  SAVIOUR, 


678         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

the  Lord  of  Hosts:  very  particularly  in  regard  of  His  Authority 
over  the  Assemblies  of  His  People.  (A  Day  of  Prayer  at  the  Opening 
of  the  New  Brick  Meeting-house  in  our  Neighbourhood.  This  the 
first  Sermon  in  it.) 

14  d.  2,m.  On  I  Pet.  H.  9.  The  End  of  all  that  is  done  for  us 
in  our  Salvation,  to  declare  the  Praises  of  our  SAVIOUR. 

21  d.  3  w.  On,  Joh.  n.  10.  The  Miracle  of  our  SAVIOUR 
turning  Water  into  Wine.  (Designing  a  Course  of  Sermons,  on  our 
Miracles  wrought  by  our  SAVIOUR.) 

25  d.  3  w.  Thursday.  The  Lecture.  On  Job.  XV.  21.  The 
dreadful  Sound  in  the  Ears  of  wicked  Men.  (Particularly  propound- 
ing a  right  Use  to  be  made,  of  what  was  to  be  seen  in  the  Condi- 
tion of  a  Fellow  that  was  this  Day  executed  for  a  Murder,  and  now 
appeared  in  the  great  Assembly.) 

28  d.  3  m.    On  Joh.  II.  10.     Finishing  what  I  began  a  Week  ago. 

4  J.  4  w.  [June]  On  Joh.  IV.  54.  The  Miracle  of  our  SAVIOUR 
healing  and  raising  the  Son  of  the  Nobleman. 

8  J.  4  w.  Thursday.  On  Amos.  IV.  12.  PrcEparation  to  meet  our 
God  coming  to  us,  in  Ways  of  Adversity  and  Mortality.  (The  Lecture 
turned  into  a  Day  of  Prayer  because  of  much  Calamity  by  the  Small 
Pox  impending  over  us.) 

II  J.  4  w.  On  I.  Pet.  II.  9.  The  Followers  of  our  SAVIOUR, 
effectually  called,  out  of  Darkness  into  His  marvellous  Light.  Finish- 
ing in  a  Course  of  eight  Sermons  my  Meditations  upon  the  Text. 
(And  I  administred  the  Eucharist.) 

18  d.  4  w.  On  Joh.  IV.  54  (a  second  time.)  On  the  Miracle  of 
our  SAVIOUR  healing  the  Son  of  the  Nobleman. 

22  d.  4  m.  Thursday.  The  Lecture  (for  Another :)  on  Job  XXIX. 
3.  Walking  thro  Darkness  by  the  Light  of  God.  (Because  of  a  dark 
Time  coming  on  the  City.) 

25  d.  4  m.    On  Joh.  IV.  54     (A  Third  Time.) 

2d.%m.  [July.]  On  2.  Sam.  XXIII.  15.  The  Water  of  the  Well 
at  BetMehem.     (At  the  Old-South-Church.) 

gd.  5  m.  On  Cant.  II.  14.  The  Dove.  (And  I  administred  the 
Eucharist.) 

13  d.  5  m.  Thursday.  (A  Day  of  Prayer,  thro'  the  Province.) 
On  Psal.  LXXXVI.  4.  The  Lifting  up  of  the  Soul  unto  God  under 
Distresses. 

16  d.  5  m.  On  Jam.  I.  27.  Keeping  ourselves  unspotted  from 
the  World.  (Intending  an  Improvement  of  the  dreadful  Judgment 
on  the  Nations  in  the  South-sea  Infatuation.) 


FEBRUARY,     1721-22  679 

23  d.  5  m.  On  Psal.  LXXVIII.  63.  The  Fire  of  Divine  Wrath, 
consuming  our  young  People.  (On  the  Occasion  of  the  Small-Pox, 
beginning  to  carry  off  our  young  People.  But  one  young  Man,  mak- 
ing a  very  hopeful  and  joyful  End,  under  it.) 

30  d.  5  m.  On  Jam.  I.  27.  Finishing  what  I  began  a  Fortnight 
ago. 

6d.  6  m.  [August.]  On  Cant.  II.  14.  The  Dove  in  the  Clefts  of 
the  Rock,  or,  conversing  with  a  suffering  SAVIOUR.  (And  I  admin- 
istered the  Eucharist.) 

8  d.  6  m.  Tuesday.    The  Same,  in  the  Lecture  at  Roxbury. 

13  d.  6  m.  On  Joh.  V.  5.  The  Miracle  wrought  on  the  Paralytic, 
at  the  Pool  of  Bethesda. 

2od.6m.  On  Matth.  VIII.  3.  The  Miracle  wrought  in  the 
Cure  of  the  Leprosy. 

27  d.  6  m.  On  Mar.  II.  5.  The  Miracle  wrought  on  the  Paralytic 
pardoned. 

2,d.  T  m.  [September}^  On  Matth.  IX.  2.  The  Pardon  of  Sin 
declared  and  assured,  unto  the  repenting  Beleever.  (And  I  admin- 
istred  the  Eucharist.) 

T  d.  "]  m.  Thursday.  The  Lecture.  On  Judg.  XIII.  19.  The 
Wonders  attending  our  Sacrifices.  (It  being  with  me  a  Time  of 
Sacrifices.) 

10  d.  7  m.  On  Matth.  VIII.  5.  The  Miracle  on  the  Servant  of 
the  Centurion. 

17  d.  7  m.  A.M.  At  the  New  North.  On  Rom.  XIV.  7,  8. 
The  Christian  both  in  Life  and  in  Death,  being  the  Lord's,  and  for  the 
Lord.  (A  funeral  Sermon  for  Mrs.  Web;  the  Consort  of  the  Pastor 
to  the  Church  there.) 

P.  M.  At  the  Old  North.  On  Matth.  VIII.  5.  Finishing  what 
I  began  a  Week  ago. 

24  d.  7  m.  On  Isa.  XXXVIII.  14.  Our  Cry  unto  the  glorious 
One  to  undertake  for  us,  when  we  are  under  Oppressions.  (It  being  a 
time  of  heavy  Pressures.) 

2'&d.  7  w.  Thursday.  The  Lecture.  On  Lev.  X.  3.  The  holy 
Silence,  that  sad  Things  are  to  be  encountred  with.  (On  the  Occa- 
sion of  my  lovely  Daughter,  with  her  Infant,  now  lying  Dead.) 

id.  8m.  [October.]  A.  M.  I  administred  the  Eucharist.  P.  M. 
On  Job.  V.  7.  Man  born  to  Trouble,  as  the  Sparks  fly  upward.  (On 
the  Death  of  many  lovely.  Hopeful  young  People:  especially,  one 
young  Gentleman  in  the  Neighbourhood.) 

8d.8m.    On  Psal.  XXXVIII.  7.    A  Sinful  World  punished  with 


68o         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

a  lothsome  Disease,  for  Sin  a  more  lothsome  Disease.  (Vast  Numbers 
lying  sick  of  the  Small-Pox.) 

15  d.  8  m.  On  Heb.  XII.  11.  The  peaceable  Fruit  of  Righteous- 
ness produced  by  our  Afflictions.  (Many  Friends  with  me,  being 
very  much  afflicted,  with  the  Death  of  desireable  Relations.) 

22  d.  8  m.  On  Job.  XVI.  22.  People  at  their  Death,  going 
whence  they  shall  not  return.     (A  very  dying  time.) 

26  d.  8  m.  Thursday.  A  general  Thanksgiving.  On  Job.  II.  10, 
How  to  receive  Good,  and  how  to  receive  Evil  at  the  Hand  of  God. 

29  d.  8  m.  On  Gal.  V.  24.  The  Crucifying  of  the  Flesh.  (And 
I  administered  the  Eucharist.) 

2  d.  g  m.  [November.]  Thursday.  The  Lecture.  On  Psal. 
XXXVIII.  [7.]    A  lothsome  Disease. 

Sd.gm.  On  Psal.  CXIX.  96.  An  End  of  all  Perfection.  The 
use  to  be  made  of  the  Sight. 

12  d.  gm.  On  Psal.  LXIII.  3.  The  Favour  of  God  better  than 
Life.     (It  being  a  Dying  Time.) 

igd.gm.  On  Act.  XXVII.  23.  The  angelical  Ministry,  em- 
ploy'd  for  them  that  are  the  Lord's,  and  that  serve  Him.  (On 
Occasion  of  the  astonishing  DeUverance,  the  last  Week,  bestow'd 
upon  me.) 

26  d.  g  m.  On  Gal.  II.  20.  A  Crucifixion  with  CHRIST.  (And 
I  administred  the  Eucharist.) 

3  d.  10  m.  [December.]  On  Psal.  XXXVTII.  9.  Our  Desires  and 
our  Groanings,  yea,  the  hidden  Desires  which  rise  no  higher  than 
Groanings,  all  known  unto  the  glorious  GOD. 

10  d.  10  m.  On  Luk.  IV.  5.  A  Moment  of  Time,  enough  to  sur- 
vey all  the  Glories  of  this  World.  (Accommodating  the  shortest  Day 
in  the  Year.) 

ijd.iom.  On  Phil.  III.  20.  A  Conversation  in  Heaven. 
(Intending  a  Course  of  Sermons,  on  that  noble  Subject.) 

24  d.  10  m.  On  Zech.  XII.  10.  Looking  on  a  pierced  JESUS. 
(And  I  administred  the  Eucharist.) 

27  d.  ID  m.  Thursday.  The  Lecture.  On  Matth.  XXIV.  12. 
The  Love  of  many  waxing  Cold.    Agreeably  to  the  Season. 

31  J.  10  m.    On  Phil.  III.  20.    A  second  time. 

-J  d.  II  m.  [January,  1721-22.]    On  Phil.  III.  20.    A  third  time. 

14  d.  II  w.  On  Gal.  VI.  7.  The  Deceits  which  are  commonly 
imposed  on  People,  in  the  Matters  of  Religion  and  Salvation. 

21  d.  II  m.  On  Phil.  III.  20.  A  fourth  time.  (And  I  admin- 
istred the  Eucharist.) 


FEBRUARY,     1721-22  681 

28  (i.  II  m.  On  Phil.  III.  20.  A  fifth  Time. 
4  <f .  12  m.  On  Phil.  III.  20.  A  si.xth  Time. 
lid.  12  m.    On  Phil.  III.  20.    A  seventh  Time. 

To  Thomas  Prince.  m.h.s. 

12  d.  12  m.  [February  1720-21.]    At  Night. 

My  dear  Friend,  —  Upon  Trial  this  day,  I  find  my  Locks  are 
cult.  I  performed  so  pittifully,  that  my  courage  for  the  Lecture 
utterly  fails  me.  Especially  considering  that  the  Lords-day  (and 
Table)  will  follow  presently  upon  it.  This  last  Bout  has  been  the 
most  Shocking,  that  I  have  had  this  twenty  years.  My  Return  back 
to  this  loathsome  World,  is  unspeakably  less  pleasant  unto  me,  than 
the  View  I  had  these  three  weeks  ago  of  taking  wing  for  that  glorious 
World,  whereof,  oh !  could  I  tell  you  something  of  the  Glories,  which 
I  am  now  certain  are  to  be  there  bestowed  upon  them,  who  have 
nothing  but  a  CHRIST  left  alive  unto  them! 

I  durst  not  ask  for  the  Continuance  of  my  poor  Life  one  day 
longer,  but  purely  with  the  Aim  and  for  the  Sake  of  doing  Service  for 
the  Kingdome  of  God,  while  the  ordinary  Course  of  Nature  sup- 
poses a  Capacity  for  them. 

For  which  Cause,  I  would  gladly  have  served  the  Lecture  (and 
vexed  the  Dragon)  this  Week.  But  I  can't,  I  can't.  Wherefore, 
if  you  will  be  so  very  kind  as  to  do  it,  I  will  entertain  some  Hope, 
that  by  the  Thursday  after,  I  may  be  able  to  take  your  Turn,  and 
pay  a  little  of  what  I  shall  owe  you. 

But  if  you  really  can't,  then,  I  pray,  comply  with  another  Task, 
which  I  shall  impose  upon  you.  Step  in  the  Morning  on  my  behalf, 
as  far  as  my  dear  Cooper's}  Give  my  Service  to  him.  Say  not  one 
Word,  that  he  owes  me  any  thing.  I  utterly  decline  all  such  Claims, 
or  Terms.  But,  join  your  Request  with  mine,  that  he  would  step  this 
week  into  the  Lecture,  and  allow  me  to  take  his  Turn,  if  I  Uve  to  the 
Time,  and  am  found  able  to  do  it.  Lett  him  know,  that  it  will  very 
much  oblige  me ;  and  such  is  his  Goodness,  I  am  sure,  you  need  say 
no  more. 

And  now,  I  reckon  myself  safe ;  that  between  (you)  two,  I  shall 
not  fall  to  the  Ground. 

May  our  glorious  Lord,  accept  both  of  you,  to  do  worthily  in 
Israel,  and  to  do  more  and  greater  and  better  services  for  His  King- 
dome  than  have  been  done,  by  the  poor  unfruitful  Thing  who  thus 

*  Rev.  William  Cooper,  of  the  Brattle  Street  Church. 


682         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

prays  for  you ;  and  give  you  a  kinder  Entertainment  in  the  World, 
and  call  you  to  fewer  Encounters  with  Temptations,  than  have  been 
seen  by,  your  poor,  weary,  tired,  Brother  and  Servt., 

Co.  Mather. 

To  Sir  William  Ashurst.  a.a.s. 

Sir,  —  It  was  not  until  just  now,  that  I  have,  (by  a  Second  and 
worthy  Hand  in  London)  understood,  the  India  Christiana,  with 
my  Address  unto  your  Honour,  to  have  reached  you.  That,  and  my 
want  of  Matter  on  the  Subject  which  is  to  be  written  of,  has  delay'd 
my  doing  the  Duty  of  making  a  Return,  to  a  Letter  which  I  had  the 
Honour  some  good  while  ago,  of  receiving  from  you. 

And  what  I  have  now  to  write,  is  perhaps  what  may  procure 
from  your  Goodness  a  Rebuke  rather  than  an  Approbation. 

I  must,  in  short,  confess  myself  so  discouraged  by  some  occur- 
rences, as  to  apprehend  it  most  proper  for  me,  to  propose  a  Secession 
from  the  Board  of  your  Commissioners  for  the  Propagation  of  the 
Gospel  among  the  Indians.  I  am  not  fond  of  mentioning  what  the 
Things  are  that  have  discouraged  me.  But  you  may  be  sure,  That  if 
I  had  enjoy'd  the  prospect  of  doing  any  of  the  Good,  my  Soul,  has 
been  Travailing  for,  I  should  have  been  afraid  of  dechning  my  oppor- 
tunities. Instead  thereof,  I  will  enclose  a  Copy  of  a  Letter,  which 
not  long  since,  I  address'd  unto  Lieut.  Governor  [William]  Dumtner, 
as  president  of  that  Board ;  since  which,  I  have  received  nothing 
from  the  Board,  that  intimates  to  me,  what  Notice  the  Gentlemen 
please  to  take  of  it.  I  do  it,  that  so,  you  may  see  something  of  what 
I  have  wished  for,  and  may  give  such  Directions  as  in  your  wisdome 
you  shall  Judge  most  convenient.  The  Copy  of  the  Memorial  that 
accompanies  it,  is  not  in  the  least  offered  upon  any  Design,  to  obtain 
from  you  the  grant  of  the  petition  in  it,  or  to  complain,  that  it  was  not 
granted  here.  I  am  entirely  satisfied,  and  yett  for  some  Reasons  lett 
you  know  another  thing  that  I  once  wished  for. 

May  our  glorious  Lord  graciously  direct  and  accept  and  succeed, 
all  your  excellent  Essays  to  do  Good  in  the  world ;  and  particularly 
to  revive  and  preserve  the  Christianity,  among  our  poor  Indians, 
whom  Heaven  has  committed  unto  your  pious  patronage.  I  am, 
Your  Honours,  Most  affectionate  Friend  and  obedient  Serv't. 

Apr.  28,  1721. 


FEBRUARY,     1721-22  683 

To  Rev.  Thomas  Prince.  m.h.s. 

[8  ber  15,  1721.] 

My  dear  Friend,  —  If  you  have  no  Advice  of  an  opportunity  to 
write  unto  Holland,  within  three  weeks,  pray  permitt  my  French 
M.SS.  with  the  Translation,  return  to  me  in  the  Morning  by  Caesar ; 
Because  I  would  have  it  come  under  the  View  of  an  other  dear  Gov- 
ernor at  N.  London,  before  it  goes. 

Citra  ut  valeas. 

The  Number  of  the  sick  in  the  Bills  at  the  old  North  to  day, 
amounts  to  322. 

To  Rev.  Thomas  Prince.  m.h.s. 

Sir,  —  Our  Servant,  Ezer,  after  a  due  Examination  of  his  Knowl- 
edge and  Beleef,  and  a  due  Testimony  of  his  Good  Conversation,  was 
Received  into  the  Covenant  of  GOD,  and  Baptised  Lately  with  us.' 
For  which  Cause,  his  offspring  (whereof  I  hear,  part  is  newly  born 
in  your  Family)  is  humbly  recommended  imto  the  Christian  Baptism 
with  you,  by.  Sir,  Your  Brother  and  Servt. 


Co.  Mather. 


Feb.  24.  1721  [-22.] 


To  Rev.  Thomas  Prince.  m.h.s. 

0  mihi  post  nullos  Memorande?  y>    7 
After  I  have  wished  you  Joy  on  what  you  have  heard  about  the 

Royal  Family,  I  shall  (as  I  always  do)  take  a  singular  Freedom  with 
you.    Your  singular  Friendship  for  me,  always  emboldens  it.' 

1  have  long  been  of  the  Opinion,  that  there  could  scarce  be  a  more 

*  See  p.  676,  supra.  '  Mart.  Epig.  i.  16. 

"27  d.  3  m.  [May,  1722.]  The  Baptism  of  the  Former  [William  Stirling]  was 
introduced  with  such  Words  as  these : 

*  "Here  is  now  offered  unto  the  Lord  the  Child  of  one  who  died  with  good 
Expressions  of  a  repenting  and  believing  Soul,  and  giving  up  her  Child  unto  God 
her  Savior,  with  Desire  that  it  might  in  his  Baptism  come  under  a  solemn  Dedi- 
cation to  Him.  The  pious  Grandmother  of  the  Child  (Mrs.  Grace  Ireland)  who 
is  one  of  us,  does  here  present  it  unto  us,  and  you  do  here  before  the  Lord  adopt 
this  Child  as  your  own,  and  you  engage  unto  the  People  of  God,  that  you  will 
take  all  due  Care,  both  living  and  dying,  that  it  may  be  brought  up  in  the  Knowl- 
edge and  for  the  Service  of  the  Lord.  The  Disciples  of  the  Lord  in  this  Church 
have  hitherto  not  forbid  the  Children  in  such  Circumstances  to  be  brought  unto 
their  Savior."    Cotton  Mather's  MS.  Records  of  the  Second  Church,  in. 


684         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

comprehensive  Service  done,  than  to  Lodge  in  the  Hands  of  the 
Ministers  throughout  the  Countrey,  a  Memorial  of  the  Methods 
which  may  be  taken  by  them  to  be  very  serviceable.  No  men  have 
such  opportunities  as  they,  to  be  very  serviceable. 

Now  my  Two  Neighbours,  Mr  Thaclier  and  Mr  Web,  have  had 
such  favourable  Sentiments  for  the  poor  Sermon  that  was  offered  you 
last  Thursday,^  as  to  press  the  publication  of  it,  and  provide  for  part 
of  the  Charge.  Surprized  at  their  Motion,  I  am  come  anon  myself, 
into  the  Opinion,  that  the  poor  sermon  being  Transcribed  and  some- 
what Amended,  may  answer  such  Ends,  as  I  ought  humbly  and 
gladly  and  zelously  to  devote  my  All  unto.  And  the  rather,  because 
my  Time  for  doing,  is  drawing  very  near  its  period.  If  now  I  can 
gett  the  Assistence  of  but  505  or  7,£  subscribed,  I  can,  I  suppose  gett 
thro'  the  rest  of  the  Expence  which  the  Desired  PubUcation  may  call 
for.  Wherefore,  I  will  be  so  rude,  as  to  leave  it  with  you,  to  Consult 
with  our  dear  Cooper  and  Foxcroft.  (Ambo,  et  cantare  pares,  et  respon- 
dere  parati!)  ^  added,  unto  the  two  Brethren  above  mentioned,  what, 
(or,  whether  anything)  may  be  done  about  the  Matter.  I  know,  you 
Love  to  do  Good ;  and  you  Love  the  Doers  of  Good ;  and  you  Love, 

Your  Constant  Friend,  Brother,  and  Servt.  _,      ,  , 

'  '  Co.  Mather. 

To  Rev.  Thomas  Prince.  m.h.s. 

[June  12,  1722.] 
My  Invaulable  Friend,  and  Brother,  —  To  you  I  chuse  to 
committ  my.  Minister.^  I  enclose  fifty  Shillings  towards  the  Ex- 
pence.  I  have  occasionally  had  some  Discourse  with  Mr.  Fleet 
about  the  work.  For  that  Cause,  you  must  make  the  first  offer  to 
him.  I  Leave  the  whole  to  your  Wisdome  and  Goodness.  If  you, 
or  any  of  the  Brethren,  would  correct  any  passage  in  it,  I  Entirely 
resign  it  unto  your  Pleasure.  I  could  have  Embellished  it  with  many 
ornaments.  But  I  conscienciously  decline  the  ostentation  of  Erudi- 
tion, Lest  I  disoblige  that  Holy  Spirit,  on  whom  alone  I  depend  for 
the  Success  of  the  Essay.  Besides,  I  have  in  a  considerable  Number 
of  other  Books,  (besides  the  Magnalia,)  already  pretty  well  Exhausted 
a  Good  Stock  of  Flowers,  which  ought  not  to  be  presented  over  again. 
Yea,  this  very  week,  I  have  an  ordination-Sermon  published ; ''  which 

1  May  31,  1722,  when  he  preached  to  the  anniversary  Convention  of  min- 
isters. '  Vcrg.  Eel.  VII.  5.  '  The  book  bore  this  title. 

*  Delivered  at  the  ordination  of  Rev.  William  Waldron,  at  the  new  church 
in  the  north  part  of  Boston. 


FEBRUARY,      1721-22  685 

I  tender  to  your  acceptance  we  shall  reap  together  the  Harvest  of 
this  Action,  in  the  First  Resurrection. 


To  Rev.  Thomas  Prince.  m.h.s. 

Tuesday  night 

Sir,  —  Your  Printer  has  I  suppose,  gott  ready  your.  Minister  ! 
and  it  was  in  some  View  of  the  Opportunity  which  you  might  have 
to  disperse  many  of  your  Books  on  the  Approaching  Festival. 

Imagining  that  the  Generous  Goodness,  which  has  been  exerted 
by  you  in  this  pubUcation,  does  intend  a  Dispersion  of  the  Books  into 
the  Hands  of  all  the  Ministers  throughout  the  Countrey,  it  seems 
necessary  that  there  should  be  some  Agreement  of  the  Brethren,  to 
prevent  your  Interfering  with  one  another,  in  your  pious  communi- 
cation. Every  One  should  know,  what  counties,  (or  parts  of  the 
Countrey,)  he  will  chiefly  take  for  his  province  in  the  Dispersion. 

And,  if  you  order  your  Printer  to  bring  me  my  fifty  shillings 
worth,  I  will  send  our,  MINISTER,  thro'  the  Colony  of  Connecticut, 
and  some  of  the  more  Southern  Provinces. 

We  are  thus  praeparing  for  Employments  in  the  Better  World. 
Waiting  for  which,  I  am,  Sir,  Your  Brother  and  Servt., 

Co.  Mather. 

I  am  not  well!  But  my  poor  wife,  struck  with  a  Consumption 
wants  and  asks  your  Prayers. 

To  Thomas  Prince.  m.h.s. 

Wednesday,  7  d.  5W.  [July.]  1722. 
Sir,  —  The  Excellent  Spirit  of  Piety  which  always  Endears  our 
worthy  Brother  Sewal,  to  all  of  us  as  well  as  to  me,  and  the  Intimate 
Communion  and  Correspondence  of  the  most  Inviolate  Friendship, 
which  we  always  maintain  with  him,  seems  to  render  it  suitable,  that 
he  should  be  apprised  of  our  Combination,  to  begin  this  Evening  a 
Conference  on  the  Sacred  Prophecies  concerning  the  Coming  and  King- 
dome  of  our  Saviour ;  And  have  the  offer  of  a  welcome  to  it.  It  is 
possible,  that  he  may  have  a  Less  Degree  of  Relish  for  those  things, 
than  some  others ;  and  there  is  a  peculiarity  of  Constitution  in  these 
points,  not  easy  to  be  accounted  for.  But  then,  his  objections  to 
our  Interpretations,  may  be  of  use  to  us,  to  prevent  our  going  too 
Easily  into  mistakes ;  and  perhaps  to  estabUsh  what  cannot  be  shaken. 


686         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

It  is  however  fitt,  that  he  should  have  the  Liberty  of  sharing  with 
us ;   (as  Mr.  Cooper,  I  perceive  also  will.) 

I  hope,  we  shall  meet  in  the  First  Resurrection ;  In  the  Faith 
and  Patience  of  the  Kingdome,  I  am,  Sir,  Your  Brother  and  Servt., 

Co.  Mather. 

When  you  visit  Mr.  Daniel  Oliver,  bestow  all  (or  some)  of  these 
Golden  Curbs  upon  him,  to  putt  upon  Head-Strong  Fools  at  the  Times 
when  he  has  occasion  to  Execut  the  Law  upon  them. 

To  Rev.  Thomas  Prince.  m.h.s. 

My  dear  Friend,  —  Allow  me  to  renew  my  Petitions  and  In- 
stances with  you,  That  you  would,  furnish  me,  with  the  best  Account 
you  have, 

Of  the  Birds  raised  at  Newtown. 

Of  the  Leviathan  dug  up  at  Virginia. 

And  Enquire  into  the  Story  of  a  Naevus  Maternus  on  a  Daughter 
of  one  Brown,  a  Stiller,  which  grows,  they  tell  me,  very  Troublesome 
to  the  Marked  Damsel. 

Our  dear  Patriarch,  is  revived  this  Morning ;  and  wonderfully 
Comforted.  Using  the  very  words,  which  you  used  unto  him,  and 
Joyfully  saying,  /  now  see,  that  I  was  deceived,  when  I  fear'd  Lest  I 
might  be  deceived.    I  am,  Yours  always.  _      _. 

Tuesday,  [Feb.  19,  1722-23.]  ^ 

To  Rev.  Thomas  Prince.  m.h.s. 

[June  16,  1723.] 
My  dear  Friend,  —  Vigilare  decet  hominem  qui  vult  sua  Tem- 
pore conferre  officia. 

In  the  Circumstances  of  the  Poor  Creature,  who  is  this  week  day  to 
dy  by  the  Sword  of  Justice,  there  is  a  voice  of  GOD  crying  to  the  City.'' 

' "  10  d.  I  m.  [March.]  1722-23.  John  Bushel  made  unto  the  Church  an 
acknowledgment  of  a  Scandal  given  by  him,  in  being  disguised  with  excessive 
Drinking,  which  the  Church  accepted  of."  Cotton  Mather's  MS.  Records  oj  the 
Second  Church,  in. 

'  The  idea  of  a  servile  insurrection  must  have  appealed  strongly  to  Mather's 
imagination.  Never  very  numerous  in  Massachusetts,  the  negro  slaves  yet  con- 
stituted an  appreciable  part  of  the  population,  and  with  the  veneer  of  civilization 
upon  them,  occasionally  broke  through  all  bounds.  Some  of  the  very  striking 
crimes  in  colonial  and  provincial  days  arose  from  the  enslaved  Indians  or  Africans. 
In  this  case  the  negro  had  set  fire  to  Powel's  house  in  the  dead  of  night. 


FEBRUARY,     1722-23  687 

Not  only  the  Condition  of  such  Slaves  is  worthy  to  be  considered, 
but  also  the  Threatenings  which  there  have  been  of  Laying  the  Town 
in  Ashes,  are  speaking  Things. 

I  would  humbly  propose  to  you,  and  entreat  of  you,  to  bend 
your  Holy  Studies  a  Little  this  way,  for  your  approaching  Lecture. 
You  may  do  a  work  pleasing  to  God,  and  useful  to  men ;  and  you  are 
Excellently  Qualified  for  it ;  and  your  performances  are  to  my  Knowl- 
edge, highly  acceptable  to  my  Neighbours,  and  can  be  no  otherwise 
to  your  own. 

Pardon  the  Suggestion,  Tis  my  way  to  project  services  for  others, 
as  well  as  myself.    I  am,  Sir,  Your  Brother  „     ^ 


[Enclosure.] 

(June  i8th,  1723.] 

This  Place  has  Lately  been  brought  into  uncommon  Distress,  by  some,  of  a 
foolish  Nation. 

The  Voice  of  the  Lord  Cries  to  the  City. 

First,  the  Burning  of  the  Town  has  been  threatened;  and  there  have  been 
many  Fires  Kindled,  in  some  of  which,  those  of  this  Foolish  Nation,  we  may  sup- 
pose, have  not  been  concerned. 

While  the  Decree  is  not  yett  Executed  (and  we  have  been  so  marvellously, 
remarkably,  undeservedly  praeserved)  our  God  calls  us. 

Not  only  to  Thankfulness  for  our  praeservation, 

(The  Horror  of  the  Calamity  if  it  should  proceed,  makes  the  Call  to  this  very 
powerful.) 

But  also,  to  consider  what  we  have  to  do,  that  such  a  Desolation,  by  those 
(or  some  other)  Hands,  may  be  prevented. 

Repent  and  Reform,  our  Sabbath-breaking.  Jer.  XVIL  27.  Dishonesty  in 
our  Dealing.     See  Job.  XV.  34. 

Contention.  Burning  for  Burning,  was  required  by  the  Word  of  the  glorious 
GOD.     Fulfilled  by  His  Hand. 

And  Considering  by  what  Hands  the  Town  has  been  so  Endangered,  there 
can  be  nothing  more  seasonable  and  reasonable  than  for  us,  to  Consider  whether 
our  Conduct  with  relation  to  our  African  Slaves,  be  not  one  thing  for  which  our 
God  may  have  a  Controversy  with  us. 

Are  they  always  treated  according  to  the  Rules  of  Humanity  ? 

And  much  more,  Christianity  which  is  improved  and  Ennobled  Humanity. 

Are  they  treated  as  those,  that  are  of  one  Blood  with  us,  and  those  that  have 
Immortal  Souls  in  them,  and  are  not  meer  Beasts  of  Burden  ? 

Are  they  instructed,  and  made  to  know 

Such  things,  which  if  they  knew,  would  restrain  them  from  Exorbitancies 
and  Enormities  which  are  Complained  [against]  them,  and  render  them  notable 
Blessings  in  the  Families  they  belong  unto. 

The  Common  Cavil,  that  they  are  the  worse  servants,  for  being  taught  the 
Knowledge  of  CHRIST,  is  a  Cursed  Falshood;     Experience  confutes  it;   It  is 


688         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

a  Blasphemy ;  and  it  is  fitter  for  the  Mouth  of  a  Devil,  than  of  a  Christian,  to 
utter  it. 

But  then,  there  is  a  Voice  of  Heaven,  to  the  Slaves,  on  what  this  poor  Creature 
is  Left  unto. 

To  Beware  of  the  Sins,  which  may  provoke  the  glorious  one  to  Leave  them 
unto  the  Last  Degrees  of  Wickedness  and  Misery. 

To  study  a  Dutiful  Behaviour  unto  their  Superiours;  and  that  they  may  be 
Blessings  in  the  Family  they  belong  unto. 

To  be  Patient  in  their  Low  and  hard  Conditions. 

To  become  the  Servants  of  CHRIST. 

Then,  what  they  shall  very  shortly  see,  at  the  End  of  their  Short  Servitude. 

Else  a  worse  thing.' 


To  Rev.  Thomas  Prince.  m.h.s. 

Friday,  [July  19,  1723.] 
Sir,  —  Supposing,  that  it  might  be  some  Gratification  unto  you 
to  Read,  what  you  could  but  imperfectly  Hear,  in  the  late  Comence- 
ment,  I  now  entertain  you  with  it ;  ^ 

1 "  10  d.  s  m.  [July.]  1723.  At  a  Church  Meeting,  Sarah  Wood,  a  Widow  of 
our  Communion,  having  been  convicted  of  a  Fornication,  presented  unto  the  Church 
a  poenitent  and  expressive  Acknowledgment :  the  Church  agreed  that  she  should 
continue  under  Suspension  from  our  Communion  for  some  time,  and  until  she  can 
return  with  due  Testimony  for  her  good  Behavior  and  Repentance  from  the  Neigh- 
borhood. In  the  mean  Time  she  was  now  laid  under  Admonition.  [The  censure 
on  Sarah  Wood  was  raised  March  2g,  1724.] 

"The  Church  now  renewed  their  Choice  of  the  six  Persons  that  are  yet  sur- 
viving of  their  late  Committee:  John  Clark,  Thomas  Hutchinson,  Adam  Winthrop, 
Edward  Hutchinson,  John  Ruck,  Esqrs.,  and  Mr.  John  Charnock;  and  now  added 
Mr.  Thomas  Cashing  unto  their  Number ;  desiring  them  to  act  still  in  QuaHty  of 
a  Committee  for  them,  as  formerly,  for  a  Year  ensuing. 

"It  being  prop>osed,  whether  the  Church  would  immediately  proceed  unto 
the  Settlement  of  an  Assistant  and  Successor  in  the  Work  of  the  evangelical  Min- 
istry among  us,  or  delay  the  Matter:  and  the  Church  being  a  little  divided  in 
their  Sentiments  about  it,  it  was  voted.  That  in  Consideration  of  "the  low  State 
wherein  our  aged  Pastor  is  languishing,  the  Church  propose  to  set  apart  a  Day  of 
Supplications,  to  carry  his  Case  unto  our  gracious  God,  and  to  obtain  the  Direc- 
tion and  Blessing  of  Heaven,  with  relation  to  that  important  Affair,  of  seeking 
after  a  Supply  for  an  Assistence  and  Succession  in  the  work  of  the  Ministry."  Cotton 
Mather's  MS.  Records  of  the  Second  Church,  iii.  ' 

'  The  commemoratory  oration  delivered  by  Samuel  Mather.  It  does  not 
appear  to  have  been  printed. 

"21  d.  6  wi.  [/I ^<gJ«^]  Wednesday.  The  Brethren  of  the  Church  meet,  and 
coming  to  a  Vote,  managed  by  Papers,  Whether  to  proceed  or  delay,  in  the  Matter 
of  Chusing  an  Assistant  and  Successor  in  the  evangelical  Ministry,  a  considerable 
Majority  of  the  Votes  canw  forth  with  delay  written  upon  them."  Cotton  Mather's 
MS.  Records  of  the  Second  Church,  in. 


FEBRUARY,     1722-23  689 

But  there  is  this  Encumbrance  on  your  Entertainment. 

Our  Honourable  Friend  Judge  Sewal,  was  not  at  the  Commence- 
ment. He  has  a  kindness  for  his  Little  Names-sake,  and  is  glad  of 
any  promising  performance  from  him.  He  has  also  a  Kindness  for 
the  Name  of  Stoughton,  and  is  Glad  when  he  sees  it  celebrated.  Com- 
municate unto  him,  the  m.ss.  But  so  that  either  he  send  it  home  to 
me  by  the  middle  of  the  Next  week,  or  Else  do  you  take  that  care 
upon  you : 

You  will  continue  your  Loves  and  prayers,  for  the  Lad,  as  well 

as  for  Your  Brother  and  Serv't.  ^      ., 

Co.  Mather. 

From  Samxtel  Sewall.  a.a.s. 

In  Matherum  morientem 

Feria  Sexta,  Augusti  23,  1723. 

Quantum   per   vitam  potuit,   CRESCENTIUS    auxit   Doctrinam: 

dono  mortis  ADULTUS  erit.'  „  „ 

Samuel  Sewall. 

Reverend  Sir,  —  If  my  barren  vein  would  have  yielded  better, 
I  should  have  more  cheerfully  have  offered  it  for  the  Honour  of  my 
Excellent  Friend.     Sir,  your  obliged  humble  Servt. 

„    ^  ...      ,     J     o    .     T.  Samuel  Sewall. 

Boston,  pndie  calendas  Septembres,  1723. 


To  GuRDON  Saltonstall.  a.a.s. 

October  21,  1723. 
Syr,  —  Of  all  the  Good  Works  that  are  done  imder  the  Sun,  there 
appears  none  more  worthy  of  a  Christian  or  more  Demonstrative  of 
his  being  what  he  professes  himself  to  be,  or  more  pleasing  to  God, 
or  more  useful  to  men,  than  that  of  propagating  pure  and  undefiled 
Christianity  in  the  world.  And  your  Honours  Hearty  Zeal  to  pro- 
mote this  First-born  of  Good  Works,  is  but  agreeable  to  your  Faith, 
and  among  the  bright  Instances  in  which  you  adorn  the  Doctrines  of 
God  your  Saviour ;  and  the  place  wherein  our  God  has  in  mercy  to 
His  people  Stationed  you. 

1  Increase  Mather,  father  of  Cotton,  died  August  23,  1723,  "just  at  Noon, 
after  long  and  grievous  Sickness."     He  was  buried  in  the  north  burying  place. 
Sewall,  Diary,  ni.  326.    The   son  has  fittingly  commemorated  the  father  in  his 
Parenlaior,  published  in  1724. 
11  -44 


690         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

Tis  not  unknown  unto  your  Honour  and  imto  many  valuable 
persons  under  your  Government,  that  in  the  Town  of  Providence  near 
unto  you,  there  has  appeared  a  Field  white  for  the  Harvest.  Indeed, 
some  of  the  first  Motions  in  this  Great  Affair,  were  from  some  Excel- 
lent Persons  in  your  Colony. 

Our  First  Essays  to  Erect  an  Edifice  for  the  pubhc  Worship  of 
GOD,  in  that  place,  have  mett  with  such  Encumbrances,  as  appear 
not  at  all  Marvellous,  unto  them  who  consider,  that  the  Great  Adver- 
sary of  the  Gospel  is  not  Asleep.  These  Encumbrances  are  now  in 
some  Degree  Surmounted,  but  the  Expences  of  the  Enterprize  have 
been  thereby  very  much  augmented.  This  work  of  GOD  therefore 
very  much  needs  a  further  Assistence,  from  the  Bountiful  Charity 
of  the  Churches  in  your  Colony ;  who  have  on  many  occasions  Ex- 
pressed their  Bounty  in  Collections  that  have  upon  Good  Intentions 
[been]  called  for ;  But  perhaps  have  rarely  done  it  upon  any,  of  a 
more  noble  Importance  than  this,  wherein  the  Kjngdome  of  GOD, 
our  Saviour,  and  the  Salvation  of  Souls  from  Death,  are  so  notably 
concerned.  The  Good  people  in  this  Providence  have  done  worthily 
in  this  matter ;  and  we  make  no  doubt,  that  yours  will  not  come  at 
all  behind  them ;  so  that  we  need  add  no  more,  but  our  humble 
Request,  That  for  the  preventing  of  Misapplications,  it  may  be  pro- 
posed, that  what  money  shall  be  collected,  may  be  Lodged  in  the 
Hands  of  Prudent  and  Faithful  Trustees  among  yourselves;  unto 
whom,  if  any  Advice  from  the  Ministers  in  this  Town  be  thought 
necessary,  it  will  be  at  all  Times  readily  communicated. 

Thus,  commending  your  person  and  whole  Administration,  to 
the  divine  Conduct  and  Blessing,  we  subscribe,  Your  Honors  Most 
hearty  Servants.^ 

To  Rev.  Jedidiah  Andrews.  a.a.s. 

Sir,  —  Tis  a  great  Satisfaction  unto  me  at  all  times  to  hear  from 
a  Brother,  whom  I  always  honour  as  being  a  Vir  sui  Nominis.  Your 
unfainting  Labour  for  the  Name  of  your  Lord,  your  service  and 

>  "  22  (f.  8  m.  [October.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Church,  there  were  forty-nine 
Brethren  present.  It  was  proposed,  th^t  the  Church  might  now  come  to  the 
Choice  of  an  Assistant  and  Successor  in  the  Work  of  the  Evangelical  Ministry. 
The  Choice  was  made,  and  the  Majority  (thirty-four)  of  the  Votes  declared  it 
for  Mr.  Joshua  Gee.  John  Clark,  Thomas  Hutchinson,  Adam  Winthrop,  Esqrs., 
and  Mr.  Samuel  Turel,  with  the  Deacons,  were  appointed  a  Committee  to  report 
unto  him  this  Act  of  the  Church."  Cotton  Mather's  MS.  Records  of  the  Second 
Church,  m.      Gee  (1698- 1748)  remained  with  the  church  until  his  death. 


FEBRUARY,     1722-23  69I 

your  patience,  I  cannot  think  upon,  without  glorifying  of  Him  in 
you.  I  must  beg  your  pardon,  that  I  forgett  sometimes  to  send  you 
the  Little  Things  that  are  published  among  us. 

I  now  address  you  with  Two  or  Three  of  our  Latest  publications ; 
the  sight  whereof  may  perhaps  also  gratify  some  of  your  worthy 
Neighbours. 

I  am  so  much  a  Stranger  to  Dr.  Williams's  Charitable  but  it  seems 
Ambiguous  will,  (having  Long  since  mislaid  and  forgott  our  Para- 
graph in  it)  that  I  know  not  how  to  express  myself  capable  of  assist- 
ing your  Desires  of  coming  at  the  Benefit  of  it,  until  I  am  somewhat 
more  fully  instructed ;  but  if  you  can  come  at  it,  you  may  be  sure 
I  shall  say.  Much  good  may  it  do  you! 

I  have  Lately  written.  Memoirs  of  Remarkable  Things  in  the  Life 
and  the  Death  of  my  deceased  Parent ;  But,  it  being  a  Book  of  it  may 
be  Twenty  Sheets,  it  will  be  diverse  Months  before  our  otherwise 
Employ'd  presses  can  give  it  unto  the  pubHc.  In  the  mean  time,  I 
transmit  unto  you,  a  Coelestinus '  that  will  bring  something  of  and 
from  the  Countrey  which  he  is  gone  unto. 

The  Condition  of  my  FooUsh  Countrey  and  a  Relation  of  the 
FolUes  committed  in  it,  would  be  a  story  not  worth  telling  to  you. 

Lett  us  Long  for  the  Land  of  Rectitude.  In  the  way  to  it,  and 
ye  Hope  of  it,  I  am.  Sir,  Your  affectionate  Brother  and  Servt. 

Boston,  N.  E.  Nov.  s,  1723. 

To  Thomas  Hollis.^  a.a.s. 

Sir,  —  By  several  Conveyances,  I  have  dispatch'd  unto  you 
those  letters  and  Packetts,  wherein  I  have  after  my  poor  Manner,  ex- 
press'd  my  grateful  Resentments  of  the  Many  and  Weighty  Favours, 
which  I  and  mine  have  received  from  you. 

In  one  of  them  there  are  also,  the  Acknowledgments,  which  your 
Son  Samuel  (your  First  bom)  has  made  of  your  Goodness  to  him, 
and  a  Copy  of  his  Commemoratory  Oration  at  our  Commencement ; 
which,  I  hope,  has  reached  you. 

What  I  am  now  to  do,  is,  to  render  my  Brethrens  Thanks,  with 
my  own,  for  what  you  have  done  about  our  Memorials ;  and  acquiesce 
in  what  has  been  done  by  others. 

The  Truth  is,  if  all  the  Remonstrances  that  we  make  about  a 
Charity  so  abominably  prostituted  as  that  of  the  Society,  will  only 

'  Printed  by  S.  Kneeland  for  Nathaniel  Belknap. 
*  Nephew  of  the  benefactor  of  Harvard  College. 


692         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

produce  a  care  of  our  Diocesan  to  send  over  better  Missionaries  we 
are  best  as  we  are.  For  the  Missionaries  they  have  hitherto  sent, 
have  generally  been  such  Ignorant  Wretches,  and  such  Debauched 
and  Finished  Villians,  that  Like  the  Rattle  snakes  in  our  Countrey 
they  carry  with  'em  what  warns  and  arms  our  people  against  being 
poisoned  with  them. 

In  the  meantime,  I  am  sorry,  that  a  Countrey  in  which  you  are 
daily  multiplying  your  Benefits,  affords  to  you  such  matter  of  Trouble, 
in  the  Mischiefs  which  your  Charitable  and  Sympathizing  Mind  sees 
us  by  our  Follies  bringing  on  our  selves.  Our  Govemour  was  a  person 
of  an  Excellent  Spirit ;  and  I  always  thought  he  studied  the  welfare 
of  the  Countrey  more  than  any  one  person  in  it.  Had  we  carried 
well  to  him,  he  would  have  made  us  an  easy,  and  had  we  hearken'd 
well  to  him,  we  had  been  an  Happy,  people.  His  enemies,  who  began 
to  be  so,  upon  a  Rage,  which  was  raised  in  them  from  a  Disappoint- 
ment of  certain  projections  to  Enrich  themselves,  which  they  suffered 
from  his  Arrival  in  the  Government  instead  of  another  whom  they 
thought  they  had  made  their  property,  never  were  many ;  but  being 
very  subtil,  as  well  as  very  spiteful,  they  gott  the  knack  of  perverting 
and  misleading  a  Majority  of  poor,  and  weak  (tho'  sometimes  honest) 
Countreymen  in  our  House  of  Representatives ;  and  so  they  produced 
Votes  which  any  Governor  must  count  Intolerable ;  and  which  are 
Like  to  overwhelm  our  whole  people,  who  generally  abhor  what  is 
done,  in  Ruines  that  will  be  Irretrievable.  The  Evil  that  I  feared  is 
come!  How  much  a  Man,  who  is  no  Great  Seer,  did  foresee  these 
things,  and  forewarn  our  People  of  them  some  years  ago,  I  am  willing 
you  should  see,  by  casting  your  Eye  on  a  Sermon ; '  for  which  Fidelity 
I  have  since  been  an  object  for  the  utmost  Rage  of  the  Satanic  Party, 
and  not  only  had  their  printed  Libels  continually  darted  at  me,  but 
had  Attempts  made  upon  my  very  Life.  Nevertheless,  after  all  that 
I  have  performed  and  suffered  on  the  behalf  of  our  Good  Governour,^ 
I  am  told,  that  he  dismisses  me  from  the  List  of  his  Friends,  because 
of  a  Misreport  that  was  made  unto  him,  of  my  being  at  a  Loss  how 
to  mention  his  Voyage  in  our  public  prayers,  immediately  upon  his 
very  sudden  withdraw  from  us.  But  alas,  who  can  tell  what  is  Good 
for  Man?  And  if  our  Govemour  do  obtain  the  Destruction  of  our 
Charter,  how  uneasy  will  he  find  himself  in  his  Return  unto  us?  The 
wretched  Men  that  have  provoked  him,  will  still  be  in  our  Assemblies, 
and  Continue  to  do  so.     At  the  same  time,  all  his  Friends,  (and 

'  Probably  he  refers   to  Mirabilia  Dei,  delivered  November   5,    1719,  arid 
printed  in  the  same  year.  '  Shute. 


FEBRUARY,     1722-23  693 

none  so  much  as  they,)  will  be  rendred  miserable :  a  Good  Countrey 
anon  putt  into  the  Hands  of  Rulers,  disaffected  unto  all  the  best 
Interests  of  it ;  the  ReUgion  of  the  Countrey  insulted,  ruined,  and  by 
Degrees  Extinguished. 

But  we  grow  Ripe  for  Confusions.  A  fearful  Decay  of  Piety 
among  us,  ripens  us  for  them.  One  Symptom  and  Effect  of  which 
Decay  is,  a  Strange  Inclination  to  Contention  discovering  itself  upon 
all  occasions  among  us.  I'l  mention  to  you  an  Instance,  which  you 
will  wonder  at! 

A  mighty  Spirit  came  Lately  upon  abundance  of  our  people,  to 
Reform  their  singing  which  was  degenerated  in  our  Assemblies  to  an 
Irregularity,  which  made  a  Jar  in  the  ears  of  the  more  curious  and 
skilful  singers.  Our  Ministers  generally  Encouraged  the  people,  to 
accomplish  themselves  for  a  Regular  singing,  and  a  more  beautiful 
Psalmody.  Such  Numbers  of  Good  people,  (and  Especially  young 
people,)  became  Regular  Singers,  that  they  could  carry  it  in  the  Con- 
gregations. But,  who  would  beleeve  it?  Tho'  in  the  more  polite 
City  of  Boston,  this  Design  mett  with  a  General  Acceptance,  in  the 
Countrey,  where  they  have  more  of  the  Rustick,  some  Numbers  of 
Elder  and  Angry  people,  bore  zelous  Testimonies  against  these  wicked 
Innovations,  and  this  bringing  in  of  Popery.  Their  zeal  transported 
some  of  them  so  far  (on  the  behalf  of  Mumpsimus)  that  they  would 
not  only  use  the  most  opprobrious  Terms,  and  call  the  Singing  of  these 
Christians,  a  worshipping  of  the  Devil,  but  also  they  would  run  out 
of  the  Meeting-house  at  the  Beginning  of  the  Exercise.  The  Par- 
oxysms have  risen  to  that  Heighth,  as  to  necessitate  the  Convening 
of  several  Ecclesiastical  Councils,  for  the  Composing  of  the  Differ- 
ences and  Animosities,  arisen  on  this  occasion.^  And  if  such  an  Im- 
probable occasion  produce  them,  what  is  to  be  expected,  when  our 
Great  Adversary  getts  a  permission  to  start  more  hazardous  Con- 
troversies?   01  Tell  it  not  in  Gath! 

The  world  is  falling  into  that  period  whereof  one  Character  is. 
The  Nations  were  Angry.  A  Spirit  of  Anger  is  to  possess  the  Nations, 
and  boil  up  and  break  out,  on  all,  and  even  on  very  small,  on  the  very 
Least,  occasions.  In  our  Countrey  people  Take  all  occasions,  and 
seem  even  to  seek  occasions  for  the  Ebullition  of  their  Anger  against 
their  Brethren.     I  wish,  it  were  more  otherwise  in  yours. 

Having  mention'd  the  period  we  are  fallen  into,  I  will  only  add, 
It  is  doubtless  the  period,  wherein  what  the  Holy  Spirit  of  GOD 

1  Mather  wrote  and  printed  (1723)  A  Pacificatory  Letter  on  the  singing  of 
psalms  in  church. 


694         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

has  foretold  concerning  the  Consuming  of  Ten  Kingdomes,  is  to  be 
accomplished. 

May  all  the  Blessings  of  the  Man  who  deviseth  Liberal  Things, 
be  your  portion  in  such  a  period.  Yea,  your  Everlasting  portion. 
With  such  Wishes,  I  am,  Sir,  Your  most  obUged  Friend  and  Serv't. 

Boston,  N.  England,  Nov.  5.  1723.^ 

To  Isaac  Noble.  a.a.s. 

Jan.  14, 1723-24. 

My  Invaluable  Friend,  —  The  Correspondence  with  which 
you  have  honoured  me,  has  been  so  very  useful  and  grateful  to  me, 
that  I  beseech  you  to  continue  it. 

I  take  this  opportunity,  to  present  you  with  a  few  of  our  Latest 
PubUcations ;  But  what  I  now  do,  is  but  a  praeface  to  a  more  Copi- 
ous and  agreeable  Entertainment,  which,  I  hope,  in  Two  or  Three 
months  (if  the  Gracious  Lord  please  to  spare  the  Barren  Tree  so  long) 
may  be  ready  for  you. 

The  Occurrences  among  us,  are  too  small,  to  be  worthy  of  trans- 
mitting to  you. 

1 "  12  rf.  9  »t.  [November.].  There  was  exhibited  unto  the  Church,  the  Answer 
of  Mr.  Joshua  Gee,  unto  the  Choice  of  him  unto  the  pastoral  Charge,  whereof 
they  had  made  Report  unto  him.  His  Answer  declared  his  Acceptance  of  their 
Invitation. 

"The  Church  voted,  that  as  a  Provision  at  present  for  his  comfortable  Sub- 
sistence, he  should  have  the  weekly  Allowance  of  three  Pounds  out  of  the  Church's 
Treasury. 

"The  Committee  that  were  chosen  to  report  unto  him  the  late  Act  of  the 
Church,  were  now  chosen  to  be  advised  by  him  (with  the  present  Pastor)  about 
a  proper  Time  for  his  public  Ordination." 

"25  d.  9  tn.     The  Brethren  of  the  Church  voted: 

"That  Wednesday,  the  eighteenth  of  December  approaching  be  the  Day  for 
the  Ordination  of  Mr.  Joshua  Gee,  to  the  pastoral  Charge  of  the  Flock. 

"That  the  six  Churches  of  our  united  Brethren  in  this  Town,  and  the  Church 
of  Roxbury,  be  addressed  for  their  Delegates  to  appear  with  us  on  that  Occasion. 

"That  the  Pastor  do,  the  next  Lord's-day,  sollicit  the  Assembly  to  advance 
in  their  Contribution  on  the  Lord's-day  following,  what  may  support  the  Expense 
of  that  Occasion. 

"That  Mr.  Waller,  Mr.  Wadsworth,  Mr.  Colman  and  Mr.  Se-wal,  be  desired 
to  join  with  the  Pastor  (from  whom  they  expect  the  giving  of  the  Charge)  in  the 
Imposition  of  Hands  on  the  Person  to  be  ordained. 

"That  Mr.  Goodwin,  and  Goldthwaite  and  February,  join  with  the  Deacons 
in  preparing  a  proper  Entertainment  for  the  Delegates."  Cotton  Mather's  MS. 
Records  of  tite  Second  Church,  ui. 


1722-23  695 

A  French  priest,  with  Countenance  from  the  Governor  of  Canada, 
has  instigated  our  Eastern  Indians,  to  begin  a  War  upon  us ;  ani- 
mated with  an  Expectation,  that  France  and  the  pretender  were 
bringing  things  to  that  pass,  that  would  allow  ail  Canada,  openly  to 
back  them ;  However,  our  Merciful  GOD  has  kept  more  of  a  Re- 
straint upon  them,  in  their  outrages  and  Incursions,  than  we  could 
have  justly  look'd  for. 

A  Faction  of  unadvised  and  prejudiced  people  here,  have  so  dis- 
obliged our  Governour  that  he  privately  withdrew,  and  has  presented 
a  Memorial  against  our  House  of  Representatives,  which  has  intro- 
duced a  bad  aspect  upon  our  Liberties ;  But  if  our  charter  which  is 
the  Hedge  about  our  churches,  be  on  this  occasion  taken  away,  the 
pure  and  undefiled  ReHgion  of  this  Countrey,  will  soon  feel  the  bad 
consequences  of  it. 

A  few  young  Ministers,  who  have  prov'd  such  Apostates,  as  to 
deny  and  renounce  the  Ministry  of  these  Churches,  and  gone  home 
to  our  Bishop  for  orders,  have  made  a  great  Noise  at  home,  as  well 
as  here.  But  they  signify  very  Little,  and  can  draw  no  Disciples 
after  them,  except  a  few,  that  are  a  Scandal  and  Blemish  to  the 
wretched  parraselene  which  they  go  over  to,  and  serve  as  a  praeserv- 
ative  which  antidotes  our  people  against  a  Church,  that  have  such 
people  for  the  Only  Pillars  of  it. 

Shortly,  I  may  give  you  a  fuller  acco't,  of  these  and  some  other 
Matters. 

In  the  Meantime,  lett  the  Cry  of  Peace ;  peace,  among  you,  be 
what  it  will ;  some  of  us  Live  in  continual  Apprehensions  of  what  the 
Second  Chapter  of  Daniel,  (whereof,  the  Time,  the  sett  Time,  is 
come,)  has  very  quickly,  I  say,  very  quickly  to  do  upon  you. 

In  the  Faith  and  Patience  of  the  Kingdoms,  I  am,  Sir,  Your 
Brother  and  most  hearty  Servt.^ 

*  "  19  d.  II  m.  [January.]  1723-24.  Baptised  James  Cox.  The  first  Bap- 
tism administered  by  Mr.  Gee.  And,  indeed,  the  first  that  has  been  administered 
by  any  Hand,  but  those  of  Mather  (Father  and  Son)  in  the  Old  North-Church,  for 
more  than  half  an  hundred  Years  together."  Cotton  Mather's  MS.  Records  oj  the 
Second  Church,  in. 

The  last  entry  made  by  Mather  in  these  Church  Records  was  that  of  a  baptism, 
performed  on  February  23,  1723-24.  With  the  first  entry  in  March,  the  writing 
changes  to  that  of  Rev.  Joshua  Gee,  and  only  so  much  as  relates  particularly  to 
Mather  is  included  in  this  volume. 


1724 

THE  LXII  YEAR 

12  d.  XII  w.  1723-24.  0  wonderful!  O  wonderful!  O 
the  Wonders  and  Praises  with  which  I  am  to  consider  the 
Favours  of  the  gracious  GOD,  who  hitherto  has  helped  me! 

This  Day  I  sett  apart  for  a  Day  of  THANKScrviNG,  which  I  kept 
in  my  Study  before  the  Lord.  And  I  enjoy'd  a  most  comfortable,  yea, 
and  an  astonishing  Presence  of  GOD  with  me  in  the  Exercises  of  the 
Day.     No  Pen  can  express  my  Enjoyments  and  my  Elevations. 

In  the  Morning,  under  a  deep  Sense  that  I  am  Nothing,  deserve 
Nothing,  avail  Nothing ;  I  behold  my  SAVIOUR  offering  to  enter  and 
possess  me  by  His  holy  SPIRIT,  and  come  to  act  as  a  Principle  of 
Life  in  me,  for  my  Living  to  GOD ;  I  accepted  His  offer  and  resigned 
my  self  up  unto  Him.  The  Consequence  of  which  was,  that  I  was 
carried  beyond  myself  in  all  the  Devotions  of  the  Day,  and  was  quick- 
ened unto  Strains  of  Piety,  which  being  left  unto  myself,  I  should  not 
have  arriv'd  unto. 

Having  celebrated  the  infinite  Perfections  of  God  the  Father, 
and  the  Son  and  the  Holy  Spirit ;  I  proceeded  then  to  acknowledge 
the  Blessings  of  GOD  unto  me,  all,  how  undeserved,  how  Distinguish- 
ing! in  the  whole  Course  of  my  Life  to  this  Day!  And  I  especially 
made  this  a  Time  of  Thanksgiving  for  my  having  arrived  unto  this 
great  Age,  free  from  the  grievous  Diseases,  which  carry  Horror  with 
them. 

Anon,  I  went  on  to  praise  Him,  for  the  Discipline  of  Afflictions, 
with  which  my  Conformity  to  my  SAVIOUR  has  been  carried  on. 
And  for  the  Answers  of  Prayers  wherein  He  has  often  granted  my 
Petitions  unto  Him. 

I  finally,  and  above  all,  gave  Thanks  for  the  spiritual  Blessings 
in  the  heavenly  Places,  which  my  SAVIOUR  has  given  me  the  In- 
choation  and  the  Expectation  of.  Adding,  my  Thanks  for  the  Bene- 
fit of  that  Ministry,  in  which  His  good  Angels  have  so  often  brought 
His  Kindnesses  unto  me. 

[696] 


FEBRUARY,      1723-24  697 

During  the  whole  Day,  I  intermixed  ejaculatory  Thanksgivings, 
on  all  Occasions  and  Occurrences. 

And  I  sang  agreeable  Passages  in  the  Psalms,  before  the  Lord. 

And  I  settled  the  Points  in  which  I  must  now  more  than  ever  be, 
the  Lord's. 

But,  O  the  Expansions  of  a  Soul  mounting  up  to  Heaven,  as  with 
the  Wings  of  Eagles,  and  united  unto  GOD  m  my  SAVIOUR,  which 
He  brought  me  to ! 

And,  0  the  Assurances,  of  Mercies  reserved  for  me,  which  my 
Desires  have  been  much  carried  forth  unto! 

My  Pen  is  not  able  to  relate  them! 

12.  G.  D.  A  Family  of  remote  Relatives  in  Z>ofcAe5/ef; 
Lett  me  do  something  to  serve  the  Cause  of  Piety  in  it. 

Unto  my  Father's  Life  I  add  an  elegant  Epitaphium. 

13.  G.  D.  In  a  neighbouring  Town,  the  Widows  have 
been  lately  and  greatly  multiplied.  I  purpose  to  purchase 
a  little  Number  of  my  Book  entituled  A  Visit  to  the  Widow, 
and  send  them  (undiscovered  from  whence  they  come) 
unto  the  Minister  of  the  Place,  to  be  by  him  dispersed 
among  them. 

It  may  be,  I  shall  do  so,  for  some  other  Places. 

14.  G.  D.  The  Mischief  which  the  Anabaptists  are 
doing  in  my  Neighbourhood,  putts  me  upon  abetting  and 
assisting,  the  Design  of  some  to  reprint  my  Baptistes,^  and 
scatter  it  where  there  may  be  Occasion  for  it. 

I  sett  apart  this  Day  for  Supplications,  carrying  the  Concerns  of 
my  Soul,  and  my  Ministry,  and  my  Family,  and  of  this  poor  People 
unto  the  Lord. 

It  was  a  Day,  wherein  I  found  the  implored  and  expected  Spirit 
of  my  Jesus,  enabling  me  to  call  upon  the  Lord,  and  comforting  me 
with  Assurances  of  Blessings  and  Mercies  reserved  for  me. 

But  none  of  the  Devotions  in  the  Day,  were  more  full  of  the 
divine  Life,  than  a  Prayer  made  as  a  Praeface  to  my  following  Peti- 
tions; Wherein  I  declared  unto  the  Lord,  that  I  did  not  so  much 
come  to  ask  for  good  Things,  as  to  express  myself  willing  to  go  with- 
out them ;  having  my  Will  entirely  swallowed  up  in  His.  I  was  more 
I  Printed  by  T.  Fleet  for  J.  Phillips,  1724. 


698         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

sollicitous  to  be  a  Sacrificer,  and  be  satisfied  in  going  without  what- 
ever my  Father  and  my  Saviour  will  have  to  be  denied  unto  me,  than 
to  come  at  the  good  Things,  which  my  Desires  would  carry  me  forth 
unto.  I  esteemed  a  Mind  so  conformed  and  united  to  GOD,  as  better 
than  any  of  the  good  Things  whereof  I  was  ready  to  be  desirous.  All 
that  I  would  insist  upon  should  be  a  glorious  CHRIST  appearing  in 
the  most  holy  Place  for  me,  and  Visiting  me  with  Discoveries  of  Him- 
self, and  Influences  that  should  bring  me  to  be  continually  feeding 
and  living  upon  Him. 

15.  G.  D.  A  young  Gentleman,  to  be  presented  from 
Infection  by  the  Daughter  of  Babylon. 

*  16.  G.  D.  In  all  Events,  to  keep  contmually  ac- 
knowledgmg  the  Providence  of  my  GOD  and  SAVIOUR, 
disposing  of  all,  and  acquiesce  in  His  Will  in  the  Disposal. 
But  therewithal  take  Delight  in  such  an  Exercise  of  Piety, 
(yea,  and  in  the  Occasion  for  it,)  as  more  desireable,  than 
the  Things  which  I  would  have  desired,  but  which  are 
denied  unto  me :  This  is  a  way  of  Living,  which  I  have 
long,  long  been  used  unto.  No  doubt,  my  Memorials  have 
here  and  there  Touches  upon  it;  which  I  remember  not. 
But  it  being  at  this  Time  in  a  singular  Vigour  with  me,  I 
am  willing  again  to  mention  it. 

17.  G.  D.  More  various,  exquisite,  powerful  Projec- 
tions that  the  baptismal  Prayers  may  answer  a  great  Variety 
of  good  Intentions. 

18.  G.  D.  A  new  Servant  is  yesterday  come  to  sojourn 
in  my  Family.  I  will  do  what  I  can,  that  she  may  devote 
herself  to  the  Service  of  her  Saviour ;  and  learn  the  Ways 
of  Piety  by  coming  to  us. 

19.  G.  D.  My  dear  Sister  (as  I  must  call  her)  Mrs. 
Brown,  seems  to  be  in  a  declining  State,  and  as  if  she  were 
hastening  to  the  Period  of  her  Pilgrimage.  I  would  accord- 
ingly, in  as  exquisite  Ways  as  I  can,  assist  her  praeparations. 

20.  G.  D.  My  large  Work,  entituled,  The  Angel  of 
Bethesda,  is  now  finished.  If  my  glorious  Lord  will  please 
to  accept  of  it,  it  may  prove  one  of  the  most  useful  Books, 


FEBRUARY,     1723-24  699 

that  have  been  written  in  the  World.  I  must  now  apply 
myself  both  to  Heaven  and  Earth,  to  bring  on  the  Publica- 
tion of  it.i 

21.  G.  D.  I  will  encourage  my  Collegue  often  to  lett 
me  know  what  he  intends  to  preach  upon ;  that  so  I  may 
direct  him  to  and  supply  him  with  such  Books  as  he  may  do 
well  to  read  upon  the  Subject. 

22.  G.  D.  A  young  Man,  an  only  Son,  and  a  Scholar, 
is  in  danger  of  being  bewitched  and  ruined  by  our  Church 
of  Englajid.     Something  must  be  done,  to  rescue  him. 

On  the  last  Wednesday  night,  my  Consort  was  again 
taken  ill.  A  Coincidence  of  several  Things,  caused  me  on 
Thursday  Morning,  to  lay  aside,  the  Sermon  I  intended 
then  to  serve  the  Lecture  withal.  I  was  at  a  Loss  what 
Subject  I  should  preach  upon.  I  could  make  nothing  do. 
But  at  length  I  preached  on  Jam.  v.  8.  Stablish  your 
Hearts;  for  the  Coming  of  the  Lord  draweth  Nigh,  and  pressed 
Preparation  for  the  Coming  of  the  Lord,  as  what  may  be 
nigh  to  us,  not  only  in  regard  of  Mortality,  but  also  in  regard 
of  remarkable  Events  and  Changes  which  might  suddenly 
come  upon  us. 

The  Sickness  of  my  Consort  grows  into  a  very  Danger- 
ous and  a  very  Dubious  Appearance. 

*  23.  G.  D.  On  this  distressing  Occasion,  Oh!  how 
shall  I  glorify  GOD !  With  what  Compassion  to  my 
afflicted  Consort,  should  I  imitate  the  Goodness  of  my 
SAVIOUR!  With  what  importunate  Supplications  must 
I  carry  her  Condition  to  the  Lord!  With  what  sacrificing 
Resignations  must  I  entirely  submit  unto  the  Will  of  GOD ! 
What  a  Watch  must  I  keep  over  my  Heart,  that  not  the 
least  unsuitable  Frame  or  Thought  be  admitted  there! 

O  my  dear  SAVIOUR,  I  can  do  nothing ;  do  thou  pos- 
sess me,  and  be  Thou  a  Principle  of  Life  in  me,  disposing 

*  A  single  chapter  was  printed  in  New  London,  Connecticut,  by  Timothy 
Green,  in  1722,  but  that  is  all  that  has  ever  reached  the  press. 


700         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

and  quickening  of  me  to  every  Thing  that  is  holy  and  just 
and  good. 

24.  G.  D.  I  will  consult  with  my  Collegue,  whether 
we  may  not  yett  accomplish,  what  I  long  since  proposed ; 
a  Society  of  Persons,  who  shall  consider  on  that  Point,  what 
further  Service  may  be  done  for  the  Church?  And,  what 
the  State  of  the  Flock  may  call  for?  Serving  as  Eyes  unto 
us,  to  look  oiit  for  us,  and  report  to  us,  what  may  have 
missed  our  own  Observation. 

25.  G.  D.  Oh!  the  Goodness,  the  Wisdome,  the  uni- 
versal Helpfulness,  with  which  I  must  endeavour  to  treat 
my  Consort,  under  her  threatening  Languishments ! 

26.  G.  D.  I  have  a  Nephew,  thriving  in  the  World, 
and  strongly  engaged  in  the  Pursuits  of  it. 

I  must  so  talk  with  him,  and  putt  such  things  into  his 
hands,  as  may  have  a  Tendency  to  draw  him,  unto  the 
Minding  of  his  greatest  Interests. 

27.  G.  D.  The  Practice  of  setting  apart  whole  Days, 
for  Supplications,  which  the  Ministers  began  a  Quarter  of  a 
Year  ago ;  I  must  call  upon  them,  to  continue  in  it.  The 
Times  loudly  call  for  it. 

28.  G.  D.  Furnish  other  Ministers  in  the  Countrey, 
with  my  Books  of,  A  Visit  unto  the  Widows :  and  (unknown) 
Request  them  to  dispense  them  and  apply  them. 

29.  G.  D.  A  Man  lately  recovered  from  a  dangerous 
Fitt  of  Sickness,  to  be  advised. 

Some  near  a  Time  of  Travail,  must  have  my  Elizabeth 
putt  into  their  hands. 

March.  *  i.  G.  D.  I  am  this  Day  to  instruct  my 
Flock,  after  the  most  pathetic  Manner,  how  we  must  lift 
up  our  Eyes  unto  the  Lord,  for  the  Releef  of  our  Distresses, 
when  we  are  very  much  distressed,  and  know  not  what  to 
do  for  our  own  Releef.  It  being  on  very  many  Accounts,  my 
own  Condition,  I  do  as  well  as  I  can ;  first  privately  practise 
my  own  Instructions. 


MARCH,     1724  701 

I  will  mention  an  Exercise  of  Piety  which  I  am  further 
led  unto. 

I  keep  an  Account  of  my  Benefactors,  and  their  Civilities. 
It  is  my  Custome,  in  the  last  Prayers  of  every  Evening,  to 
mention  the  Names  of  those  who  have  done  me  any  Kind- 
ness in  the  fore-going  Day,  and  ask  for  a  Reward  from  GOD 
unto  them.  And  now,  besides  This,  upon  the  Finishing  of 
the  year,  I  would  spread  my  Catalogue  of  Benefactors  be- 
fore the  Lord,  and  pray  for  such  Blessings  to  be  bestow'd 
upon  each  of  them,  as  I  may  apprehend  most  suitable  to  be 
asked  for. 

2.  G.  D.  What  better  Service  can  I  do  for  the  Flock, 
than  what  I  endeavoured  yesterday. 

3.  G.  D.  I  would  instigate  my  Children  to  be  Blessings 
unto  one  another.  Particularly  and  peculiarly  I  would 
animate  my  well-disposed  Son  Samuel,  (in  whom  a  gracious 
GOD  wonderfully  makes  up  to  me,  what  I  miss  of  Comfort  in 
his  miserable  Brother,)  to  exert  his  Piety,  in  espousing  Liza 
to  her  SAVIOUR,  and  perswading  her  to  the  Use  of  her 
Pen  in  writing  down  the  Desires  of  a  Soul  returning  to  GOD. 

4.  G.  D.  My  gracious  and  generous  Landlord  has  been 
so  very  kind  unto  me,  that  I  think  it  my  Duty  to  make 
him  under  my  Hand,  some  agreeable  Acknowledgments 
of  his  Favours.  But  more  than  this ;  I  would  list  him  and 
his  among  my  Relatives  in  my  Projections  to  do  good  unto 
them.  And  particularly,  a  Son  at  the  Colledge  ;  ^  To  whom 
I  would  be  frequently  dispensing  seasonable  Admonitions, 
with  Books  of  Piety  suitable  for  him. 

5.  G.  D.  In  my  Father's  Life,  there  is  Mention  of  a 
Sermon  preached  by  him,  upon,  Self-Murder,  attended 
with  some  remarkable  Circumstances !  Judge  Sewal,  sends 
unto  me,  to  recover  the  Notes  of  it,  that  he  might  now 
publish  it,  in  hopes  of  doing  some  good  by  it,  more  than 
forty  years  after  the  Preaching  of  it.     I  am   somewhat 

'  Governor  Thomas  Hutchinson  (1711-1780). 


702         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

remarkably  directed  and  assisted  from  Heaven,  for  the 
Recovery  of  it;  and  within  a  few  Hours  after  his  Request 
I  send  it  unto  him.^ 

6.  G.  D.  Propose  to  some  of  the  Ministers,  whether 
it  may  not  be  worth  the  while,  and  a  notable  Defence  for 
our  invaded  Churches;  to  publish  a  bare  Collection  of 
Passages,  Assertions,  and  Concessions,  found  in  the  most 
eminent  Writings  of  the  old  Ch :  of  E.  which  the  Demands 
of  the  modern  Church  run  counter  to. 

7.  G.  D.  I  hear  of  a  Family  in  much  Poverty  and 
Affliction.     I  would  be  concerned  for  the  releeving  of  them. 

*  8.  G.  D.  There  is  a  Passage  of  Jo.  Nier ember gius, 
which  I  lately  meet  withal.' 

"I  had  rather,  Lord,  could  it  be  without  Sin,  that  all 
should  hate  me,  than  that  they  should  love  me  for  myself. 
If  all  the  World  hate  me,  I  should  have  but  what  is  mine ; 
If  they  should  love  me  for  myself,  they  would  usurp  what 
is  Thine." 

Tis  impossible  for  me  to  express  how  much  this  Pas- 
sage pleased  me :  and  he  that  shew'd  it  me,  knew  me  so 
well  that  he  thought  it  would. 

O  my  Soul,  thou  hast  long  been  disposed  this  Way. 
But,  press  on,  press  on,  till  the  Disposition  come  to  per- 
fection in  thee. 

9.  G.  D.  Give  the  Flock  a  short  sett  of  as  edifying 
Sermons  as  may  be,  on  that  glorious  Epitome  of  the  Bible ; 
Mic.  VI.  8. 

10.  G.  D.  A  Nurse  attending  on  my  sick  Wife,  may 
be  by  me  look'd  on,  as  one  of  my  Family.  I  will  study 
what  I  can,  to  serve  the  Interests  of  Piety  with  her,  and  by 
Discourses  to  her,  in  her  Hearing,  and  by  Treatises  bestow'd 
on  her,  endeavour  to  assist  her  praeparation  for  a  better 
World. 

*  Call  to  the  Tempted.  See  Davis,  "  Valentine-Vans  Currency  Pamphlets," 
in  Proceedings,  XLin.  440.  '  Johann  Eusebius  Nieremberg  (c.  1590-1658). 


MARCH,     1724  703 

11.  G.  D.  My  Kinsman  at  Roxbury,  intending  an 
Answer,  to  a  vile,  horrid,  monstrous  Book,  newly  published 
among  us,  I  assist  him  with  Materials.^ 

12.  G.  D.  I  hear  of  strong  Machinations  and  Expecta- 
tions among  our  wicked  Ch  :  of  E.  Men,  to  gett  our  Colledge 
into  their  Hands ;  which  will  be  a  most  compendious  Way 
to  bring  a  quick  Ruine  on  our  Churches.  I  would  apply 
myself  with  all  proper  Awakenings  to  the  Men  at  Helm, 
on  this  Occasion. 

13.  G.  D.  Sollicit  for  Days  of  Prayer  to  be  kept  in  the 
Colledge-Hall,  on  the  Occasion  of  the  Condition,  which  it  is 
many  Ways  expos'd  unto.  Such  Things  may  be  attended 
particularly  with  many  good  Consequences  to  the  Students. 

This  day  I  sett  apart  for  Supplications  to  the  glorious  GOD. 
Besides  the  many  and  usual  Occasions  for  my  lying  thus  in  the  Dust 
before  the  Lord,  there  is  now  this  come  upon  me.  The  Crisis  is 
arrived  for  the  Extremity  of  my  Vexations,  from  that  unhappy 
Administration,  wherein  I  suffered  myself  to  be  entangled  seven 
Years  ago.  The  Vexations  which  I  have  suffered  from  it,  all  this 
while,  have  been  beyond  all  expression  miserable.  But  now  I  have 
Arrests  laid  upon  me,  for  considerable  Sums ;  whereof  really  I  owe 
not  a  Farthing.  And  I  have  no  Prospect  of  any  Out-gate,  but  by 
selUng  all  my  Goods  to  pay  the  Debts,  and  breaking  up  my  Family. 
The  Friends  who  might  be  capable  of  helping  me,  keep  at  a  Distance 
from  me,  and  appear  to  do  Uttle  for  me.  The  Relatives  on  whose 
Account,  I  have  brought  all  this  Distress  upon  myself,  treat  me  like 
Monsters  of  Ingratitude. 

My  continual  Cries  to  God,  all  this  while,  seem  to  have  no  Answer, 
but  a  Growth  of  my  Confusions. 

And  I  am  afraid  of  all  my  Sorrows ;  it  is  a  wonder,  that  either 
Death  or  Distraction  has  not  in  all  this  while  putt  a  Period  unto  all 
my  poor  Services  in  the  World. 

My  Supplications  this  Day,  earnestly  cry  to  God,  for  a  good 
Issue  of  my  marvellous  and  oppressing  Difficulties.  But,  because  I 
have  no  prospect  left  of  that,  I  cry  to  Him  for  Grace  to  carry  it  well 

*  The  monstrous  book  was  John  Checkley's  Modest  Proof  of  the  Order  and 
Government  .  .  .  in  the  Church.  Walter's  reply,  An  Essay  upon  that  Paradox, 
called  out  a  Defence  from  Checkley.     See  p.  726,  infra. 


704         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

under  my  Calamities,  and  that  I  may  not  be  left  unto  any  thing  that 
may  dishonour  Him. 

The  Devotions  of  the  Day,  were  very  poorly  carried  on.  I  have 
some  way  grieved  the  holy  Spirit  of  my  GOD  and  Saviour.  The 
Comforter  that  should  releeve  my  Soul  is  far  from  me.  The  Views 
of  a  glorious  CHRIST  that  use  to  support  me,  are  denied  unto  me. 
T'is  an  Hour  of  Darkness  with  me.  And  from  the  strange  Dispen- 
sations that  I  meet  withal,  sometimes  hideous  Temptations  to  Infi- 
delity are  shott  in  upon  me. 

0  Thou  strong  Redeemer ;  I  sink,  I  sink ;  Oh !  Reach  out  thy 
Hand,  and  save  me! 

14,  G.  D.  A  young  Gentleman  in  the  Neighbourhood 
needs  to  have  some  good  Advice  given  to  him. 

*i5.  G.  D.  My  horrible  Temptations  quickly  vanished. 
On  my  Cry  to  my  SAVIOUR,  He  most  graciously  stept 
in  for  my  Succour.  I  felt  Him  returning  to  me,  with 
Influences,  which  marvellously  allay'd  all  the  ^Estuations 
in  my  Soul ;  There  arose  Light  unto  me  in  my  Darkness ; 
and  by  His  Light  I  could  walk  thro'  Darkness. 

1  found  the  Dispositions  of  Patience  under  all  the  sad  Things  that 
I  meet  withal  mightily  strengthened  by  the  Glorious  Power  of  GOD 
my  SAVIOUR,  even  to  long  suffering  with  Joyfulness. 

I  look  up  unto  my  SAVIOUR,  that  tho'  I  am  of  my  self  able  to 
suffer  nothing  well,  yett  thro'  Him  strengthening  of  me,  I  may  be 
able  to  suffer  all  Things. 

In  all  my  sad  Things,  I  see  an  holy,  and  a  righteous,  as  well  as  a 
sovereign  GOD,  performing  the  Thing  that  is  appointed  for  me; 
and  all  the  Murmurs  of  Discontent  at  the  Providence  that  assigns 
my  Portion  and  inflicts  my  Trouble,  as  well  as  of  Envy  at  my  Neigh- 
bours, who  are  not  so  chastened  as  I  am,  and  so  plagued  all  the  Day, 
are  forever  silenced.  My  submissive  Soul  sales  under  all,  Shall  not 
I  lake  the  Cup  which  my  heavenly  Father  gives  me  I 

In  all  my  sad  Things,  I  beleeve  and  behold,  and  admire  the  Love 
of  my  SAVIOUR  to  me,  at  work  that  He  may  convey  to  me  the 
Blessings  of  an  healed  Soul,  and  make  me  a  Partaker  of  His  Holiness, 
and  produce  in  me  the  peaceable  Fruits  of  Righteousness.  I  gett 
my  Assurance  of  His  Love  to  me  in  all  sealed,  by  my  coming  into 
those  Exercises  of  Piety  which  my  Afflictions  call  me  to. 


MARCH,     1724  705 

In  all  my  sad  Things,  I  discover  a  Conformity  unto  my  SAVIOUR, 
who  was  a  man  of  Sorrows,  and  acquainted  with  Griefs:  And  it  is 
with  an  incomparable  Satisfaction,  that  I  see  myself,  suffering  with 
Him ;  having  a  strong  Perswasion  of  the  blessed  Consequences. 

None  of  all  my  sad  Things  discourage  me ;  but  I  retain  the  firmest 
Resolutions,  and  grow  stronger  and  stronger  in  them,  to  hold  on  after 
the  most  industrious  Manner,  serving  of  GOD,  and  doing  of  Good. 
And  I  am  wilhng,  that  my  Crucifixion  go  on,  and  that  I  should  see  no 
Dehverance,  nor  enjoy  one  comfortable  Hour  in  this  World,  and  that 
all  the  Harvest  of  what  I  am  here  sowing  in  Tears,  be  putt  off,  unto 
the  other  side  of  Death,  and  the  Grave. 

When  I  see  sad  Things  coming  on  me,  I  make  them  welcome 
to  me,  in  this  View,  that  now  I  shall  have  a  notable  Opportunity  to 
be  made  a  Spectacle  which  the  glorious  GOD  will,  for  the  sake  of 
HIS  CHRIST,  with  Delight  look  down  upon :  and  even  the  Thing 
which  tries  my  Faith,  is  more  precious  than  Gold  unto  me;  better 
than  if  there  were  a  present  of  Gold  unto  me.  I  tasted  the  Meaning 
of  that  strange  praecept,  Count  it  all  Joy,  when  you  fall  into  diverse 
Temptations. 

Upon  the  Arrival  of  any  sad  Things  unto  me,  I  sett  myself  to 
consider,  What  singular  Work  for  GOD,  may  I  take  Occasion  from  this 
Thing  to  be  led  unto? 

And  I  am  now  watching  over  myself,  (The  Holy  SPIRIT  of  my 
SAVIOUR,  to  whom  I  Resign  myself  is  doing  it!)  That  under  my 
sad  Things,  I  may  neither  speak  unadvisedly  with  my  Lips,  nor  allow 
any  Disturbance  of  Mind,  and  any  Discomposing  Thoughts,  a  Lodg- 
ing in  me. 

Dark  Dispensations,  but  Light  arising  in  Darkness. 

It  may  be  of  some  use  for  me,  to  observe  some  very  dark  Dis- 
pensations, wherein  the  Recompences  of  my  poor  Essays  at  Well-doing, 
in  this  Life  seem  to  look  a  little  Discouraging,  and  then  to  express  the 
Triumphs  of  my  Faith  over  such  and  all  Discouragements. 

Of  Things  that  look  Darkly  I  may  touch  upon  twice  seven  In- 
stances. 

I  will  not  be  so  vain  as  to  challenge  the  producing  of  any  Man 
upon  Earth  who  has  out-done  me,  in  many  of  the  instanced  Articles. 
But  yett  I  will  venture  to  offer  unto  Consideration,  what  has  my 
gracious  Lord  helped  me  to  do? 

I.  What  has  a  gracious  Lord  given  me  to  do,  for  the  Welfare  of 
II  -45 


706         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

the  seafaring  Tribe  ?  In  Prayers  for  them ;  in  Sermons  to  them ;  in 
Books  bestow'd  on  them ;  and  in  various  Projections  and  Endeavours, 
to  render  the  Sailors,  an  happy  Generation ! 

And  yett,  there  is  not  a  Man  in  the  world,  so  Reviled,  so  slan- 
dered, so  cursed,  among  the  Sailors. 

II.  What  has  a  gracious  Lord  given  me  to  do,  for  the  Instruction, 
and  Salvation  and  Comfort,  of  the  poor  Negro's? 

And  yett,  some,  on  purpose  to  aflfront  me,  call  their  Negro's,  by 
the  Name  of  Cotton  Mather,  that  so  they  may  with  some  Shadow  of 
Truth,  assert  Crimes  as  committed  by  one  of  that  Name,  which  the 
Hearers  take  to  be  me. 

III.  What  has  a  gracious  Lord  given  me  to  do,  for  the  Profit  and 
Honour  of  the  female  Sex,  especially  in  publishing  the  vertuous  and 
laudable  Characters  of  holy  Women? 

And  yett,  where  is  the  Man,  whom  the  female  Sex  have  spitt 
more  of  their  Venom  at?  I  have  cause  to  Quaestion,  whether  there 
are  twice  Ten  in  the  Town,  but  what  have  at  some  time  or  other 
spoken  basely  of  me. 

IV.  What  has  a  gracious  Lord  given  me  to  do,  that  I  may  be  a 
Blessing  to  my  Relatives?  I  keep  a  Catalogue  of  them,  and  not  a 
Week  passes  me,  without  some  Good  devised  for  some  or  other  of 
them,  till  I  have  taken  All  of  them  under  my  Cognisance. 

And  yett,  where  is  the  Man,  who  has  been  tormented  with  such 
monstrous  Relatives?    Job  said,  I  am  a  Brother  to  Dragons. 

V.  What  has  a  gracious  Lord  given  me  to  do,  for  the  Comfort  of 
my  Parents? 

And  yett,  How  little  Comfort,  yea,  how  much  contrary  to  it,  have 
I  seen  in  my  Children? 

VI.  What  has  a  gracious  Lord  given  me  to  do,  for  the  Vindication, 
and  Reputation,  of  the  Scotch  Nation?  It  may  be  no  Englishman 
ever  did  more. 

And  yett,  no  Englishman  has  been  so  vilified  by  the  Tongues 
and  Pens  of  Scotts,  as  I  have  been. 

VII.  What  has  a  gracious  Lord  given  me  to  do  for  the  Good  of  the 
Countrey,  in  AppUcations  without  Number  for  it  in  all  its  Interests, 
besides  Publications  of  Things  useful  to  it,  and  for  it? 

And  yett,  there  is  no  Man  whom  the  Countrey  so  loads  with  Disre- 
spects, and  with  Calumnies  and  manifold  Expressions  of  Aversion. 

VIII.  What  has  a  gracious  Lord  given  me  to  do  for  the  Upholding 
of  the  Government,  and  the  Strengthening  of  it,  and  the  bespeaking  of 
Regard  unto  it? 


MARCH,     1724  707 

And  yett,  the  Discountenance  I  have  almost  perpetually  re- 
ceived from  the  Governrrent!  yea,  the  Indecencies  and  Indignities 
which  it  has  multipUed  upon  me,  are  such  as  no  other  Man  has  been 
treated  withal. 

IX.  What  has  a  Gracious  Lord  given  me  to  do,  that  the  Colledge 
may  be  own'd  for  the  bringing  forth  such  as  are  somewhat  known  in 
the  World,  and  have  read  and  wrote  as  much  as  many  have  done  in 
some  other  Places  ? 

And  yett,  the  Colledge  forever  putts  all  possible  Marks  of  Dis- 
esteem  upon  me.  If  I  were  the  greatest  Blockhead  that  ever  came 
from  it,  or  the  greatest  Blemish  that  ever  came  to  it,  they  could  not 
easily  show  me  more  Contempt  than  they  do. 

X.  What  has  a  gracious  Lord  given  me  to  do  in  the  Study  of  a 
profitable  Conversation?  For  near  fifty  Years  together,  I  have  hardly 
ever  gone  into  any  Company,  or  had  any  coming  to  me,  without  some 
explicit  Contrivance,  to  speak  something  or  other,  that  they  might  be 
the  wiser  or  the  better  for. 

And  yett,  my  Company  is  as  little  sought  for,  and  there  is  as 
little  Resort  unto  it  as  any  Ministers  that  I  am  acquainted  with. 

XI.  What  has  a  gracious  Lord  given  me  to  do,  in  good  Offices, 
wherever  I  could  find  Opportunities  for  the  doing  of  them:  I  am 
always  on  the  Look-out  for  them ;  I  forever  entertain  them  with 
Alacrity;  My  Life  is  filled  with  them.  I  have  offered  pecuniary 
Recompences  to  such  as  would  advise  me  of  them. 

And  yett,  I  see  no  man  for  whom  all  are  so  lothe  to  do  good 
Offices.  Indeed,  I  find  some  cordial  Friends.  But,  how  few!  Often 
have  I  said.  What  would  I  give,  if  there  were  any  one  Man  in  the 
World,  willing  to  do  for  me,  what  I  am  willing  to  do  for  every  Man, 
in  the  World. 

XII.  What  has  a  gracious  Lord  given  me  to  do,  in  the  Writing  of 
many  Books,  for  the  Advancing  of  Piety,  and  the  Promoting  of  His 
Kingdome,  Glory  to  GOD  in  the  Highest  and  Good  will  among  men? 
There  are,  I  suppose,  more  than  three  Hundred  and  thirty  of  them. 

And  yett,  I  have  had  more  Books  written  against  me ;  more 
Pamphlets  to  traduce  me,  and  reproach  me,  and  bely  me,  than  any 
man  that  I  know  in  the  World. 

XIII.  What  has  a  gracious  Lord  given  me  to  do,  in  Alms,  and  in 
Disbursements  on  pious  Uses?  For  whole  Years  together,  not  one 
Day  has  passed  me,  in  which  I  have  not  been  able  to  say,  that  I 
have  done  something  that  Way. 

And  yett,  tho'  I  am  strangely  provided  for,  yett  I  am  a  very 


7o8         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

poor  Man.  I  have  not  a  Foot  of  Land  upon  Earth.  Except  a  Library 
and  a  little  Househould  Stuff,  I  have  nothing  upon  earth.  And  this 
also  I  am  now  offering  unto  my  Creditors,  to  satisfy  for  Debts,  whereof 
I  never  did  myself  owe  a  Farthing.  My  very  Library,  the  Darling 
of  my  little  Enjoyments,  is  demanded  from  me.  Tis  inexpressible, 
how  much  this  Condition  pleases  me,  gladdens  me! 

XIV.  What  has  a  gracious  Lord  given  me  to  do,  in  a  Variety  of 
Services?  For  many  Lustres  of  years,  not  a  Day  has  passed  me, 
without  some  Devices,  even  written  Devices,  to  be  serviceable. 

And  yett,  my  Sufferings,  they  seem  to  be  (as  tis  Reason  they 
should  be,)  more  than  my  Services.  Every  Body  points  at  me,  and 
speaks  of  me,  as  by  far  the  most  afflicted  Minister  in  all  New  England. 
And  many  look  on  me  as  the  greatest  Sinner  because  the  greatest 
Sufferer:  and  are  pretty  Arbitrary  in  their  Conjectures  on  my 
punished  Miscarriages. 

But  now,  lett  me  proceed  unto  my  Dispositions  and  my  Consolor 
tions,  under  these  Dispensations. 

First ;  I  have  a  clear  and  strong  Perswasion  of  a  Future  State.  I 
am  heartily  willing,  to  wait  for  the  Fulfilment  of  all  the  Promises  in 
the  Covenant  of  God,  until  my  Arrival  at  that  World,  where  I  shall 
have  all  the  Spiritual  Blessings  of  the  heavenly  Places  bestowed  upon 
me.  I  am  content,  and  I  can  patiently  and  cheerfully  allow  of  it, 
that  the  whole  Harvest  of  my  mean  Studies  to  glorify  God,  should 
be  adjourned  unto  a  future  State.  I  do  most  freely  submitt  and  con- 
sent unto  the  Condition  of  a  crucified  Man,  and  am  willing  to  have  ray 
Crucifixion  go  on  with  a  perpetual  Succession  of  Pains  and  Pangs, 
without  any  Prospect  of  any  Outgate,  but  at  and  by  the  dying  Hour. 

Yea,  secondly.  I  have  already  received  an  abundant  Recompence 
of  Reward.  A  glorious  CHRIST  has  reveled  Himself  to  me,  has 
conferred  Himself  on  me,  has  taken  Possession  of  me.  The  Views 
which  I  have  of  a  glorious  CHRIST,  and  the  Wayes  which  He  teaches 
me,  of  conversing  with  Him,  and  so  finding  in  Him  the  Consolations 
which  it  will  be  in  vain  for  me  to  seek  in  Creatures,  which  are  at  best 
but  lying  Vanities:  These  are  a  sufficient  Compensation  for  all  that 
I  undergo,  in  being  made  a  Man  of  Sorrows  and  acquainted  with 
Griefs.  If  I  never  had  any  other  Compensation  made  for  my 
Troubles,  I  have  here  so  much,  that  I  need  not  ask  for  any  more. 

i6.  G.  D,  All  faithful  and  prudent  Methods  must 
be  used;  that  the  Flock  may  be  established  in  the  Faith 
and  Order  of  the  Gospel,  and  the  present  Truth;   for  the 


MARCH,     1724  709 

Prevention  of  an  Apostasy  to  the  vile  Superstitions  of  the 
Ch.  of  E.  growing  upon  us :  And  they  must  be  yett  more 
plainly  told,  what  they  go  from,  if  they  go  away. 

17.  G.  D.  Among  my  many  other  Calamities,  under 
which  the  Patience  of  CHRIST  in  me,  must  have  its  per- 
fect Work,  I  have  dwelling  with  me,  a  Neece  of  my  wife's, 
who  is  a  very  wicked  Creature,  and  not  only  utterly  deaf 
to  all  Proposals  of  Piety,  but  also  a  monstrous  Lyar  and 
a  very  mischievous  Person,  and  a  sower  of  Discord,  and  a 
Monster  of  Ingratitude.  The  Uneasiness  that  by  her  vile 
Tricks  is  caused  in  my  Family,  is  a  sore  Trial  to  me.  Now 
may  my  glorious  Lord  assist  me  to  be  not  only  patient,  but 
also  very  prudent  under  it;  and  in  His  Time  and  Way, 
deliver  me  from  it. 

18.  G.  D.  My  poor  Nephew,  under  Languishments, 
what  shall  be  done  for  him? 

19.  G.  D.  The  Churches  of  this  Countrey  have  been 
so  wickedly  misrepresented,  in  the  Water  town-Libel,  that 
it  appears  a  seasonable  Service  unto  Them,  and  unto  the 
Cause  of  Religion,  to  praepare  and  publish  an  Answer  to 
it;    which  accordingly  I  am  now  adoing.^ 

20.  G.  D.  Tho'  I  purpose  to  take  my  Leave  of  the 
Board  where  I  sitt  among  the  Commissioners  for  the  Affairs 
of  the  Gospel  among  the  Indians,  being  dissatisfied  and  dis- 
couraged with  their  Conduct ;  yett  I  would  continue  my 
Cares  for  the  Indians.  Wherefore  I  write  a  Letter  unto 
the  Lieut.  Governour  and  the  rest  of  the  Commissioners, 
to  sollicit,  that  they  would  employ  a  Visitor,  to  bring  them, 
an  exact  Report  of  what  State  the  Indians  are  in  ;  and  what 
may  be  further  done  for  them  ;  and  so  prosecute  with  better 
Vigour  than  formerly,  what  shall  be  judged  necessary. 
And  several  other  Matters. 

21.  G.  D.     A  Family  lately  arrived  from  N.  York,  to 

'  Probably  the  "libel"  was  Rev.  William  Williams's  sermon  at  the  ordination 
of  Rev.  Warham  Williams  at  Watertown,  June  11,  1723. 


7IO         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

dwell  in  this  Place,  I  would  visit  on  the  best  Intentions, 
and  unto  some  Relatives  of  theirs  at  N.  York,  as  well  as 
unto  themselves,  dispense  Books  of  Piety. 

*  2  2.  G.  D.  My  Soul  would  be  particularly  affected 
with  a  Strain  of  Piety,  to  be  express'd  in  certain  Echoes  of 
Devotion  upon  the  Declarations  which  the  Glorious  GOD 
makes  of  His  gracious  Purposes  concerning  us.  For  In- 
stance; Our  God  sais,  I  have  chosen  you.  I  would  say, 
Lord,  I  chuse  thee  for  my  God,  aiid  chuse  the  Things  that 
please  thee.  Our  God  calls  His  People  by  the  Name  of.  His 
Portion  and  His  Inheritance.  I  would  say  of  Him,  The 
Lord  is  my  Portion,  and  in  Him  I  have  a  goodly  Inheritance. 
Our  GOD  calls  His  People,  His  Habitation.  I  will  say  to 
Him,  Lord,  Thou  art  my  Dwelling-place  and  my  strong  Habi- 
tation, whereto  I  will  resort  continually.  Our  GOD  speaks 
of  His  People,  /  will  walk  in  them.  I  will  say  to  Him,  Lord, 
I  would  walk  [in\  thee,  and  walk  before  thee  in  the  Land  of  the 
Living.  Our  God  speaks  of  His  people,  as  precious  to  Him. 
And  in  my  beleeving  on  Him,  CHRIST  shall  be  precious  unto 
me.  Our  God  sais,  /  have  loved  thee  with  an  everlasting  Love. 
My  Heart  sais,  /  love  thee,  O  Lord,  my  Strength. 

23.  G.  D.  A  pathetical  Representation  of  the  State 
of  the  Flock,  before  the  Lord,  in  the  public  Day  of  Prayer 
approaching. 

24.  G.  D.  The  new  Servant  come  to  sojourn  in  my 
Family,  I  have  great  Hope,  that  her  coming  into  it  may 
prove  her  Conversion  to  GOD,  and  her  Espousal  to  her 
SAVIOUR.  And  I  shall  have  great  Joy  if  it  may  be  so. 
My  serious  Directions  for  it,  must  be  repeted. 

25.  G.  D.  The  threatening  Circumstances  on  the 
Health  of  my  Kinsman  at  Roxbury,  obliged  me  to  study  all 
possible  Ways  of  being  serviceable  to  him,  and  of  assisting 
his  Praeparations  for  what  he  may  be  shortly  call'd  unto. 

26.  G.  D.  This  Day  is  a  Day  of  general  Supplications 
thro'  the  Province. 


MARCH,     1724  711 

In  the  public  Sacrifices  of  the  Day,  I  propose  and  pursue 
a  Variety  of  Services. 

And  I  enjoy  a  marvellous  Presence  of  my  God  with  me 
in  them. 

My  Prayer  was  about  two  Hours,  and  my  Sermon  more. 

In  the  Intercessions  on  the  behalf  of  the  Interest,  which 
our  Saviour  yett  has  in  this  Countrey,  I  felt  a  strong, 
sweet,  heart-melting  AiHatus,  that  there  should  be  yett 
some  Effusions  of  the  holy  SPIRIT  on  His  People,  and  a 
remarkable  Blast  from  Heaven  upon  the  Attempts  of  evil 
Men  to  destroy  the  Faith  and  Worship  and  Order  of  the 
Gospel  among  us. 

27.  G.  D.  Having  praepared  Materials,  for  the  Vindi- 
cation of  our  Churches  from  the  Watertown-VibeX,  I  committ 
it  unto  a  Minister  in  my  Neighbourhood,  entreating  him  to 
adopt  the  Composure,  and  alter  it,  and  abridge  it,  as  he 
pleases,  and  pursue  the  Work  of  preserving  the  Reputation 
of  these  poor  Churches,  in  the  World. 

28.  G.  D.  A  young  Gentleman  that  needs  my  Advice, 
in  several  Articles;  especially  to  confirm  him  in  the  right 
Ways,  wherein  he  has  been  hitherto  strangely  praeserved. 

*  29.  G.  D.  It  is  to  me  a  Thought  full  of  Consolation  ; 
that  if  I  have  a  Glorious  CHRIST  living  in  me,  and  have 
Him  upon  my  Eye  and  my  Cry  unto  Him  to  enter  me,  and 
possess  me,  and  quicken  me,  for  every  Step  of  my  Living 
unto  GOD,  I  shall  have  Him,  also  sufi'ering  in  me,  and  in 
all  my  Afflictions  He  will  be  afflicted.  When  I  suffer  such 
Things  as  He  underwent  of  old,  when  He  was  a  Man  of 
Sorrows  and  acquainted  with  Griefs,  He  will  after  some 
sort  suffer  over  again ;  so  that  He  will  support  me  under 
what  I  am  call'd  unto,  and  He  will  carry  on  my  Con- 
formity unto  Himself  until  His  Image  in  me  shall  be  finished 
and  He  will  by  all  praepare  me  for  the  Glories  wherein  I 
shall  one  day  be  a  partaker  with  Him. 

30.   G.  D.     It  being  very  probable,  that  thro'  the  Arrests 


712         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

upon  me,  for  the  Debts  of  other  Men,  and  the  Plotts  of 
them  that  seek  my  Ruine,  and  the  unaccountable  Aver- 
sion of  my  pretended  Friends  to  afford  me  any  effectual 
Assistance  under  my  Distresses,  my  Opportunities  of 
Service  to  my  Flock  are  likely  within  a  Month  to  come  unto 
a  Period,  I  would  exceedingly  study  (and  seek  Direction 
from  above)  what  most  important  and  pathetic  Things, 
it  may  be  most  proper  for  me  to  make  my  'efdSta  'p-rjixara, 
and  to  take  my  Farewel  of  the  Flock  withal. 

31.  G.  D.  My  dear,  dear  Nancy;  a  Child  of  so  many 
AflBictions  all  her  Days.  The  unreasonable  and  implacable 
Aversion  of  her  Mother-in-Law  for  her;  augmented  no 
doubt,  by  the  wicked  Kinswoman  of  my  Wife,  who  sojourns 
with  me,  and  otherwise  adds  to  her  Uneasiness,  compells 
me  to  seek  some  other  Place,  where  I  may  board  her.  I 
must  contrive  all  the  ways  imaginable,  to  comfort  the 
Child,  and  hearten  her,  and  make  her  Sorrows  profitable  to 
her.  I  must  also  look  up  to  Heaven  for  Direction  about 
the  Disposal  of  her, 

(I.)  About  this  time,  there  is  published  an  Essay, 
which  I  wrote  long  ago;  entituled.  Religious  Socie- 
ties. Proposals  for  the  Revival  of  Dying  Religion,  by 
well-ordered  Societies  for  that  Purpose.  With  a  brief  Dis- 
course ofered  unto  a  Religious  Society,  on  the  First  Day 
of  their  Meeting.^ 

in  this  Essay,  there  is  one  thing  a  little  singular.  The 
Sermon  in  it,  is  one  that  I  entertained  my  Neighbours  withal, 
before  I  was  a  public  Preacher,  and  when  I  was  but  sixteen 
Years  of  Age.  It  may  be,  this  is  the  first  Sermon  from  one 
of  that  Age,  that  has  been  published.  Thus  my  compas- 
sionate Lord  honours  me  and  uses  me,  and  comforts  me,  in 
the  Midst  of  my  grievous  Humiliations. 

April.  I.  G.  D.  The  dangerous  Condition  of  my 
Nephew  M[ather]  B[yles]  in  regard  of  his  Entring  into  a  Con- 

*  Printed  by  S.  Kneeland  for  John  Phillips,  1724. 


APRIL,      I  7   2  4  713 

sumption,  requires  me  to  do  all  I  can  for  him ;  especially  to 
prepare  him  for  what  he  may  be  coming  to. 

2.  G.  D.  The  memorable  Joseph  was  a  Type  of  our 
admirable  JESUS,  in  this  among  other  Things,  that  the  very 
Methods  which  their  Enemies  took  to  defeat  the  Purposes 
of  Heaven  concerning  them,  did  but  help  to  fulfill  those 
very  Purposes. 

I  often  foretold,  that  my  Parentator*  would  not  be 
yett  well  abroad  into  the  world,  before  I  should  meet  with 
a  greater  Storm  of  Humihations,  than  most  that  I  have 
seen,  tho'  I  have  seen  enough,  since  I  came  into  the  World. 
It  is  accordingly  come  to  pass  unto  Astonishment!  A 
Number  of  Arrests  are  laid  upon  me,  to  make  me  pay  the 
Debts  of  other  People,  and  restore  that  which  I  took  not 
away.  They  that  should  comfort  me,  and  for  my  serving 
of  whom,  I  am  exposed  unto  all  my  amazing  DifiSculties, 
make  themselves  rather  a  Terror  to  me,  and  encumber  the 
Offer  of  my  Friends  to  appear  for  my  Rescue.  My  Friends 
have  also  a  deep  Sleep  from  the  Lord  fallen  upon  them : 
and  tho'  they  might  easily  putt  a  stop  to  my  Confusions, 
they,  like  Persons  in  a  Maze  and  a  doze,  permitt  them  to 
go  on,  unto  such  Extremity,  that  within  a  Fortnight  I  must 
either  be  lodg'd  in  the  Prison,  or  forc'd  into  a  private  With- 
draw, which  where  and  how  it  will  terminate,  none  can 
foresee. 

The  Design  of  Satan  herein,  is,  utterly  to  extinguish 
my  Services  to  the  Kingdome  of  GOD. 

Now,  that  which  I  would  exceedingly  study  on  this  Occa- 
sion is,  that  the  Kingdome  and  Interest  of  my  SAVIOUR, 
may  be  but  the  more  served,  for  the  sad  Things,  that  I 
meet  withal,  and  that  the  Things  which  happen  to  me, 
may  be  for  the  Furtherance  of  the  Gospel. 

'  Printed  by  B.  Green  for  Nathaniel  Belknap,  1724.  It  was  the  first  book 
on  which  Timothy  Green,  the  younger,  worked,  according  to  the  Advertisement 
at  the  end  of  the  volume. 


714         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

This  will  be  accomplished;  first,  if  Patience  (with 
Repentance)  have  its  perfect  Work :  and  my  Behaviour 
under  my  Troubles,  be  such,  that  I  may  be  a  Spectacle 
which  Heaven  may  be  gratified  with  looking  down  upon. 

And  then,  if  the  people  of  GOD  may  see  me  so  Humble 
and  so  silent,  and  so  cheerful,  and  so  full  of  Resignation  to 
the  Will  of  GOD,  and  Satisfaction  in  the  Enjoyment  of  a 
CHRIST,  as  to  recommend  the  Ways  of  Piety  unto  them. 

And,  lastly :  if  I  am  awakened  unto  still  more  exquisite 
Enquiries,  after  the  Methods  wherein  my  Pen  as  well  as 
my  Tongue,  may  bring  forth  more  of  that  Fruit,  by  which 
my  heavenly  Father  may  be  glorified :  and  if  I  grow  more 
Industrious  in  redeeming  of  my  Time,  and  finishing  the 
work  which  I  have  before  me. 

O  My  Saviour,  do  thou  grant  such  Things  unto  me. 

But,  behold,  the  marvellous  Appearance  of  GOD  my 
SAVIOUR!  In  the  Evening  of  the  Day,  which  had  such 
as  these  Meditations  for  the  Morning,  a  most  unexpected 
Thing  befel  me.  Four  of  the  principal  Gentlemen  in  the 
Church  whereof  I  am  the  Servant,  (men  full  of  Prudence 
and  Goodness,)  visited  me,  and  kindly  rebuked  my  Anxieties 
and  Assured  me,  that  they  would  immediately  undertake 
to  extricate  me  out  of  my  Difficulties,  and  that  without  any 
further  Thought  of  mine,  they  would  see  a  Period  putt 
unto  them. 

This  fills  me  with  Admiration  at  the  Care  which  Heaven 
takes  of  as  vile  a  Sinner  as  any  upon  Earth. 

3.  G.  D.  And  the  Use  I  would  make  of  it,  shall  be, 
to  press  after  greater  Measures  of  HoHness,  in  all  Manner 
of  Conversation :  and  study  how  to  do  more  good  than 
ever,  without  any  Dread  of  the  bitter  Humiliations  which 
must  probably  be  the  Consequences. 

But  then,  in  my  continual  Excitations  of  others,  to  be 
serviceable,  I  would  warn  them  and  arm  them  for  the 
humbling  Things  which  they  must  look  to  meet  withal. 


APRIL,      I  7  24  715 

4.  G.  D.  I  have  in  view  several  Persons,  who  are  to 
be  admonished  of  their  Duty,  to  join  to  the  Church. 

*  5.  G.  D.  Inexpressible  Cause  have  I,  to  bless  my 
Glorious  GOD  and  SAVIOUR,  for  leading  me  to  the  Papers 
of  Pious  Major  Dorncy}  Never  have  I  any  where  found 
viial  Piety  operating  and  exhibited  more  unto  the  Life, 
than  in  those  precious  Papers.  They  have  more  taught 
me  to  live  by  the  Faith  of  the  Son  of  GOD,  than  any  thing 
that  ever  I  mett  withal.  I  propose  to  make  an  Extract 
with  my  Pen  of  such  Passages  from  them,  as  are  more 
aflfectuousand  impressive  upon  me,andgett  them  thoroughly 
digested  into  my  own  Experience ;  and  then  to  do  my  best, 
that  the  People  of  God  may  in  my  Ministry  fare  the  better 
for  them. 

6.  G.  D.  And,  what  better  Service  can  I  do  for  the 
Flock,  than  to  go  before  them,  with  Prayers  fetch'd  and 
form'd  from  those  high  Flights  of  evangelical  Piety,  which 
I  am  thus  raised  unto!  The  mighty  Pleadings  with  a 
Glorious  GOD ;  and  Looks  to  a  CHRIST  as  bringing  us 
unto  Him,  which  may  fill  these  Prayers,  with  such  raised 
Notes  of  the  Gospel  as  are  but  rarely  heard  in  our  Assem- 
blies, may  leave  precious  Impressions  upon  the  People. 

7.  G.  D.  Miser  a  mea  Conjux  in  Paroxysmos  illos  vere 
Satanicos,  a  quibus  per  Annos  quosdam  fuerit  plerumque 
Liber ata  {Vel  ego  Saltern  Liberatus)  iam  rursus  delapsa,  mihi, 
ob  illam,  illiusque  filiam,  dura  ac  dira  alias  perpesso,  ingra- 
tissime  vix  tolerabiles  creat  Molestias,  et  absurdissimis  ac 
sordidissimis  mutitur  Stomachationibus.  Haec  mulieris  In- 
sanice  per  Sanctissimi  lustissimique  met  Redemptoris  Sapien- 
tiam,  in  mei  probationem  ordinata,  orationes  meas  excitat, 
Vigiliasque,  ut  Patientia  mea  nunquam  deficiat,  atque  ut 
pcenitentia  ad  perfectionem  et  puritatem  summam  inde  per- 
ducatur. 

1  Henry  Domey,  whose  Divine  Contemplations  and  Spiritual  Breathings  oj 
H.  D.  appeared  in  1684. 


7l6         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

8.  G.  D.  To  be  more  thoroughly  serviceable  unto  my 
Kinsman  at  Roxhury,  especially  to  assist  his  Preparation 
for  what  we  have  most  Cause  to  be  apprehensive  of,  I  am 
thinking  particularly  to  invite  him  unto  the  Perusal  of 
especially  two  Chapters  in  my  Angel  of  Bethesda,  entituled 
the  one  of  them,  Desector,  the  other,  Euthanasia. 

g.  G.  D.  There  being  some  vile  Books  dispersed 
among  our  People,  to  disaffect  them  unto  the  Ministry  in 
our  Churches,  which  call  for  some  further  Antidote  against 
them.  This  is  a  Point  which  I  am  now  bestowing  some 
Study  and  Labour  upon. 

lo.  G.  D.  The  civil  Magistrate  being  upon  the  Prose- 
cution of  a  wicked  Fellow,  for  a  Breach  of  his  Bonds  for  the 
Peace,  in  publishing  and  scattering  an  execrable  Book  among 
us,  there  is  danger  lest  they  so  found  the  Prosecution  on  a 
Bottom  that  shall  have  a  Controversy  of  Rehgion  inter- 
woven into  it,  as  may  be  anon  improved  irnto  our  Dis- 
advantage by  a  persecuting  Adversary,  I  have  had  such 
Remonstrances  of  the  Danger  made  unto  me,  as  obhge 
me  to  write  as  proper  a  Letter  as  I  can,  unto  the  Govern- 
ment, on  this  Occasion.^ 

This  Day  I  sett  apart  for  Supplications  before  the  Glorious  God ; 
not  without  the  Enjoyment  of  gracious  Assistences  from  Above. 

I  entertained  the  Views  and  Hopes  of  a  GOD  Reconciled  unto 
me.  I  invited  and  received  a  CHRIST  into  me,  that  by  Him  living 
in  me,  I  may  do  Services,  and  bear  the  Sufferings,  and  conquer 
the  Temptations  I  may  be  call'd  unto.  I  turned  all  my  Desireables 
into  Sacrifices,  and  I  took  up  with  a  CHRIST  alone,  as  abundantly 
making  up  the  want  of  all  Things. 

I  carried  unto  the  Lord,  the  Preparations  for  the  PubUc  which 
He  had  assisted  me  to  the  Composing  of,  particularly  my,  Boanerges, 
and  my  Angel  of  Bethesda,  and  my,  Ratio  Disciplinae,  that  they  may 
be  brought  forth  for  the  Good  of  Many. 

I  laid  before  the  Lord,  my  particular  Troubles;   especially  the 

'John  Checkley  was  the  "wicked  fellow"  and  the  "execrable  book"  was 
Charles  LesUe's  Short  atid  Easie  Mel/iod  with  the  Deists.  See  Slafter's  introduc- 
tion in  John  Cheekley  (Prince  Society),  i.  39  et  scq. 


APRIL,     1724  717 

Difficulties  which  my  Administration  has  brought  upon  me ;  and  the 
horrid,  froward,  malicious  Disposition  of  my  Wife,  to  hurt  me,  and 
my  dear  Samuel;  that  so  I  may  be  gloriously  delivered  from  every 
Thing  that  may  hurt  my  Services  unto  His  Kingdome.  And  I  am 
sure,  that  my  God  has  heard  me  I 

II.  G.  D.  Assistences  and  Encouragements  unto  a 
young  Gentleman,  to  be  the  next  Week  ordained  for  the 
Service  of  the  Church  at  Charlestown  in  Carolina. 

*  12.  G.  D.  In  my  Sermon  this  Day,  I  am  to  have  a 
Passage  which  the  Favour  of  the  glorious  Lord  that  has  led 
me  to,  abundantly  compensates  to  me,  what  I  suffer  in  the 
great  Fight  of  Afflictions  which  I  am  now  enduring.  And 
I  could  not  but  humbly  say  so  to  Him,  at  the  time  of  my 
writing  of  it: 

(On  Joh.  XIV.  20.)  "  We  were  in  CHRIST  JESUS  (i .  Cor.  I.  30.) 
when  He  did  those  things,  wherein  He  wrought  out  Righteousness 
and  Sandificaiion,  and  Redemption  for  us.  He  transacted  still  as  a 
public  Person,  and  we  were  in  Him,  when  He  did  what  He  did  on  our 
behalf.  Oh,  what  a  most  affecting  View  may  we  take  of  our  SAV- 
IOUR, passing  thro'  the  several  Stages  of  the  Work,  which  He  did 
as  a  Redeemer  for  us.  With  what  Revived  and  opened  and  sharp- 
ened Eyes,  and  how  filled  with  Tears  of  Joy,  may  we  read  the  Gospel 
of  our  JESUS  obtaining  eternal  Redemption  for  us!  To  think  all 
along,  /  was  in  my  JESUS,  when  He  did  these  glorious  Things!  This 
is  a  Flight  of  PIETY,  it  may  be  somewhat  new  unto  you.  Behold,  I 
shew  unto  you  an  excellent  Way,  wherein  you  may  take  the  Comfort 
of  the  Scriptures!  To  behold  your  SAVIOUR  as  having  You  in  Him, 
when  He  took  the  Steps  of  a  Redeemer  from  the  Time  of  His  being 
Manifest  in  Flesh,  to  the  Time  of  His  being  received  up  to  Glory. 
This  comfortable  perswasion  of  an  eternal  Union  with  our  SAVIOUR, 
has  an  infallible,  and  a  never-failing  Tendency  to  make  us  holy  in 
all  Manner  of  Conversation.  {After  tfie  Thoughts  Exemplified.)  It  is 
impossible  to  entertain  such  Thoughts  as  these,  without  soaring  up 
to  a  Conversation  in  Heaven;  such  Thoughts  must  needs  produce  a 
Sanctity  and  Purity  wherein  we  shall  mount  up  as  with  the  Wings  of 
Eagles!'' 

13.  G.  D.  Can  I  do  a  greater  Service  to  my  Flock, 
than  by  inculcating  such  Things  as  these  upon  them? 


7l8  DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

14.  G.  D.  Help  me,  O  my  GOD,  and  Saviour; 
that,  — 

On  this  Day,  the  Glorious  Lord  accepted  me,  and  assisted 
me,  to  manage  the  Solemnity  of  an  Ordination  of  a  Person 
going  forth  to  the  Work  of  the  evangelical  Ministry,  in  a 
distant  Countrey,  from  whence  we  have  received  the  Desires 
of  a  Flock,  to  send  a  suitable  Minister  unto  them. 

The  Ordination  was  performed  in  one  of  the  Churches  of 
the  City,  and  in  the  Presence  of  a  considerable  Congregation. 

It  is,  I  suppose,  the  Tenth  Ordination,  which  has  been 
managed,  by  the  sinful  Hand  that  is  now  writing. 

The  Circumstances  that  have  led  unto  it,  will  be  foimd 
in  the  Speeches  made  on  the  Occasion ;  which  I  have  here 
inserted.^ 

15.  G.  D.  My  Kinsman  of  Roxhury,  under  his  Lan- 
guishments  is  at  this  time  lodging  in  my  Family;  which 
gives  me  Opportunity  to,  — 

His  little  Brother  doing  so  too;  this  also  gives  me  a 
further  Opportunity  to,  — 

16.  G.  D.  Besides  an  Opportunity,  which  I  have  this 
Week,  to  give  a  Check  unto  some  foolish  and  wicked  Con- 
tentions, with  which  the  Devil  makes  work  for  us  in  Dcdhani, 
I  have  an  Opportunity  this  Day  to  recommend  unto  the 
Inhabitants  of  this  Town,  the  Piety,  with  which  they  are 
to  acknowledge  the  Providence  of  GOD  that  supports  them, 
and  admonish  them  faithfully  of  some  undoing  Indiscre- 
tions which  they  run  into. 

17.  G.  D.  I  would  employ  the  hand  of  the  Minister 
at  Weston,  to  transcribe  and  adopt  my  Materials,  for  the 
Vindication  of  our  churches  from  the  Scotch-Irish  calumnies.* 

*  Missing,  but  from  Sewall,  Diary,  iii.  332,  the  name  of  the  person  is  obtained 
—  Mr.  Nathan  Basset,  who  was  to  go  to  South  Carolina.  The  ordination  service 
was  held  in  Dr.  Colman's  church.     See  Year  Book,  City  of  Charleston,  1882,  373. 

'  The  dispute  on  Presbyterian  ordination  raged  in  this  year,  and  much  was 
printed  upon  it  in  Boston  and  in  Philadelphia.  Rev.  William  Williams  was  the 
minister. 


APRIL,     1724  719 

18.   G.  D.     Good   Offices   to   be  done   for   the  young 
Minister,  that  is  bound  for   Carolina. 
Miserable  Scotts  to  be  releeved. 

*  19.  G.  D.  Read,  Cole,  of  Regeneration. ^  Rowe,  of 
Temptations.^ 

Tis  a  Thought  full  of  Consolation  to  me,  and  what 
carries  an  Animation  of  Piety  with  it ;  that  the  sad  Things 
which  appear  to  me,  as  Punishments  of  my  Offences,  and 
I  accordingly  Accept  them,  and  I  don't  complain,  but  say, 
I  will  bear  the  Indignation  of  the  Lord,  because  I  have  sinned 
against  him ;  they  really  prove  Benefits  unto  me,  and  I 
find  them  intended  for  such ;  and  they  have  those  precious 
Effects  upon  me,  which  proclame  the  everlasting  Love  of 
GOD  unto  me. 

20.  G.  D.  I  must  consult  with  my  Collegue,  now  the 
Intermissions  of  the  Winter  are  over,  about  the  most 
proper  Methods  for  the  reviving  and  managing  of  our 
Catechising. 

21.  G.  D.  Domi  riirsus  omnia  pacata,  tranquilla,  serena 
et  fere  Extatico  erga  me  Amore,  condita;  {tarn  inexplicabilis 
est  conjugis  meae  ad  Extrema  se  Vertentis  incertissima  mu- 
tahilitas!)  Me  ducunt  ad  Laudes  Dei,  ac  Major  em  in  Opere 
Evangelico  Industriam,  atque  mei-ipsius  patiens,  et  sobrium 
Castumque  Regimen. 

22.  G.  D.  My  Kinsman,  M.  B[yles]  being  fallen,  I 
doubt,  into  a  Consumption,  I  must  with  all  possible  Good- 
ness and  Concern,  sett  myself  to  do  all  that  I  can  find 
proper  to  be  done  for  a  Nephew  in  such  Circumstances. 

I  am  also  writing  to  my  Brother  at  Witney. 

23.  G.  D.  To  exhibit  unto  the  World,  a  Collection  of 
the  Lives  and  Characters  of  eminent  Persons,  Divines  attd 
others,  among  the  Professors  of  pure  and  undejiled  Religion 

*  Thomas  Cole  (1627-1697),  Discourse  of  Regeneration,  Faith,  and  Repentance, 
printed  in  London,  1689. 

*  John  Rowe  (1626-1677),  The  Saints'  Temptation,  1675. 


720         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

(the  Dissenters ;)  may  be  a  Thing  follow'd  with  many  and 
happy  Consequences.  From  the  Time  that  the  old  Collector 
Clark  ^  left  off  about  forty  Years  ago,  there  may  be  found 
separately  appearing  sufficient  Materials  for  such  a  Biog- 
raphy, among  the  Successors  of  the  Old  English  Puritans, 
to  make  a  Volumn,  which  would,  no  doubt,  be  quickly 
bought  up,  and  not  want  Subscriptions,  and  might  prove 
inexpressibly  useful  to  the  best  of  Interests.  Besides,  the 
Histories  that  go  under  the  Title  of  Lives,  there  may  be 
extracted  for,  and  contracted  in,  such  a  Work  as  this,  the 
Characters  given  in  funeral  Sermons  on  many  excellent 
Persons,  which  would  make  a  noble  Constellation. 

I  send  over  a  Proposal  of  this  Importance,  unto  the 
Ministers  in  the  City  of  London,  entreating  them  to  forward 
this  Design,  and  inspect  and  manage  it, 

I  propose  my  Parentator,  to  have  a  Room  in  this 
Collection. 

24.  G.  D.  The  Proposal,  which  I  have  mentioned,  I 
would  send  Copies  of  it,  unto  several  Gentlemen,  both 
Ministers  and  others;  exhorting  them  to  forward  it.  I 
would  also  signify  unto  them,  that  if  I  have  timely  Notice 
of  their  Proceeding  in  it,  I  would  contribute  unto  the  Work, 
by  sending  them  a  Collection  of  Characters  given  in  funeral 
Sermons,  published  in  this  Countrey. 

25.  G.  D.  Several  Neighbours,  to  be  animated  unto 
the  Duty,  of  coming  to  the  Table  of  the  Lord. 

*  26.  G.  D.  I  am  still  upon  Transcribing  of  select 
Passages  from  dear  Major  Dorney:  with  Hopes  of  strong 
Impressions  upon  my  own  Soul  from  the  admirable  Strains 
of  Piety  shining  in  them. 

How  much  has  my  glorious  Redeemer  taught  me  to 
pray,  by  the  Breathings  of  His  good  Spirit,  which  I  discern 
in  the  Lines  of  His  faithful  Servant ! 

27.   G.  D.    There  has  been  of  late  among  us  a  Repetition 

» See  Vol.  I.  6s  ». 


MAY,     1724  721 

of  horrible  Self -Destruction.  In  such  Things  the  Voice  of 
the  Lord  cries  to  the  City.  I  preach  to  my  Flock,  as  lively 
a  Sermon  as  I  can,  upon  the  Self-Destruction,  which  all  that 
walk  in  the  Ways  of  Sin  are  guilty  of.  I  incorporate  into 
the  Sermon,  all  that  may  appear  needful  to  be  spoken 
upon  the  Crime  of  proper  SelJ-Murder ;  that  so  if  any  of 
the  Flock  are  tempted  unto  it,  they  may  be  duely  warned 
against  it. 

28.  G.  D.  I  would  have  my  Servants,  (particularly, 
Ezer)  learn  to  write.  Sammy  shall  do  the  Kindness  of 
teaching  them. 

29.  G.  D.  I  am  using  a  Variety  of  Methods,  that  my 
dear  Friend  Mrs.  Br  own  ^^  may  not  only  taste  the  Consola- 
tions of  GOD,  her  Saviour,  but  even  be  filled  with  them. 

30.  G.  D.  I  am  writing  to  the  Corporation  at  London, 
for  propagating  the  Gospel  among  our  Indians. 

May.  I.  G.  D.  Unto  the  Ministers  of  this  Island,  I 
offer  a  PROPOSAL,  that  they  would  once  a  Fortnight  spend 
three  Hours  together ;  and  in  every  Interview  after  a  Prayer, 
tender  what  Answer  each  one  thinks  fitt  unto  a  Quaestion 
proposed  the  Fortnight  before;  out  of  which  our  Scribe 
shall  draw  up  such  a  Conclusion  as  may  be  tendered  at 
the  next  Meeting  [and]  agreed  unto :  and  the  Moderator 
after  this  regulating  the  Expence  of  Time  on  each  Subject, 
shall  call  for  what  Communications  any  one  has  to  make 
on  those  three  Points;  an  Illustration  of  any  Passage  in 
the  sacred  Scripture ;  The  State  of  Religion  abroad  as  well 
as  at  home ;  and  any  Motion  of  special  Service  to  be  done 
for  the  Kingdome  of  GOD. 

My  Purpose  is,  to  invite  my  Brethren  the  next  Week, 
unto  a  small  Treat,  and  then  make  the  offer  of  this  Pro- 
posal.    How  it  will  be  entertained,  I  know  not. 

2.  G.  D.  The  Minister  of  Newington,  is  at  this  time  in 
the  Town,  under  Languishments ;    I  must  visit  him,  and 

'  Rebecca  Brown,  who  may  be  the  R.  B.  of  later  mention. 
II  -46 


722         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

study  all  possible  Ways  wherein  I  may  be  a  Comfort  unto 
him.' 

*  3.  G.  D.  Tho'  I  have  not  always  made  a  Record  of 
such  Experiences,  yett  I  will  here  mention  one. 

On  the  last  Lords-day,  under  singular  Aflflations,  in  the 
public  Prayers,  I  was  carried  forth  to  pray  in  an  enlarged 
and  expanded  Manner,  and  with  much  Importunity,  that 
we  may  see  the  glorious  One  do  some  remarkable  Thing 
for  the  Destruction  of  the  Pyrates,  by  which  our  Coast 
has  been  lately  infested.  The  Prayer  had  so  much  Notice 
taken  of  it,  that  many  People  receiv'd  and  expressed  strong 
Expectation  from  it,  that  within  a  few  Days,  yea,  before 
the  Week  was  out,  we  should  hear  something  remarkable. 
Behold,  before  the  week  was  out,  there  comes  in  a  Vessel 
wherein  five  or  six  Captives  among  the  Pyrates  that  were 
upon  making  horrible  Ravages  among  our  poor  Fishermen, 
rose,  and  with  much  bravery  kill'd  the  Chief  of  their  Masters, 
and  the  rest  they  took  Prisoners,  The  Joy  of  the  City  on 
this  Occasion  was  very  notable.* 

The  Notice  taken  of  what  there  appeared  prophetical 
in  my  poor  Supplications,  introductory  to  it,  obliges  me  in 
the  first  Place  to  treat  with  inexpressible  Caution  and  Ab- 
horrence, all  Elation  of  Mind,  and  the  very  first  Motions 
of  any  Tendency  to  Vanity ;  O  the  tremendous  Conse- 
quences, of  being  any  other  than  a  meer  nothing,  and  lying 
any  where  but  in  the  Dust  before  the  Lord !  But  then  this 
Experience  encourages  me,  to  hold  on  praying,  and  exceed- 
ingly watching  against  every  thing  that  may  grieve  the 
Spirit  of  Prayer  (which  is  a  Spirit  of  Prophecy,)  and  provoke 
Him  to  withdraw  from  us. 

4.   G.  D.    Here  is  a  Proposal  among  us,  that  the  three 

•  Rev.  Elisha  Williams,  now  settled  at  Newington,  Connecticut. 

'  Boston  News-Leltcr,  Ma^y  21,  1J24;  Sewall,  ZJwry,  iii.  335.  The  " dreaded  " 
sea-pirate  who  had  commanded  the  crew,  and  who  was  killed  in  this  affair,  bore 
the  name  of  John  Phillips,  and  may  have  been  of  the  Charlestown  family  from 
which  Mather  took  his  first  wife. 


MAY,     I  7  24  723 

Churches  on  the  Island  of  North-Boston,  should  unite  in  a 
Lecture  praeparatory  to  the  monthly  Communion ;  (which 
in  this  Case,  must  be  on  one  and  the  same  Lord's-Day;) 
It  appears  a  Proposal,  that  may  have  a  Tendency  to  many 
good  Consequences.  I  would  as  soon  as  may  be  advise 
upon  it. 

5.  G.  D.  Familia  mea  perfurentis  uxor  is  insaniam  rur- 
sus  miser e  distracta  ac  turhata;  Imo  Ministeriumque  meum 
tremendis  periculis  Expositum,  — 

Quid  agam?  Redemptor  mi!  Quid  agam?  O  mihi 
peccata  mea  condones,  meque  clcmenter  protcgas. 

6.  G.  D.  More  to  be  done  for  my  three  Widow-Sisters, 
especially,  in  Prayers  together  with  them. 

7.  G.  D.  The  sudden  Death  of  that  unhappy  Man, 
who  sustained  the  Place  of  President  in  our  Colledge,* 
will  open  a  Door  for  my  doing  of  singular  Services  to  the 
Best  of  Interests.  Indeed  his  being  within  a  Year  of  the 
same  Age  with  myself,  loudly  calls  upon  me,  to  live  in  a 
daily  Expectation  of  my  own  Call  from  hence,  but,  my 
Times  are  in  thy  Hands,  0  Lord! 

I  do  not  know,  that  the  Care  of  the  CoUedge  will  be  now 
cast  upon  me ;  tho'  I  am  told,  it  is  what  is  most  generally 
wished  for.  If  it  should,  I  shall  be  in  Abundance  of  Dis- 
tress about  it.  But  if  it  should  not,  yett  I  may  do  many 
Things  for  the  Good  of  the  Colledge,  more  quietly  and  more 
hopefully  than  formerly.  And  more  particularly  I  may  do 
what  will  afford  an  Article  for  to  morrow  Morning. 

8.  G.  D.  Why  may  I  not  write  unto  the  Tutors  of 
the  Colledge,  and  soUicit  for  such  Things  as  these. 

That  under  a  deep  Sense  of  their  great  Opportunities  to  do  inex- 
pressible Good  unto  the  Colledge,  and  unto  more  than  all  the  Countrey, 
and  what  both  GOD  and  Man  expects  from  them,  they  would  come 

'John  Leverett  (1662-1724),  who  had  served  as  president  from  January 
1707-08.  He  died  May  3,  1724,  and  a  funeral  sermon  was  preached  by  Benjamin 
Wadsworth,  who  on  July  7  was  elected  to  succeed  him  in  ofiSce. 


724         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

into  a  Combination  to  invent  and  pursue  the  best  Projections  for  the 
Well-ordering  of  the  Society. 

That  they  would  exert  their  Powers,  to  make  the  Students,  become 
indeed  what  they  are  called,  and  spend  and  fill  their  Time  well;  and 
therefore  not  content  themselves  with  the  daily  Recitations  (the 
matter  of  which  also,  ought  to  be  further  considered,)  but  assign  them 
suitable  Books  to  read,  and  see  that  they  read  them. 

That  they  encourage  SodaUties  among  them;  to  meet  every 
Week,  for  the  Communications  of  their  Acquisitions  to  one  another. 

That  they  countenance  Industry,  with  distinguishing  Rewards 
and  Honours  to  the  Meritorious. 

That  they  bring  up  the  Use  of  the  Latin  Tongue  in  Conversation 
among  the  Scholars. 

That  above  all  Things,  they  do  what  may  be  done  for  the  Anima- 
tion and  Inflammation  of  PIETY  among  the  young  Men ;  have  per- 
sonal Conferences  with  them,  on  the  State  of  their  Souls ;  cast  a  kind 
aspect  on  those  who  associate  for  Devotions;  and  add,  a  special 
Care,  to  have  them  acquainted  with  pure  and  undefiled  Religion ; 
and  recommend  proper  Books  of  Theology  to  them;  and  establish 
them  in  the  Faith  and  Order  of  the  Gospel  in  which  the  Churches  of 
New  England,  have  their  Beauty  and  their  Safety. 

S  d.  ^  m.  Friday.  This  Day  I  sett  apart  for  Humilia- 
tions and  Supplications  before  the  glorious  Lord.  And 
indeed,  in  my  domestic  Circumstances,  I  had  some  singular 
Occasions,  to  be  thus  prostrate  in  the  Dust  before  Him : 
Entreating  that  He  would  interpose  with  His  gracious 
Providence  and  Influence  to  give  a  good  Issue  unto  my 
Sorrows,  and  bring  Light  out  of  dark  Dispensations. 

I  am  comforted  with  one  Token  for  good  upon  me ; 
which  is,  that  my  Soul  is  filled  with  Praises  to  my  Gracious 
and  faithful  Redeemer,  for  all  the  grievous  Things  befalling 
me,  by  which  my  Repentance  and  Holiness  is  carried  on, 
and  all  Sin  is  made  more  Lothesome  to  me.  O  my  dear 
SAVIOUR,  welcome,  welcome,  unto  me,  are  the  most 
bitter  Things  in  the  World,  if  they  may  but  embitter  all 
Sin  unto  me! 

I  left  all  my  Desires  before  the  Lord,  relating  to  my 


MAY,     1724  725 

Ministry,  and  my  Family,  and  all  my  Difficulties ;  com- 
fortably perswaded  of  my  Acceptance  with  Him. 

9.  G.  D.  A  Student,  who  is  a  Candidate  of  the  Minis- 
try must  be  assisted,  and  advised;  and  Books  must  be 
bestow'd  upon  him. 

*  10.  G.  D.  Listening  to  the  Voice  of  my  glorious 
Redeemer  in  some  Dispensations,  I  am  suspicious,  whether 
He  don't  call  me  immediately  to  attain  unto  some  greater 
and  higher  Degrees  of  Purity  (tho'  the  least  impure  Thought 
has  long  been  abominable  to  me,)  than  I  have  yett  arriv'd 
unto. 

So,  I  have  resolved,  with  a  CHRIST  quickening  and 
strengthening  of  me,  upon  several  Points  of  the  most 
consummate,  and  even  uncommon  Purity.  There  is  no 
need  of  my  writing  them  down  in  this  Place ;  but  that  in 
which  they  terminate  is  this ;  that  if  the  Devil  should  ever 
have  the  Imprudence  to  try  the  Throwing  of  so  much  as 
one  impure  Thought  into  my  Mind,  it  shall  not  only  be 
rejected  with  Abhorrence,  but  also  turn  to  the  Disadvantage 
of  my  Adversary,  and  only  Raise  me  nearer  to  GOD,  with 
fresh  Flights  and  Looks  unto  my  SAVIOUR. 

11.  G.  D.  About  the  Method  of  catechising  in  the 
Flock  and  personal  and  pastoral  Visits,  concert  with  my 
Collegue. 

12.  G.  D.  Res  Mir  a!  Domi  omnia  rursus  Tranquilla. 
Et  mea  conjux  in  mei  non  tantum  Amor  em  flagrantissimum, 
sed  et  Admirationem  rapta!  Postremi  illius  Furores,  a 
Fidelissimo  meo  Redemptore  in  mei  Purificationem  Con- 
summatissimam  sunt  Sanctificati!  Me  Vero  oportet  maxi- 
mopere  Vigilare,  ne  hujus  puritatis  vel  minimam  in  Corde 
inter  mis  sionem  aut  relaxationem  admittam,  sed  quid  faciam, 
ut  conjux  mea,  non  per  mei  Amorem  Solum,  sed  et  per  Dei 
Timorem,  servetur  ne  Spiritus  ille  malignus,  qui  nuper  illam 
agitaverit,  ad  illius  Irritationem  iterum  redeat! 

13.  G.  D.     I  assist  my  Kinsman  at  Roxbury,  with  many 


726         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

Communications,  for  the  embellishing  and  enriching  and 
strengthening,  of  the  Work  which  he  is  preparing  for  the 
Press  in  defence  of  our  Churches.* 

14.  G.  D.  In  reading  Dr.  Burnett's  History  of  his 
Times,  I  j&nd  this  passage ;  "  I  have  upon  all  the  Observa- 
tion that  I  have  made,  often  considered  the  inward  State 
of  the  Reformation,  and  the  Decay  of  the  Vitals  of  Christianity 
in  it,  as  that  which  gives  more  melancholy  Impressions, 
than  all  the  outward  Dangers  that  surround  it." 

This  Passage  awakens  me,  to  think  on  some  further 
Projections,  of  Things  to  be  done,  for  the  Awakening  of 
the  People  of  GOD  abroad  in  the  world,  unto  a  due  Con- 
sideration of  their  own  Condition ;  in  which  they  are  now 
generally  slumbring  and  sleeping. 

15.  G.  D.  And  particularly  to  wTite  unto  my  Friends 
in  the  Frederician  University,  my  Sense  of  these  Things. 

16.  G.  D.     The  poor  condemned  Pyrates. 

*  17.  G.  D.  Preaching  this  Day,  about  the  Hope  and 
Gain,  and  Fate  of  the  Hypocrite,  it  is  of  infinite  Consequence, 
that  I  should  make  sure  of  such  Dispositions  in  my  Soul, 
as  no  Hypocrite  ever  attains  unto. 

Upon  an  impartial  Search  into  the  State  and  Frame  of 
my  Soul,  I  find  such  Things  as  these  produced  there. 

Such  are  my  Regards  to  GOD,  that  I  not  only  make  the 
Serving  and  Pleasing  of  Him,  the  Chief  Design  of  my  Life, 
and  the  Sense  of  my  being  under  His  View  is  awful  to  me, 
but  also,  when  I  am  in  any  Miseries,  and  I  think  that 
He  helps  me  to  such  a  Behaviour  under  them,  as  He  is 
gratified  in  the  beholding  of,  I  even  take  a  sensible  Pleasure 
in  them. 

Such  are  my  Regards  to  CHRIST,  that  I  not  only  look 
up  to  Him  for  all  the  Blessings  of  Goodness,  and  particularly 

'  Thomas  Walter,  who  published  this  year  An  Essay  upon  that  Paradox, 
Infallibility  may  sometimes  mistake.  Or  a  Reply  to  a  Discourse  concerning  Epis- 
copacy.   He  did  not  attach  his  name  to  it. 


M  A  Y  ,     1724  727 

for  the  Influences  that  are  to  quicken  me  in  living  to  GOD, 
but  also  He  is  become  aU  unto  me,  and  if  I  may  but  have 
Him  conversing  with  me,  and  possessing  of  me,  I  am  satis- 
fied in  the  Withdraw  of  all  Creatures  from  me. 

Such  are  my  Regards  to  SIN,  that  I  not  only  hate  every 
false  way,  but  also  the  most  bitter  Dispensations  that 
embitter  my  Sin  unto  me,  and  carry  on  Repentance  to  a 
more  perfect  Work,  are  welcome  to  me ;  I  am  heartily 
thankful  for  them. 

Certainly,  these  are  the  evident  Tokens  of  Salvation 
upon  me. 

Bless  the  Lord,  O  my  Soul ! 

18.  G.  D.  There  are  several  Persons  in  the  Flock,  who 
have  Sons  at  the  Colledge.  These  Children  I  would  look 
upon,  as  a  Part  of  the  Flock,  that  may  be  singular  Objects 
of  my  Cares.  I  would  consult  with  my  Collegue,  about  the 
special  Methods  that  may  be  taken,  to  form  the  Minds  of 
these  Children,  and  bring  them  to  good  Principles  and 
Practices. 

19.  G.  D.  0!  Lett  my  Conversation  with  my  Consort 
be  full  of  all  Goodness,  and  more  than  ever  exhibit  in  it  a 
Conformity  to  the  good  One,  and  a  Pattern  to  all  Observers ! 

But  then,  O!  Lett  all  possible  Purity  accompany  it, 
and  lett  me  watch  against  all  such  inordinate  Affection,  as 
may  grieve  the  holy  Spirit  of  GOD ! 

20.  G.  D.  I  would  invite  my  Kinsman  T.  W[alter] 
under  his  Languishments,  to  sojourn  a  while  in  my  Family, 
and  make  it  an  Opportunity  of  all  the  Good  that  may  be, 
to  himself  and  others. 

21.  G.  D.  I  am  writing  to  Scotland,  and  sending  my 
Parentator  thither,  accompanied  with  some  other  Instru- 
ments, wherein  I  design  more  particular  Services  to  the 
University  of  Glasco. 

22.  G.  D.  What  shall  I  think  on,  to  be  proposed  among 
the  Ministers,  at  their  anniversary  Convention  the  next 


728         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

Week,  to  serve  the  Kingdome  of  GOD,  and  the  Cause  of 
Piety? 

Conversing  with  some  who  have  Relation  to  the  col- 
ledge  at  Newhaven,  I  would  propose  what  may  be  for  the 
good  of  that  Society  and  of  the  Churches,  which  have  their 
Expectations  from  it. 

23.  G.  D.  A  young  Gentleman  of  New-York,  a  Person 
of  excellent  Piety,  and  much  Expectation,  comes  in  my  Way. 

*  24.  G.  D.  It  is  an  unspeakable  Advantage,  that  I 
find,  by  having  my  Eye  on  the  Hebrew  Psalter,  while  I  am 
with  the  People  of  GOD  praising  of  Him  in  the  Congrega- 
tions, I  am  led  by  the  Language  of  the  holy  Spirit  there, 
into  Sentiments  that  are  very  curious  and  subhme,  and 
Mysteries  that  perhaps  were  never  discovered  there  before. 
These  Things  notably  serve  the  Cause  of  Piety  with  me; 
and  if  I  could  find  the  time  afterwards  to  write  them  down, 
which  I  hope  to  do,  they  may  be  of  some  Service  to  the 
World. 

25.  G.  D.  Some  Sermons  on  the  Character  and  Con- 
fusion of  the  Hypocrite,  may  be  of  singular  Service  to  the 
Flock. 

26.  G.  D.  For  my  evening  Sacrifices  in  my  Family 
why  may  I  not  read  Mr.  Henrys  Commentaries  on  the 
Psalms,  which  declare  and  assist  the  Frames  of  Piety,  that 
every  Portion  is  to  be  sung  withal;  and  make  this  a 
Prajface  to  my  Singing  of  it  ? 

This  Morning  I  was  taken  very  ill ;  feavourish  with  a 
violent  and  wasting  Diarrhoea,  and  Chohcal  Pains  accom- 
panying of  it. 

I  was  hereby  laid  aside,  from  all  Opportunities  to  do 
Good,  in  the  Convention  of  the  Ministers  at  the  Election. 

I  endeavoured  on  this  Occasion  to  glorify  GOD,  with 
a  Submission  unto  His  Will  in  every  Thing  (and  of  my  Life 
into  His  Hands)  and  an  Improvement  in  all  the  Dispositions 
of  Piety. 


M  A  Y  ,     1724  729 

After  three  Days,  I  revived. 

In  this  Time  I  wrote  some  Things,  and  read  more ;  but 
I  particularly  endeavoured,  that  the  Condition  of  the 
Pyrates  who  are  to  be  executed  the  next  Week,  may  be 
rendred  profitable  to  the  people. 

Among  the  Projections  for  this,  I  drew  up  the  Confer- 
ence I  had  with  them  in  the  Prison,  instructing  them  how 
to  turn  unto  GOD. 

*  31.  G.  D.  Having  many  Thoughts,  about  the  In- 
fluence, which  the  Faith  of  our  SAVIOUR'S  infinite  and 
eternal  GODHEAD  has,  upon  all  real  and  vital  PIETY,  I  in- 
cline to  a  sett  of  successive  Meditations  hereupon.  I  would 
particularly  every  Lord's-Day  Morning  write  a  Contempla- 
tion on  some  Article  in  a  Life  of  Piety,  wherein  this  Faith 
is  of  the  greatest  Consequence  for  our  Living  unto  GOD. 

And  in  this  way,  I  would  propose,  not  only  to  animate 
my  own  Piety,  but  also  provide  Materials  for  a  Book,  which 
I  may  anon  offer  to  the  World. 

One  of  the  first  Things  which  the  Pyrates,  who  are  now 
so  much  the  Terror  of  them  that  haunt  the  Sea,  impose  on 

their  poor  Captives,  is ;  To  curse  Dr  M .     The  Pyrates 

now  strangely  fallen  into  the  Hands  of  Justice  here,  make  me 
the  first  Man,  whose  Visits  and  Counsils  and  Prayers  they 
beg  for.  Some  of  them  under  Sentence  of  Death,  chuse  to 
hear  from  me,  the  last  Sermon  they  hear  in  the  World. 

(II.)  The  Sermon  is  desired  for  Publication.  I  give  it 
unto  the  Bookseller.  It  is  entituled ;  The  Converted 
Sinner.  The  Nature  of  a  Conversion  to  Real  and  Vital 
PIETY,  and  the  Manner  in  which  it  is  to  be  pray'd  and 
striven  for.  In  a  Sermon  preached  in  Boston,  May,  37,  1724. 
In  the  hearing  and  at  the  Desire  of  certain  Pyrates  a  little  before 
their  Execution.  To  which  is  added,  a  more  Private  Con- 
ference of  a  Minister  with  them.^ 

'Printed  for  Nathaniel  Belknap,  1724.  John  Rose  Archer  and  William 
White  were  executed  June  2. 


730         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

June.  I.  G.  D.  Unto  a  Number  of  the  Flock,  who 
have  with  extraordinary  Benefactions  exerted  themselves, 
to  extricate  me  out  of  my  Difficulties,  what  special  Expres- 
sions may  I  make  of  my  Gratitude?  There  is  one  I  am 
thinking  of,  — 

2.  G.  D.  Lett  Nancy  go,  and  offer  her  best  as  assist- 
ences  to  her  aged,  weak,  blind  Grandfather;  whose  wife 
being  struck  with  a  Palsey,  renders  his  Condition  full  of 
Uneasiness.* 

3.  G.  D.  I  have  a  Klinsman,  a  Minister  at  Warminster, 
in  Wiltshire;  to  whom  I  would  send  my  Parentator;  and 
otherwise  apply  to  him. 

4.  G.  D.  Having  received  an  Account  of  Petitions 
gone  home  to  Whitehal  against  the  Countrey,  full  of  cursed 
Calumnies  against  the  Churches  here,  from  a  wretched 
Crew  at  Watertown,  and  some  others  here,  I  transmitt  unto 
our  General  Assembly  a  Copy  of  it.  And  I  am  Considering 
on  further  Methods  to  prevent  evil  Consequences. 

5.  G.  D.  The  Colledge  is  in  great  Hazards  of  Dissi- 
pation and  grievous  Destruction  and  Confusion.  My 
Advice  to  some  that  have  some  Influence  on  the  Pubhc, 
may  be  seasonable. 

I  sett  apart  this  Day,  for  Supplications,  with  Fasting 
in  Secret,  on  such  Occasions,  and  with  such  Devotions,  as 
I  had  a  Month  ago. 

My  Interviews  with  Heaven  were  not  this  day  quite  so 
full  of  Agony  and  Impression,  as  they  were  on  that.  Yett 
they  were  such  that,  I  hope,  the  Intentions  of  the  Day  are 
somewhat  answered. 

6.  G.  D.  A  poor  young  Man  in  my  Neighbourhood, 
abandoning  himself  to  evil  Courses,  I  do  what  I  can  to  save 
him  with  Fear,  plucking  him  as  a  Brand  out  of  the  Burning. 

*  7.  G.  D.  I  cannot  express  how  much  I  find  myself 
affected  with  that  Word,  O  Lord,  Thou  art  my  Glory.   Besides 

•  Sarah  Graves,  who  died  in  1731. 


JUNE,     I  7  24  731 

the  other  Intentions  of  that  Word,  I  find  my  Soul  rising 
and  soaring  to  this ;  it  shall  not  only  be  my  greatest  Glory 
to  know,  and  serve  and  enjoy  a  Glorious  CHRIST,  but  also 
His  Glory  shall  be  mine :  If  I  may  see  Him  glorified  in  the 
World,  it  shall  comfort  me,  as  much  as  if  His  Glory  were 
all  my  own.  It  shall  be  no  Part  of  my  Concern,  what 
Esteem  have  I  in  the  World ;  but  my  amiable  and  admirable 
Jesus  may  be  esteemed,  in  this  I  will  find  more  Satisfaction, 
than  if  I  myself  had  all  possible  Honours  heaped  upon  me. 
But  then,  with  what  a  Zeal  shall  I  now  carry  on  my 
Purposes,  to  bear  yett  more  notable  Testimonies  unto  the 
Glory  and  the  Godhead  of  my  SAVIOUR! 

8.  G.  D.  A  Sermon  to  the  Flock,  on  the  Method  of 
obtaining  that  Blessedness,  A  CHRIST  living  in  us,  may  be 
a  great  Service  to  the  Cause  of  Piety  in  them. 

9.  G.  D.  I  am  not  without  very  great  Hopes,  that  the 
Designs  of  Satan  to  discompose  my  Family  and  prejudice 
my  Ministry,  are  gloriously  and  eternally  defeated;  the 
GOD  of  Peace  brings  about  those  Things,  wherein  Satan 
will  be  marvellously  bruised  under  my  Feet.  Oh!  what 
shall  I  render  to  the  Lord!  How  holily,  how  prayerfully, 
with  what  a  Watch  against  inordinate  Affection,  yea,  and 
all  Tendencies  and  Beginnings  of  a  Decay  in  regular  Affec- 
tion, shall  I  walk  before  the  Lord ! 

And  what  shall  I  do,  that  poor  Nancy  may  be  directed, 
praeserved,  comforted? 

10.  G.  D.  To  a  new  Kinsman,  I  would  convey  some 
Assistence  and  Encouragements  for  the  Service  of  God. 

11.  G.  D.  I  am  sending  to  Ireland  such  Things  as 
may  be  for  the  Service  of  our  Churches,  and  their  Defence 
from  the  vile  Misrepresentation,  that  some  Scotch  Incen- 
diaries have  made  of  them. 

This  Day,  I  attempted  many  Services,  to  the  Countrey; 
preaching  the  Lecture  in  the  Audience  of  the  General 
Assembly ;  showing  them  the  Tokens  of  our  God's  Depart- 


732         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

ure  from  us,  and  the  Methods  of  preventing  it ;  particularly 
pressing  (in  Allusion  to  what  Isaac  did)  that  we  c^ll  Things 
by  the  same  Names  that  our  Fathers  before  us  called 
them.i 

12.  G.  D.  The  Indian  Commissioners  need  again  to 
be  called  upon. 

13.  G.  D.  A  Family  like  to  be  broken  to  Peeces,  I 
must  with  HeaUng  Advice  endeavour  the  praeservation 
of  it. 

*  14.  G.  D.  I  have  a  strong  Inclination  to  v^Tite,  and 
preach  on  the  Godhead  of  my  SAVIOUR,  and  the  Influence 
which  the  Faith  of  it  should  have  on  a  christian  Life  in  every 
Part  thereof. 

That  I  may  be  accepted  in  this  Undertaking,  I  must 
endeavour  singular  Methods  of  Devotion,  and  Measures 
of  Purity;  lest  I  be  a  Cast-away. 

I  would  also,  in  the  evening  Prayers  of  the  Closett, 
cultivate  that  noble  Subject  in  the  most  experimental  and 
affectionate  Way  that  may  be. 

One  sweet  Way  of  Conversing  with  my  SAVIOUR,  my 
Mind  is  at  this  time  running  much  upon.  Whatever  afflic- 
tive Thing  befalls  me,  it  shall  quicken  mc  to  think  on  what 
my  SAVIOUR  suffered  of  the  like  Affliction:  and  so, 
magnify  His  Love;  and  Hope  for  some  Advantage  by  my 
own  Calamity. 

15.  G.  D.  What  further  shall  I  do  for  the  Flock?  I 
will  entreat  my  CoUegue  to  think  for  me.  O !  the  Barren- 
ness of  my  poor  Invention ! 

16.  G.  D.  Because  I  would  study  all  possible  Ways 
of  being  useful  to  my  Consort,  I  think  on  this,  among  other 
Things.  The  Subject  of  the  holy  Thoughts  which  I  fall 
asleep  withal,  I  would  still  make  her  apprized  of  it. 

17.  G.  D.  To  some  of  my  young  Relatives,  give  the 
Book  that  is  newly  published. 

•  This  paragraph  was  written  in  the  margin. 


JUNE,    I  7  24  733 

i8.  G.  D.  The  glorious  LORD  having  strangely  sent 
me  in  some  Supply  for  the  expensive  part  of  it,  I  would 
apply  myself,  as  fast  as  I  can,  to  prepare  my  Essay  of 
Directions  for  Candidates  of  the  Ministry,  how  to  order 
their  Studies,  that  they  may  become  useful  Servants  of 
GOD  in  the  World. 

19.  G.  D.  It  is  proposed,  that  the  Ministers  of  the 
City,  renew  their  ancient  Thursday  Inter-views. 

20.  G.  D.     A  poor  drunken  Creature,  to  be  warned. 

*  21.  G.  D.  The  glorious  Lord  has  led  me  into  fuller 
Views  than  I  have  ever  yett  had,  and  such  as  I  have  exceed- 
ingly longed  for  and  asked  for,  of  what  shall  be  the  true 
State  of  Things  in  His  Kingdome.  And  I  am  now  satis- 
fied, that  there  is  nothing  to  hinder  the  immediate  Coming 
of  our  Saviour,  in  these  Flames,  that  shall  bring  an  horrible 
Destruction  on  this  present  and  wicked  World,  and  bring 
on  the  new  Heaven,  and  the  new  Earth,  wherein  shall 
dwell  Righteousness.  I  purpose  quickly  to  write  on  these 
things.  In  the  mean  time,  I  would  in  all  holy  Conversa- 
tion and  Godliness,  mightily  endeavour  to  maintain  such 
a  Disposition  of  Mind,  as  the  tremendous  Descent  of  my 
glorious  Lord,  is  to  be  entertained  withal. 

22.  G.  D.  Meditating  on  the  evil  Spirit  chased  from 
Saul,  by  David  playing  on  his  Harp,  I  entertained  a  Thought 
whether  a  Sermon  that  should  with  an  agreeable  Artifice 
employ  the  Harp  of  David,  in  Quotations  from  the  Book  of 
Psalms,  to  chase  away  such  evil  Spirits,  as  assault  and 
ensnare  the  Souls  of  our  People,  may  not  be  to  the  Flock 
a  considerable  Service. 

23.  G.  D.  In  conversing  with  my  Son  Samuel,  what  if 
one  Article  should  be,  a  Paragraph  of  some  Treatise  (as  for 
Instance,  my  Coheleth,)  ^  to  be  translated  into  Latin ;  upon 
the  most  elegant  and  refined  Latin  for  which,  we  would 
concur  in  our  Sentiments. 

1  Printed  in  1720. 


734         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

24.  G.  D.  Some  of  my  Sister's  Children  at  Roxbury, 
I  address  with  further  Excitations  to  Piety. 

25.  G.  D.  I  am  this  Week,  writing  Letters  to  my  dear 
Franckius,  and  the  Professors  in  the  Hallensian  University. 
I  have  in  View  several  great  Services  for  the  Kingdome  of 
GOD.  Among  other  Things  I  send  my,  Parentator,  to 
them. 

26.  G.  D.  The  Church  at  Portsmouth  wanting  a  Pastor, 
and  being  in  singular  Circumstances  and  there  being  a 
likely  Person  in  View  for  them,  who  is  in  danger  of  being 
detained  by  the  Humours  of  some  foohsh  Relatives,  I  exert 
myself  on  this  Occasion. ^ 

27.  G.  D.  Especially,  in  strong  Letters,  to  the  Person, 
who  has  it  a  Day  of  Temptation  with  him. 

*  28.  G.  D.  Very  strange  things  have  befallen  me,  to 
Impoverish  me,  and  leave  nothing  of  this  World  in  my 
Possession.  I  am  willing  to  enter  my  Sentiments  on  this 
Occasion. 

I  acknowledge  the  Punishment  of  my  Sins,  in  the  im- 
poverishing Dispensations  of  an  holy  and  a  righteous  GOD  : 
and  I  humble  and  abhor  myself  before  Him. 

I  approve  the  Conduct  of  Heaven,  in  keeping  such  a 
Balance  on  the  divine  Favours  to  me.  I  am  richer  in  the 
Best  of  Treasures,  and  especially  in  great  Opportunities  to 
Do  Good,  than  the  most  of  Men ;  and  I  shall  count  this 
Grace  to  be  sufi&cient  for  me. 

I  am  to  entertain  what  befalls  me,  as  not  meerly  a 
Chastisement  for  my  Miscarriages,  but  also  as  an  Experiment 
made  upon  me,  whether  I  shall  count  myself  sufficiently 
enriched,  in  having  a  glorious  CHRIST  concerned  for  me, 
and  visiting  of  me,  and  having  the  Disposal  of  my  whole 
Condition,  so  that  His  gracious  Providence  will  suffer  me 

•Rev.  Nathaniel  Rogers  died  in  October,  1723,  and  a  call  was  given  to 
John  Hancock.  He  served  only  a  short  time,  and  in  the  summer  Rev.  Jabez 
Fitch  was  ordained. 


JULY,    I  7  24  735 

to  want  nothing  that  shall  be  good  for  me ;  and  by  being 
employ'd  in  Service  for  Him. 

Finding  my  Mind  full  of  the  sweetest  Contentation  and 
Satisfaction  in  this  View  of  Things,  I  arrive  to  a  joyful 
Assurance,  that  my  SAVIOUR  is  by  my  Poverty  only  pre- 
paring me  for  the  unsearchable  Riches,  which  He  has  in 
the  spiritual  Blessings  of  the  heavenly  Places,  to  bestow 
upon  me. 

I  am  now.  As  having  nothing,  yett  possessing  all  Things! 

2g.  G.  D.  The  Spirit  of  Adoption  and  of  the  Gospel, 
operating  after  a  very  conspicuous,  impressive,  heart- 
Melting  Manner,  in  the  public  Supplications,  how  can  the 
Edification  of  the  Flock,  and  the  Salvation  and  Sanctity 
of  the  People,  be  consulted  more  effectually! 

30.  G.  D.  Miserrima  mea  Conjux,  post  flagrantissimos 
mei  Amores,  rursus  in  Pristinos  dilapsa  Furores,  oh  impetum 
de  Maligna  Spiritu  per  Lyram  Davidicam  sopito  ac  ftigato, 
Concionem,  summas  mihi  meisque  tentat  Injurias,  Creatque 
Molestias. 

Ah,  Mi  Domine  Redemptor;  Quid  agam,  nescio:  Sed 
versus  te  sunt  mei  timidi  ac  tumidi  oculi. 

Quotidianis  precibus,  in  quibus  Filium  associatum  habeam, 
gratiam  tuam  Qucerere,  est  mihi  propositum. 

July.  I.  G.  D.  They  are  so  near  to  me  on  some 
accounts  that  if  I  consider  them  as  Relatives,  among  the 
Objects  of  my  Essays  to  do  Good,  there  will  be  no  Trespass 
in  it. 

An  honourable  Family  at  Marshfield,  having  lately 
buried  a  Daughter,  have  also  had  their  Son,  who  was  a 
Captain  in  the  public  Service,  and  should  have  this  day 
proceeded  Master  of  Arts,  murdered  by  the  Indians,  with 
some  singular  Circumstances  of  Embitterment.^  This  Day, 
I  write  a  Letter  of  Condolence  and  Consolation  to  them. 

'The  family  was  that  of  Isaac  and  Sarah  (Wensley)  Winslow;  the  daugh- 
ter's name  was  Anna  (1709-1723),  and  that  of  the  son,  Josiah  (1701-1724). 


736         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

This  Day,  being  our  insipid,  ill-contrived,  anniversary 
Solemnity,  which  we  call,  The  Commencement,  I  chose  to 
spend  it  at  home,  in  Supplications ;  partly  on  the  behalf  of 
the  CoUedge,  that  it  may  not  be  foolishly  thrown  away :  but 
that  GOD  would  bestow  such  a  President  upon  it,  as  may 
prove  a  rich  Blessing  unto  it,  and  unto  all  our  Churches. 

The  other  usual  Matters  for  my  Supphcations,  were 
also  carried  unto  the  Lord. 

And  the  sad  Things  which  my  Ministry  and  my  Family 
are  threatened  withal,  were  particularly  considered. 

In  the  Sacrifices  which  I  this  day  offered  unto  the  Lord 
I  felt  astonishing  Impressions  and  Assurances  of  my  being 
brought  nigh  to  the  glorious  GOD,  and  of  my  Union  to  my 
SAVIOUR  and  His  Concern  for  me. 

But,  Oh !  what  Advice  from  Heaven,  is  come  to  me  this 
Day,  about  my  poor  Son  Increase!  Yea,  how  many  Times 
have  I  been  of  late  overwhelmed  with  Afflations,  which  tell 
me,  that  — 

2.  G.  D.  Expecting  many  Ministers,  to  be  together  this 
day,  from  several  Parts  of  the  Countrey,  I  would  endeav- 
our, in  a  Speech  imto  them,  to  sett  before  them  such  Matters 
for  their  Prayers  and  Cares  as  it  may  be  of  great  Service 
for  them  to  think  upon. 

This  Day  I  received  from  New  London,  some  copies  of 
a  Book,  newly  printed  there.  Being  willing  to  be  furnished 
with  another  Book,  to  lodge  in  the  hands  of  my  Neighbours 
and  such  as  I  have  opportunity  to  converse  withal,  I  putt 
myself  to  some  Expense  for  it ;  And  what  now  comes  out 
of  the  Press,  is  entituled ; 

(III.)  Stimulator.  Or  The  Case  of  a  Soul  walking  in 
Darkness  awfully  and  suitably  considered.  An  essay  to 
awaken  People  out  of  the  Lethargy,  which  disposes  them  to  con- 
tinue in  a  Dark  Uncertainty  about  their  Future  Slate,  in  the 
World,  which  is  not  seen,  but  is  Eternal.^ 

1  Printed  by  Timothy  Green,  1724. 


JULY,    I  7  24  737 

What  I  spoke  to  the  Convention  of  Ministers,  at  Boston  July  2, 
1724. 

It  was  a  Sentence,  which  I  think  I  more  than  once  heard  fall 
from  the  Lips  of  our  Memorable,  and  venerable  Eliot  ;  //  is  no  little 
Notice,  which  is  taken  by  our  Holy  Lord,  of  what  passes  in  the  Meetings 
of  His  Ministers.  The  Ministers  of  the  Countrey,  doubtless  have 
their  frequent  Meetings;  and  in  these  Interviews,  their  Discourses 
and  Projections  to  serve  the  Kingdome  of  GOD  our  SAVIOUR  are 
such  as  to  demonstrate  that  they  remember.  He  hearkens  to  hear 
what  passes  there,  and  that  He  has  a  Book  of  Remembrance  in  which 
He  enters  what  passes  from  them  who  think  upon  His  Name. 

That  what  now  passes  may  somewhat  answer  such  an  Expecta- 
tion, I  would  humbly  ask  Leave,  to  offer  unto  the  Brethren  a  Word 
or  two,  which  may  stir  up  their  pure  Minds  to  the  Remembrance  of 
some  Things,  that  cannot  be  well  forgotten  or  neglected. 

It  is  to  be  supposed,  and  beleeved,  that  Ministers  being  Men  of 
GOD,  are  Men  of  Prayer.  And,  we  not  only  do  ourselves  pray  with- 
out Ceasing,  but  also  animate  and  encourage  Prayer  all  we  can  among 
the  People,  whom  we  instruct  how  to  pray,  while  in  that  holy 
Exercise,  we  go  before  them. 

There  are  among  the  many  Matters  of  Prayer,  which  call  for  our 
Consideration,  very  particularly  two,  or  three,  which  you  will  allow 
me  to  mention,  as  Points  upon  which  the  Watchmen  on  the  Walls  of 
Jerusalem,  should  not  keep  Silence  before  the  Lord. 

First ;  the  State  of  Religion  in  the  whole  World  is  very  deplorable. 
A  fearful  Decay  and  withdraw  of  real  and  vital  Piety  is  every  where 
greatly  confessed  and  lamented,  by  those  Few  that  have  any  thing 
of  it,  yett  remaining  in  them.  Our  United  Brethren,  in  Gr.  Britain 
and  Ireland  appear  to  have  a  dismal  Share  in  this  epidemical  Wretched- 
ness. It  is  no  small  Instance  of  it,  that  when  there  is  an  horrible 
Conspiracy  in  our  Nation  to  dethrone  and  degrade  and  ungod  the 
infinite  SON  of  GOD,  a  very  great  Part  of  our  Brethren  by  refusing 
to  subscribe  those  Explanations  of  the  sacred  Scripture,  which  are 
necessary  to  distinguish  the  Precious  from  the  Vile,  have  acted  as  if 
they  were  willing  to  embrace  as  their  Brethren  in  CHRIST,  the  Vile 
Conspirators :  they  have  too  much  paved  the  Way  for  the  Counte- 
nancing and  Introducing  of  those  Damnable  Heresies,  which  are  incon- 
sistent with  the  Life  of  God,  and  their  Alienations  from  one  another 
on  this  Occasion,  have  a  tremendous  Aspect  on  them.  Certainly,  we 
should  pray  much,  that  God  would  avert  the  Omens ;  and  that 
we  may  not  be  our  selves  overwhelmed  in  the  Sleep  of  the 
"  •  47 


738         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

Midnight  in  which  the  World  will  be  surprized  by  the  Coming  of 
the  Lord. 

Again,  the  State  of  our  Colledge  is  not  altogether  unknown  unto 
us.  Our  Colledge  is  as  great  an  Interest  of  this  Countrey,  as  any  one 
that  can  be  spoken  of.  Religion  is  like  to  be  praeserved  or  betrayed 
in  our  Churches,  as  the  Colledge  is  provided  for.  A  well-furnished, 
a  well-principled  Governour  of  that  Society  will  be  of  mighty  Conse- 
quence unto  us  all.  Such  a  Gift  of  our  SAVIOUR  to  us,  would  be 
more  valuable  than  the  golden  Wedge  of  Opher.  We  should  count 
it  worth  our  while  to  pray  much  for  such  an  inestimable  Blessing. 
And  the  more  so,  because  there  may  probably  be  less  Prospect  of 
obtaining  it,  than  is  by  some  imagined. 

Finally,  Since  our  Churches  are  under  slicking  Dispensations,  and 
may  look  for  more;  Our  Prayers  for  the  Establishment  of  them  in 
the  Things  that  cannot  be  shaken,  are  the  more  necessary.  But 
what  Labours  may  do  well  to  accompany  our  Prayers!  Private 
Labours  and  public  Labours;  And  especially  in  the  Dispersing  of 
profitable  and  seasonable  Books,  into  the  Hands  of  our  People. 

And  since  the  Ministers  throughout  the  Land,  thro  the  Folly  and 
Baseness  by  which  our  Bills  of  Credit  are  depreciated  in  their  Circula- 
tion, have  their  Subsistence  extremely  threatened ;  extreme  Wants 
and  Straits  are  likely  to  distress  us,  above  any  Sort  of  Persons  what- 
soever ;  lett  us  make  this  Holy  Use  of  it.  That  we  shall  by  a  more 
exemplary  Diligence  and  Vigilance  in  the  Discharge  of  our  Ministry, 
recommend  our  selves  unto  the  Providence  and  Protection  of  our 
faithful  SAVIOUR,  who  can  and  will  so  look  after  us,  that  the  Quass- 
tion,  lacked  ye  anything?  shall  anon  have  a  strange  Answer  given  to  it. 

3.  G.  D.  The  Thursday  Interviews  of  the  Ministers 
being  thus  renewed,  I  would  make  it  my  perpetual  Study, 
forever  to  bring  forth  something  at  them,  which  my  Brethren 
may  be  the  better  for. 

4.  G.  D.  A  young  Gentlewoman  in  dying  Circum- 
stances. 

*  5.  G.  D.  I  am  astonished  at  the  Visits  which  the 
Holy  SPIRIT  of  Grace  makes  unto  the  Chief  of  Sinners. 
He  visits  me,  instructs  me,  comforts  me,  and  raises  me  to 
such  Interviews  with  Heaven  as  assure  me  of  my  being  one 
that  my  SAVIOUR  intends  Mercy  for.     Oh!    may  I  not 


JULY,    I  7  24  739 

grieve  the  holy  SPIRIT  of  God,  but  cherish  His  Motions, 
and  lUapses,  and  follow  His  Manuduction. 

My  domestic  Trials,  lying  so  long  and  so  hard  upon  me, 
begin  at  length  to  gain  so  far  towards  the  breaking  and 
fainting  of  my  Spirit,  which  has  hitherto  been  so  far  sup- 
ported and  wondrously  carried  through,  and  I  feel  the  Iron 
so  entring  into  my  Soul,  that  I  am  in  great  and  sad  Appre- 
hensions, what  may  be  the  Issue.  I  cry  to  my  SAVIOUR, 
as  Peter  just  ready  to  sink  in  the  Waves,  —  Lord,  I  am 
oppressed,  undertake  for  me! 

6.  G.  D.  A  Part  of  the  Flock,  have  newly  signalized 
their  Kindness  to  me,  and  shown  me  the  Kindness  of  GOD, 
in  privately  collecting  and  advancing  a  Summ  of  consider- 
ably more  than  two  hundred  Pounds,  to  pay  a  Debt  of  my 
wife's  former  Husband,  which  I  inconsiderately  had  made 
my  own,  and  was  now  in  the  Course  of  Law  ready  to  have 
Execution  served  upon  me  for.  I  cannot  perceive  a  Sense  of 
Gratitude  unto  me,  in  those  for  whom  I  have  been  so  much 
a  Sufferer.  But  my  Soul  is  filled,  and  even  fainting  with  a 
Sense  of  Gratitude  unto  the  kind  People,  who  thus  lay  me 
under  very  uncommon  Obligations.  I  must  think  of  some 
singular,  transcendent,  uncommon  way  to  express  my 
Gratitude  unto  them.  Teach  me,  0  thou  good  Spirit  of  God, 
And  lead  me  into  the  Way  of  Gratitude,  and  Land  of  Rectitude. 

7.  G.  D.  My  Daughter  Liza,  is  now  on  the  Point  of 
being  disposed  of.  What  Supphcation  and  what  Resigna- 
tion, am  I  on  this  Occasion  call'd  unto !  That  she  may  not 
be  thrown  away,  and  given  to  such  a  sorry  Wretch,  as  one 
of  her  Deceased  Sisters  was !  WTiat  Advice  must  I  give  to 
the  dear  Child,  that  she  may  not  be  unhappy! 

8.  G.  D.  Prevail  with  a  Kinsman  at  Windsor,  an 
excellent  Physician ;  to  commit  unto  writing,  the  more 
notable  Things  that  have  occurr'd  unto  him,  in  his  Prac- 
tice. His  more  singular  Observations  on  Diseases  and 
Remedies ;  his  botanic  Discoveries,  and  whatever  else  may 


740         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

be  entertaining  and  serviceable  to  the  World;   and  com- 
municate them  to  me,  that  I  may  make  them  so. 

9.  G.  D,  There  are  collected  some  notable  Instances 
of  Piety,  among  our  evangelized  Indians.  The  Publication 
thereof  may  serve  many  good  Purposes.  I  would  there- 
fore animate  it,  and  employ  my  Cares  about  it,  and  prevail 
with  several  Ministers  to  join  with  me  in  Supervising  of  it, 

10.  G.  D.  Among  the  Commissioners  for  the  Indian 
Affairs,  there  are  many  things  of  Consequence  to  be  prose- 
cuted. I  would  earnestly  solicit  for  Meetings  to  be  called, 
that  these  Things  may  be  considered  in  them. 

11.  G.  D.  A  poor,  godly,  gracious  Woman,  in  our 
Church  is  in  miserable  Circumstances,  by  reason  of  an 
unreasonable  and  a  very  abusive  Husband.  Something 
must  be  done  to  direct  and  comfort  her. 

*  12.  G.  D.  My  God  has  convinced  me,  that  the 
second  coming  of  my  SAVIOUR,  is  to  be  at  and  for  the 
Perdition  of  the  Man  of  Sin ;  and  that  the  tremendous 
Conflagration  which  is  to  precede  the  new  Heavens  and  the 
new  Earth,  is  then  to  carry  all  before  it ;  and  that  there  is 
nothing  that  we  know  of,  remaining  to  be  done,  before  this 
astonishing  Revolution;  so  that  it  may  with  Reason  be 
daily  looked  for. 

I  purpose  ere  long,  with  the  Leave  and  Help  of  Heaven, 
to  write  my  Sentiments  of  this  important  Matter.  In  the 
mean  time.  Oh!  what  Manner  of  Person  ought  I  to  be  in 
all  holy  Conversation  and  Godliness.  I  desire  to  hve  con- 
tinually under  the  Power  of  the  Apprehension  which  I  have 
entertained,  and  have  it  govern  my  whole  Conversation. 

13.  G.  D.  As  far  as  I  may  with  Edification  do  it,  I 
would  insinuate  the  like  Apprehension  unto  the  Flock,  and 
labour  that  it  may  make  an  holy  Impression  upon  them, 
to  wean  them  from  the  inordinate  Pursuit  of  this  World, 
and  cause  them  to  be  in  the  Fear  of  the  Lord  all  the  Day 
long. 


J  U  L  Y  ,     I  7  2  4  741 

14.  G.  D.  I  think,  I  may  now  permitt  Samachi,  to 
begin  some  Essays  at  preaching  the  Gospel,  in  some  lesser 
Assemblies.    Begin  at  the  Castle. 

But  before  his  first  Performance,  I  would  have  him,  to 
sett  apart  some  time,  extraordinary,  with  great  Solemnity, 
to  dedicate  himself  unto  the  Service  of  the  glorious  Lord, 
and  Implore  the  continual  Operations  and  Assistences  of 
the  holy  Spirit  with  him, 

15.  G.  D.  Resolving  to  treat  Isaac  Greenwood,  as  a 
sort  of  a  Son,  I  am  writing  such  things  unto  him,  as  may 
be  of  the  last  Importance  for  him. 

16.  G.  D.  In  Consideration  of  the  distressing  Troubles 
upon  the  Countrey  from  a  War  with  the  Indians,  and  the 
Danger  of  our  Liberties ;  and  a  Drought  at  this  time  upon 
us;  and  that  more  Influences  of  the  divine  Grace  may  be 
obtained  for  us,  I  move  among  the  Ministers,  that  more  Days 
of  Prayer  may  be  observed;  and  particularly  that  on  the 
next  Thursday,  the  Lecture  may  be  turned  into  a  Day  of 
Prayer. 

17.  G.  D.  I  would  move  Mr.  Monnis,  the  converted 
Jew,  to  collect  his  Remarks  in  his  Reading  of  the  Old  Testa- 
ment; which  may  mend  our  Translations,  or  may  lead  us 
to  a  Sense  of  the  deep  Things  intended  by  the  holy  Spirit 
of  GOD,  in  His  Oracles,  which  are  not  commonly  observed. 
A  Jew  rarely  comes  over  to  us,  but  he  brings  Treasures 
with  him.i 

18.  G.  D.  I  am  writing  to  a  young  Gentleman,  at 
this  Time  in  London,  what  may  have  a  Tendency  to  his 
future  Usefulness  in  the  World! 

'  First  on  the  list  of  instructors  in  Harvard  College  stands  the  name  of 
Judah  Monis,  appointed  in  1722  to  teach  Hebrew.  He  held  the  position  until 
his  death  in  1760,  when  he  was  succeeded  by  Stephen  Sewall.  A  MS.  Hebrew 
grammar,  prepared  by  him  in  1725  for  Jonathan  Belcher,  is  in  the  collections  of 
this  Society.  Although  he  is  always  spoken  of  as  a  "  converted  Jew,"  he  was 
not  the  object  of  the  years  of  prayers  on  the  part  of  the  Mathers.  That  Jew 
is  said  to  have  gone  to  Jamaica  and  died  there  "a  hardened  wretch."  Pro- 
ceedings, XLiv.  686. 


742         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

*  19.  G.  D,  There  is  not  any  one  Point,  that  I  have 
more  cause  to  be  concerned  about,  or  to  complain  that  I 
am  Defective  in,  than  a  wise  Redeeming  of  the  Time.  Now, 
the  glorious  GOD  wUl  give  Wisdome  to  them  that  ask  Him 
for  it ;  And  the  Redemption  of  Time  was  a  considerable 
Article  in  the  Life  of  my  SAVIOUR,  who  will  imprint  His 
Image  upon  me,  if  I  look  up  unto  Him  for  it.  I  will  then, 
with  exceeding  Importunity,  more  than  ever  seek  to  the 
GOD  of  all  Grace  for  this  Favour;  yea,  make  it  a  daily 
Petition  to  Him,  Lord,  make  me  a  wise  Redeemer  of  the  little 
Time  that  remains  unto  me!  And  I  would  resign  myself 
up  unto  the  SPIRIT  of  my  SAVIOUR  that  He  may  make 
holy  Impressions  for  this  Purpose  upon  me. 

20.  G.  D.  A  Discourse  on  the  two  Adams;  how  all 
the  affaires  of  Religion  turn  upon  them ;  it  may  be  among 
the  Things  whereby  the  Flock  may  be  more  than  a  little 
edified. 

21.  G.  D.  Ob  revertentes  indies,  et  ingruentes  Kovivyi'; 
vexationes,  vereor  ne  tandem  in  vexationum  Fluctibus  pro- 
cellosis  misere  suhmergar. 

Extensis  tuis  manibus,  ad  Servum  tuum  alias  obruendum, 
Redemptor  mi,  me  subleves,  oro,  ac  sustineas. 

Hi  sunt  mei  ad  CHRISTUM  Quotidiani,  Importunique 
Clamores. 

Necessum  habeo  dilectissimam  meam,  et  iniguissime 
tractatam  Filiam  el  Fatnilia  amovere,  Et  in  alijs,  indices 
mihi,  O  clementissime  JESU,  in  quibus,  cedibus  Elevare. 

Necessum  habeo,  nequissimam  adhuc  apud  me  Commoran- 
tem  luvenculam,  u^opt?  perfidam  et  ingratam  Neptim,  a  meis 
cedibus  abigere;  Quo  vero  pacta  hoc  fiet,  0  clementissime  JESU, 
dirigas. 

22.  G.  D.  My  old  Father-in-Law  at  Charlestown,  very 
near  entring  his  ninety-third  year,  and  very  feeble  and  sore 
broken,  what,  what  shall  I  do  for  him  ?  » 

'  He  died  March  20,  1725-26,  aged  ninety-four. 


J  u  L  Y  ,    I  7  2  4  743 

23.  G.  D.  This  day,  the  principal  Inhabitants  of  the 
City,  keep  a  Day  of  SuppHcations,  on  account  of  the  War 
and  of  the  Drought.  In  my  Sermon  and  my  Prayer,  I  have 
Opportunity,  to  bear  those  Testimonies,  and  pay  those 
Acknowledgments,  to  the  glorious  Lord,  which  may  be  of 
some  use  unto  His  People. 

24.  G.  D.  Rarely  does  a  Jew  of  any  Erudition  come 
over  to  Christianity,  but  he  brings  with  him  some  Treasures 
of  Illustration  upon  the  sacred  Scriptures.  We  have  a 
Christianized  Jew  at  Cambridge,  who  is  a  great  Master  of 
the  Hebrew  Language.  I  will  putt  him  upon  collecting 
and  praeserving  the  notable  Observations,  which  he  makes 
in  reading  the  Hebrew  Bible. 

25.  G.  D.  One  for  whom  I  have  great  Reason  to  be 
concerned,  is  made  a  Widow. 

*  26.  G.  D.  I  seek  and  serve  a  GOD,  who  waits  that 
He  may  he  Gracious.  I  will  sett  myself  to  think,  what  may 
be  the  Errand  of  the  many  and  heavy  Trials,  wherewith  it 
pleases  Him  to  exercise  me ;  and  the  Compliance  with  it  in 
me  He  is  waiting  for,  that  He  may  be  Gracious  to  me,  and 
release  me  from  the  Exercises.  But,  yett,  at  the  same  time 
I  would  be  so  satisfied  in  the  Improvements  of  PIETY 
wherewith  He  favours  me  under  this  Discipline,  that  I 
would  be  entirely  reconciled  unto  the  Continuance  of  them ; 
and  be  unspeakably  more  concerned  for  a  right  Behaviour 
under  them,  than  for  a  full  Deliverance  from  them. 

27.  G.  D.  Several  of  the  Flock  are  under  Bereave- 
ments ;  especially  one  whom  I  have  singular  concern  for ; 
and  more  are  like  to  be  so.  It  may  be  serviceable  to  the 
whole  Flock,  and  particularly  seasonable  to  these,  if  I  give 
them  a  Sermon,  on  GOD  supplying  all  our  Wants  from 
Riches  in  Glory  by  CHRIST  JESUS. 

28.  G.  D.  Miserrima  mea  Kovlv^  mirum  in  Modum 
ah  Adversaria  ohsessa  ac  repleta,  in  solitos  paroxysmos  ac 
Furores  tarn  frequenter  ac  tarn  insolita  Violentia  jam  incedit, 


744         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

atque  in  tantam  excurrit  Rabiem,  quod  Ministerio  meo  Fami- 
Iceque  Ruina  inde  impendere  videatur.  Imo  ad  crisim  res- 
lam  est  redacta;  Et  si  Deus  Redemptor  non  Extensa  Manu 
me  Ex  Aquis  eripiat,  pereo,  obruor,  Actum  est.  In  his  Do- 
lorihus  et  Angorihus  positus  quo  me  Vertam,  nisi  ad  Te,  0 
Deus  Misericors,  0  Chrisle  meum  Rejugium,  ac  perpetuum 
Solatium. 

Wherefore  I  sett  apart  this  Day,  for  Prayer  with  Fast- 
ing before  the  Lord. 

I  humbled  myself  before  Him  for  the  Miscarriages  which 
have  provoked  Him  exceedingly  to  humble  me;  and  I 
implored  and  obtained  a  Pardon. 

I  earnestly  besought  him  to  assist  me  unto  a  right 
and  wise  Behaviour,  that  I  may  be  a  grateful  Spectacle  to 
Heaven,  under  my  Exercises ;  and  I  consented  unto  the 
Continuance  of  them,  with  a  Soul  reconciled  unto  the  Holy 
Discipline.  It  was  with  me  a  Day  of  Sacrifices ;  and  a 
glorious  CHRIST  left  unto  me,  was  my  sufficient  Portion. 

But  I  entreated  for  such  an  Interposition  of  His  Prov- 
idence, as  He  may  see  seasonable,  and  necessary,  for  the 
prseservation  of  my  Ministry. 

I  have  some  Works  upon  the  Anvil  (especially  one  of 
Directions  for  Scholars  intending  the  evangelical  Ministry,) 
for  which  I  asked  the  Influences  of  Heaven. 

My  younger  Daughter  is  this  week  upon  a  Marriage; 
and  I  now  ask'd  for  a  Blessing  upon  her.  The  Condition  of 
my  elder  Daughter,  was  also  a  Matter  of  my  Supplications. 

My  Son  Increase!  my  Son,  my  Son ! 

But  my  Son  Samuel  intending  speedily  to  begin  his  pub- 
lic Performances,  I  now  pray'd  with  him  in  the  Library; 
and  confirmed  his  Consecration  to  the  Service  of  the  Glori- 
ous Lord,  and  wept  unto  the  Lord  for  such  Favours  to  him  as 
are  to  be  wished  for ;  entreating  that  God  may  be  with  him. 

29.  G.  D.  In  the  Day  of  my  Catechising  I  will  consider 
my  Catechumens  as  my  Children. 


JULY,    I  7  24  745 

This  Day,  I  propose  to  insist  on  several  of  the  more 
important  Quaestions,  in  the  Way  of  a  Catechism  for  Con- 
science among  them. 

And  to  preach  them  a  Sermon  on,  See,  thy  Son  liveth. 

30.  G.  D.  Cases  wherein  the  Welfare  of  Churches  is 
concerned,  are  laid  before  me. 

This  Evening  I  married  Liza,  to  Mr.  Edward  Cooper.^ 

31.  G.  D.  I  hope,  we  have  provided  a  Chaplain  for  an 
exposed  Garrison ;  whom  therefore  I  would  instruct,  and 
advise,  and  animate. 

Inexplicabilis,  inexplicahiliter  mutabilis,  mea  conjux  de- 
positis  Furoribus,  ad  Mentem  novam  ac  Sanam  Est  reversa, 
meque  summis  cum  Amoris  Ardoribus  amplexata. 

Being  by  the  unhappy  Entanglements  of  my  Wife's 
and  her  Daughter's  Estate,  brought  into  a  Necessity  of 
paying  a  Debt  of  more  than  two  hundred  Pounds,  for  an 
Estate  which  I  was  never  one  penny  the  better  for,  and 
being  so  exhausted,  that  I  have  nothing  to  pay  it,  except 
the  Creditor  please  to  take  my  Library,  which  tho'  so 
very  dear  to  me  above  all  temporal  Possessions,  I  offer  to 
Depraedation : 

A  little  Number  of  my  Flock,  generously  joined  for  my 
Deliverance ;  and  privately  and  presently  advanced  the 
Sum  that  was  necessary  for  my  DeHverance  out  of  my 
Entanglements. 

(IV.)  I  was  thinking,  how  to  Express  my  Gratitude 
unto  a  People,  who  have  so  obliged  me,  and  expressed  such 
a  tender  Care  of  me.  Among  other  Projections  for  this 
purpose,  I  take  a  Discourse  on  the  Unsearchable  Riches  of 
CHRIST,  and  with  an  agreeable  Dedication  of  it  unto  the 
Flock,  declaring  what  I  should  be  to  them,  and  what  they 
have  been  to  me,  I  am  at  the  Expense  to  publish  it ;  pro- 
posing to  present  it  particularly  to  my  benefactors,  with 
their  Names  written  by  my  Pen,  in  the  Front  of  the  Dedica- 

'She  died  August  7,  1726. 


746         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

tion.  I  would  hope  also,  that  my  Confessions  of  my  Duty, 
may  be  some  Directions  and  Incentives  unto  other  Pastors 
for  their  Duty,  when  it  arrives,  as  I  intend  it  shall,  to  many 
of  them.  It  is  entituled,  The  True  Riches.  A  Tender  of 
Glorious  atid  Immense  Riches,  to  all  that  are  willing  to  accept 
thereof.    In  an  Essay  on,  The  unsearchable  Riches  of  CHRIS  T.  ^ 

August.  I.  G.  D.  The  pious  young  Minister  of  Mai- 
den, last  night  had  his  House,  and  all  the  Estate  that  was 
in  it,  laid  in  Ashes.^    What  shall  be  done  for  his  Comfort? 

*  2.  G.  D.  That  I  may  be  more  fruitful  in  my  well- 
advised  Inventions  to  do  good,  and  that  I  may  be  under  a 
more  effectual  and  sensible  Conduct  of  Heaven  in  them,  I 
would  when  I  come  to  consider  the  Quaestion,  What  Good  is 
to  he  done!  feel  and  own  myself  to  be  Nothing,  and  unable 
and  unworthy  to  do  any  thing,  and  so  resign  my  Mind  up 
unto  the  Influences  of  my  SAVIOUR,  with  such  an  Ac- 
knowledgment and  SuppHcation  as  this;  0  my  SAVIOUR, 
lead  a  poor,  dark,  dead  Creature,  to  such  Thoughts  a)id  Works, 
as  may  be  pleasing  to  thee!  That  it  may  be  no  longer  I, 
who  project  Essays  to  do  good,  but  a  CHRIST  living  in  me. 

3.  G.  D.  My  Manner  of  treating  the  Flock,  in  my 
Sermons  is,  with  abundance  of  Artifice,  to  spread  the  Netts 
of  Salvation  for  them,  and  so  propose  the  Truths  of  the 
Gospel,  that  if  at  the  Moment  of  the  Delivery,  they  receive 
them  with  Acts  of  Compliance,  and  come  unto  the  Lan- 
guage which  I  gett  ready  for  them,  they  are  unawares  taken 
in  the  Netts,  and  they  shall  be  found  among  the  saved  of 
the  Lord. 

Accordingly,  Communion  with  our  SAVIOUR  being  the 
Top  of  our  Blessedness,  that  so  the  Flock  may  be  drawn 
into  it,  and  be  blessed  of  the  Lord,  I  preach  a  Sermon 
upon  it,  so  contrived,  as  even  to  surprise  them  into  the 
Enjoyment  of  it. 

>  Printed  by  B.  Green  for  Nathaniel  Belknap,  1724. 

*  Rev.  Joseph  Emerson.     See  Corey,  History  of  Maiden,  481-484. 


AUGUST,     1724  747 

4.  G.  D.  My  Daughter  Liza,  being  married,  I  would 
with  all  possible  Solemnity,  bestow  the  best  Instructions 
upon  her,  for  the  ascertaining  of  her  Espousal  to  her  SAV- 
IOUR, and  her  good  Conduct  in  her  Family. 

But,  Oh!  what  shall  I  do  for  her  elder  Sister? 

5.  G.  D.  And  what  shall  I  do,  that  my  new  Son-in- 
Law  may  prove  a  wise  and  a  good  Man,  and  a  Blessing  to 
all  concerned  in  him  ? 

6.  G.  D.  A  woful  Indifferency  and  Formality  in  the 
grand  Business  of  Religion,  being  become  the  epidemical 
Malady  of  the  Time,  and  a  Token  to  be  trembled  at,  I 
thought  it  not  amiss  to  entertain  the  Public  at  the  Lecture 
with  a  Discourse  on.  Religion  in  Earnest. 

7.  G.  D.  What  shall  be  done  for  the  poor  People  at 
Chattam,  whose  Minister  deals  fooHshly  with  them? 

The  Church  at  Stratford  sends  for  Advice  in  a  Case,  on 
which  I  advise  them  as  well  as  I  can.i 

8.  G.  D.  A  poor  indigent,  unhappy  old  Man  to  be 
look'd  after. 

One  whom  I  have  cause  to  love  and  prize,  made  a  Widow. 

*  9.  G.  D.  O  my  SAVIOUR,  help  me  to  make  an  Holy 
Use  of  what  I  see  in  a  Minister,  become  an  unaccountable 
Slave  to  the  Drink  which  intoxicates  him ;  and  impeni- 
tent and  incorrigible  after  many  Admonitions,  whereof  I 
myself  have  dispensed  some,  unto  him,  to  bring  him  unto 
Repentance. 

I  would  exceedingly  adore  the  Free-Grace  of  Heaven, 
unto  the  Influences  whereof  alone,  it  is  to  be  ascribed,  that 
I  am  not  given  up  to  the  Bondage  of  that,  or  some  other 
Lust,  which  might  have  bewitched  me,  and  befooled  me, 
and  confounded  the  whole  Work  of  God,  wherein  I  am 
concerned. 

I  would  exceedingly  implore  the  Aids  of  Grace,  that  I 
may,  with  the  Pardon  of  my  Offences,  be  in  so  much  Favour 

•Hezekiah  Gold  was  settled  here  from  1720-1752. 


748         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

with  my  Redeemer,  that  He  would  lett  no  Iniquity  of  any 
sort  have  Dominion  over  me. 

My  SAVIOUR,  wo  to  me,  if  thou  depart  from  me. 
Wherefore,  0  Forsake  me  not! 

10.  G.  D.  That  I  may  not  neglect  my  own.  Vineyard 
in  the  awakening  Sentiments  which  I  propose  to  offer  unto 
the  World,  concerning  the  second  Coming  of  the  Lord,  and 
the  tremendous  Conflagration  that  must  accompany  it,  I 
have  thoughts  of  Preaching  to  my  outi  Flock  a  Sermon 
upon  that  awful  Subject ;  and  make  Demands  of  that  holy 
Conversation  and  Godliness  which  is  called  for. 

11.  G.  D.  Samachi,  did  on  the  Lord's-day,  two  Days 
ago,  begin  the  public  Services  of  the  evangeUcal  Ministry 
(at  the  Castle)  tho'  he  be  not  yett  quite  eighteen  Years  of 
age.  I  am  distressed  for  him,  that  he  may  be  very  humble, 
and  modest  and  self-difl&dent ;  and  that  he  may  not  make 
more  Haste  than  good  Speed  in  his  public  Appearances  and 
Performances,  and  that  he  may  with  a  mighty  Industry  lay 
in  a  good  Stock  of  Treasures  wherewith  he  may  come  to 
the  Service  of  the  Sanctuary.  My  continual  Admonitions 
and  Remonstrances  to  him,  shall  not  be  wanting. 

12.  G.  D.  My  languishing  Kinsman  of  Roxbury,  is  at 
this  time  in  my  Family ;  may  I  be  directed  from  above  to 
treat  him  in  a  Manner  suitable  to  his  feeble  and  threatning 
Circumstances. 

I  am  now  informed,  that  yesterday  the  six  Men,  who  call 
themselves  the  Corporation  of  the  College  mett,  and  Con- 
trary to  the  epedemical  Expectation  of  the  Countrey,  chose 
a  modest  young  Man,  of  whose  Piety  (and  little  else)  every 
one  gives  a  laudable  Character.' 

I  always  foretold  these  two  Things  of  the  Corporation ; 
First,  that  if  it  were  possible  for  them  to  steer  clear  of  me, 

*  The  choice  fell  upon  Rev.  Joseph  Sewall,  who  declined  the  ofBce.  See 
Quincy,  History  of  Harvard  University,  i.  329.  The  sL\  members  of  the  Corpora- 
tion were,  Henry  I-lynt,  Benjamin  Wadsworth,  Benjamin  Colman,  Nathaniel 
Appleton,  Edward  Wigglesworth,  and  Edward  Hutchinson. 


AUGUST,     1724  749 

they  will  do  so.  Secondly,  that  if  it  be  possible  for  them 
to  act  foolishly,  they  will  do  so.  The  perpetual  Envy, 
with  which  my  Essays  to  serve  the  Kingdome  of  God  are 
treated  among  them,  and  the  Terror  that  Satan  has  of  my 
beating  up  his  Quarters  at  the  Colledge,  led  me  into  the 
former  Sentiment.  The  marvellous  Indiscretion,  with  which 
the  affairs  of  the  Colledge  are  carried  on,  led  me  into  the 
latter. 

It  proves  accordingly.  Now,  tho'  the  senseless  Manage- 
ment of  these  Men  threatens  little  short  of  a  Dissipation  to 
the  Colledge,  yett  I  have  personally  unspeakable  cause  to 
admire  the  Compassion  of  Heaven  to  me  on  this  Occasion. 
Tho'  I  have  been  a  Man  of  Sorrows  and  acquainted  with 
Griefs,  yett  none  of  the  least  Exercises  that  I  have  mett 
withal,  was  the  Dread  of  what  the  Generality  of  sober 
People  expected  and  desired ;  the  Care  of  the  Colledge, 
to  be  committed  unto  me.  I  had  a  dismal  Apprehension 
of  the  Distresses,  which  a  call  to  Cambridge  would  bring 
upon  me,  and  I  was  afraid  of  all  my  Sorrows.  But,  the 
Sleight  and  the  Spite  of  my  six  Friends,  has  produced  for 
me  an  eternal  Deliverance.  I  doubt,  I  have  expressed 
myself,  with  a  little  too  much  Alacrity,  on  this  Occasion! 

Lord,  Help  me  to   a  wise  Behaviour! 

13.  G.  D.  Hasten,  hasten,  0  slothful  Mather;  in  dis- 
patching thy  Treatise  of  Advice  to  the  Candidates  of  the 
Ministry,  thou  mayst  thereby  do  more  Good,  than  twenty 
Presidents  of  Colledges ! 

This  Night  my  unaccountable  Consort,  had  a  prodig- 
ious Return  of  her  Pangs  upon  her ;  that  seemed  little  short 
of  a  proper  Satanical  Possession.  After  a  thousand  un- 
repeatable Invectives,  compelling  me  to  rise  at  Midnight, 
and  retire  to  my  Study  that  I  might  there  pour  out  my 
Soul  unto  the  Lord ;  she  also  gott  up  in  an  horrid  Rage, 
protesting  that  she  would  never  live  or  stay  with  me ;  and 
calling  up  her  wicked  Niece  and  Maid,  she  went  over  to  a 
Neighbour's  House  for  a  Lodging;    Doubtless  with  num- 


75©         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

berless  Lies,  which  a  Tongue  sett  on  Fire  of  Hell,  would 
make  no  Conscience  of.  In  the  mean  time,  I  with  my  Son 
Samuel  and  my  Daughter  Hannah,  retired  up  to  my  Library, 
where  we  together  kept  a  Vigil,  and  sang  Passages  in  the 
LVi.  Psalm,  and  poured  out  our  Supplications. 

Towards  the  Morning,  I  went  unto  my  Bed,  and  enjoy'd 
some  Repose. 

I  verily  beleeve,  there  is  not  in  all  these  Regions  an 
Husband,  who  treats  a  Wife,  with  more  continual  and  ex- 
quisite Endeavours,  to  please  her  and  serve  her,  and  make 
her  comfortable  at  home,  and  reputable  abroad.  And  it 
is  astonishing,  how  she  can  invent  Occasions  for  the  Out- 
rages that  she  will  fall  into,  after  the  lucid  Intervals  which 
are  filled  with  Expressions  of  the  most  enamoured  Fondness 
for  me.  What  was  pretended  as  the  Introduction  to  the 
present,  was,  that  forsooth,  for  a  Day  or  two,  my  Looks 
and  Words  were  not  so  very  kind  as  they  had  been.  A  mere 
Fancy  and  Whimsey!  But  the  bare  telling  her  so,  threw 
her  into  these  Violences,  wherein  she  charged  me  with 
Crimes,  which  obliged  me  to  rebuke  her  lying  Tongue, 
with  Terms  I  have  not  been  used  unto. 

14.  G.  D.  Something  should  be  done,  by  the  Ministers 
of  this  Place,  to  rebuke  the  wicked  Spirit  of  the  Minister 
at  Harwyche,  who  incessantly  labours  to  disturb  the  Peace 
of  the  churches.^ 

15.  G.  D.  A  young  Student  in  my  Neighbourhood,  in 
peculiar  Circumstances.     J.  M. 

*  16,  G.  D.  The  eternal  Release,  which  I  have  lately 
received  from  all  Expectation  of  Employment  in  the  Service 
of  the  Colledge,  is  a  Dispensation  of  so  much  Mixture,  that 
I  am  sollicitious  for  a  right  Understanding  of  it,  and  a  right 
Behaviour  under  it :  SoUicitous  to  find  out,  what  senti- 
ments and  what  Actions  my  GOD  and  SAVIOUR  now 
calls  me  to. 

*  Rev.  Nathaniel  Stone. 


AUGUST,     1724  751 

First:  Had  the  Care  of  the  CoUedge  been  devolved  upon  me, 
besides  my  finding  it  a  Station  infinitely  troublesome,  the  Labours 
and  Fatigues  of  it,  would  have  undoubtedly  hurried  on  my  Dissolu- 
tion.    I  could  never  have  lived  a  Year  to  an  End ! 

And  yett,  perhaps  I  am  to  dy  immediately  at  home,  and  GOD 
may  have  mercifully  diverted  the  CoUedge  from  a  Choice  which  would 
have  immediately  terminated  in  fresh  Troubles  to  them. 

Again :  Had  the  Care  of  the  CoUedge  been  committed  unto  me, 
I  had  enjoy'd  precious  Opportunities  to  have  done  good  unto  all 
the  Churches  in  the  Countrey,  and  this,  in  a  Way  of  living  unspeak- 
ably Agreeable  to  me.  The  strange  Abridgments  and  Obstructions, 
which  I  have  seen  on  my  Opportunities  to  do  good,  when  my  Zeal 
for  it,  and  my  Thirst  after  exquisite  Projections  to  accomphsh  it,  are 
so  insatiable,  has  a  dark  Aspect  upon  me. 

And  yett,  Light  may  arise  in  this  Darkness.  Who  can  tell  what 
Opportunities  to  do  good  may  be  yett  reserved  for  me?  Besides,  the 
Grace  which  I  have  already  received  in  that  kind,  especially  con- 
sidering my  prodigious  Unworthiness  may  well  be  sufficient  for  me. 

Finally :  The  praeferring  of  a  Child  before  me,^  as  my  Superiour 
in  Erudition,  or  in  a  Capacity  and  Vivacity  to  manage  the  Govern- 
ment of  an  Academy,  or  in  Piety  and  Gravity,  this  is  what,  for  several 
Reasons,  it  would  be  a  Crime  in  me  to  be  disturbed  at.  I  hope,  that 
my  SAVIOUR  who  has  taught  me,  will  help  me,  to  take  all  possible 
Satisfaction  in  it. 

17.  G.  D.  My  Flock  does  generally  consist  of  People 
that  are  in  a  middle  Condition  of  Life ;  not  very  rich,  not 
very  poor:  such  as  live  Tolerably,  yea  comfortably,  and 
are  able  to  do  good  unto  others.  I  preach  them  a  Sermon 
on  Agur's  Prayer ;  ^  to  render  them  content  with  their 
Condition  yea,  thankful  for  it. 

18.  G.  D.  The  dreadful  Condition  of  my  Family,  Tis 
express'd  in  some  other  Papers. 

O  the  humbling  Dispensations  of  my  GOD  unto  me! 
She,  whom  I  have  perpetually  studied  in  the  most  exquisite 
Ways,  to  serve,  and  please,  and  gratify,  and  have  even 
undone  myself  to  oblige  her,  not  only  does  by  her  unac- 

1  Sewall  was  in  his  thirty-sixth  year. 
*  Proverbs,  xxx. 


752         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

countable  Humours,  ever  now  and  then  breaking  forth  in 
prodigious  Paroxysms,  wherein  she  expresses  the  greatest 
Hatred  and  Contempt  for  me,  prove  the  most  heavy  Scourge 
to  me,  that  ever  I  mett  wuthal,  but  also  takes,  various 
Methods,  all  she  can  to  mine  my  Esteem  in  the  World,  and 
the  Success  of  my  Ministr}^  and  strike  out  the  Apple  of  my 
Eye,  my  Opportunities  to  do  good  in  the  World.  GOD 
knows,  that  she  has  no  manner  of  Reason  to  treat  me  in 
the  Manner  that  she  does. 

I  still  keep  in  my  Eye,  the  Conduct  of  my  SAVIOUR 
towards  His  Church. 

But,  I  have  nothing  left  in  View,  but  a  total  Extinction 
of  my  Opportunities  to  do  good. 

However,  I  will  still  give  myself  unto  Prayer. 

I  have  hitherto  had  (besides  the  numberless  Ejacula- 
tions of  an  Eye  ever  towards  the  Lord,)  but  six  more  sett 
Prayers  in  a  Day,  and  more  solemn  Visits  unto  Heaven, 
I  will  now  carry  'em  on  to  Number,  seven  :  And  there- 
fore, it  shall  be  my  Custome,  immediately  upon  my  rising 
from  the  Table  to  retire,  and  pour  out  my  Supplications 
unto  GOD.  And  the  principal  Subject  and  Intent  of  them 
shall  be.  To  bewayl  all  my  sinful  Impurities,  and  obtain 
the  Rescue  of  my  Opportunities  to  do  good,  from  the  Mis- 
chiefs which  do  threaten  them,  and  comfortable  Circum- 
stances relating  to  the  Death,  which  is  approaching  to  me ; 
and,  it  may  be,  some  other  Matters  hereafter  to  be  thought 
upon. 

My  dying  Father's  Desire,  to  Do  Good  while  I  Live,  and 
glorify  CHRIST  in  my  Death.^ 

Moreover,  my  Consort's  leaving  of  my  Bed,  when  I  am 
a  Person  of  whom  there  cannot  be  the  least  Pretence  of 
my  being  a  Person  universally  acceptable,  affords  me  Occa- 
sions of  particular  Supplications,  that  the  Holiness  and 
Purity  whereto  I  am  so  singularly  called  of  GOD,  may  have 

^  Written  in  the  margin. 


AUGUST,    1724  753 

its  perfect  Work,  and  that  I  may  no  longer  so  foolishly 
dote  as  I  have  done,  upon  a  Person  who  treats  me  with 
such  a  matchless  Ingratitude,  and  Malignity. 

I  have  allow'd  Sammy's  beginning  his  Performances 
in  the  Work  of  the  evangelical  Ministry.  But  I  will  not 
countenance,  his  proceeding  too  soon  or  too  far,  in  public 
Appearances. 

19.  G.  D.  My  dear,  dear  Friend,  and  Sister,  Mrs. 
R.  B.  having  marvellous  Afflictions  come  upon  her  in  the 
Condition  of  her  only  and  foolish  Son,  I  must  sett  myself 
exceedingly  to  support  and  comfort  her,  and  because  at 
this  time  she  is  out  of  Town,  write  unto  her. 

20.  G.  D,  While  I  am  this  Morning,  about  projecting 
of  Services  for  the  Kingdome  of  God  and  what  I  may  do 
to  build  up  His  House,  I  have  sad  Advice  of  His  going  on 
to  pull  down  mine,  with  dreadful  Dispensations.  Never- 
theless I  will  not  at  all  abate,  but  greatly  improve,  in  my 
Activities  to  do  all  the  good  that  He  will  allow  me  to  do, 
and  particularly  study,  what  special  Thing  I  may  do  for 
His  People,  under  the  fresh  Awakenings  and  Contusions 
which  His  Providence  gives  unto  me. 

For,  I  am  now  advised,  that  my  Son  Increase,  is  lost, 
is  dead,  is  gone.  The  Ship  wherein  he  was  bound  from 
Barbados  to  St.  Peters  had  been  out  five  Months,  and  was 
not  arrived ;  and  some  singular  Circumstances  of  the  Vessel 
also  concur  to  confirm  the  Apprehension  that  it  is  perished 
in  the  Sea.     Ah!  My  Son  Increase!  My  Son!  My  Son! 

My  Head  is  Waters,  and  my  Eyes  are  a  Fountain  of 
Tears !  I  am  overwhelmed !  And  this  at  a  Time  when  the 
domestic  Inhumanities,  and  Diabolisms  which  I  am  treated 
withal,  are  so  insupportable !  O  my  God,  I  am  oppressed ; 
undertake  for  me. 

But,  the  Soul  of  the  Child !  If  the  Papers  which  he  left 
in  my  Hands,  were  sincere  and  His  Heart  wrote  with  his 

pen,  all  is  well !    Would  not  my  GOD  have  me  to  hope  so  ? 

11-48 


754         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

My  SAVIOUR  yett  affords  me  this  Light  in  my  Darkness, 
that  He  enables  me,  to  offer  up  all  the  Sacrifices  He  calls 
me  to ! 

And  as  for  the  continual  Dropping  which  I  suffer  in 
my  Family,  I  freely  submitt  and  consent  unto  it,  that  the 
Glorious  Lord  should  continue  the  Sorrows  of  it  upon  me 
all  the  few  remaining  Days  of  my  Pilgrimage,  and  never 
give  me  any  release  until  I  dy ;  only  lett  me  obtain  this 
one  Thing  of  Him ;  a  Soul  full  of  a  CHRIST !  A  mind, 
not  only  assured  of  His  being  my  SAVIOUR,  but  also 
sensible  of  His  gracious  and  quickening  Influences,  and  con- 
tinually irradiated  with  the  precious  Thoughts  of  Him. 

21.  G.  D.  Yett  once  more,  Lett  -the  Proposal  for  the 
Trial  of  Candidates  for  the  Ministry,  be  revived  among 
the  Ministers. 

22.  G.  D.  A  young  Student,  whose  conduct  has  been 
irregular,  but  who  now  pretends  to  desire  and  purpose  better. 

*  23.  G.  D.  My  Opportunities  to  do  good  (the  Apple 
of  my  Eye,)  I  find  again  violently  struck  at,  and  all  possible 
Pains  are  taken,  by  such  as  have  the  least  Cause  of  any 
under  Heaven  to  do  so,  to  fix  a  vile  Character  on  me  among 
the  People  of  God,  and  invite  them  to  look  upon  me  as  a 
Person  from  whose  Hands  the  Bread  of  Life  is  by  no  means 
to  be  received.  This  is  at  a  Time,  when  I  have  a  Variety 
of  heavy  Calamities  upon  me ;  and  especially,  that  heavy, 
heavy,  heavy  and  amazing  Heap  of  Distresses,  which  I  have 
in  the  Death  of  my  Son  Increase,  my  Son,  my  Son !  under 
which,  they  that  should  comfort  me,  add  unto  my  Troubles. 

In  the  Midst  of  these  my  Troubles,  when  I  am  almost  over- 
whelmed, yett  I  declare  unto  my  glorious  GOD  and  SAVIOUR  that 
I  freely  submitt  and  consent  unto  it,  that  my  Sorrows  may  continue, 
yea,  multiply  upon  me,  unto  the  last  Moment  of  my  Pilgrimage, 
which  cannot  but  now  be  just  upon  me.  Yea,  that  my  Opportunities 
to  Do  Good,  the  very  last  and  cheef  of  my  Sacrifices,  be  extinguished ; 
if  I  may  but  be  assisted  from  Above  unto  such  a  Conduct,  that  I 
may  prove  a  grateful  Spectacle  unto  Heaven  under  my  Trials ;  and  if 


AUGUST,   1724  755 

I  may  have  a  Soul  full  of  a  Christ,  fiU'd  with  the  precious  and  Impres- 
sive Thoughts  of  Him,  and  feel  His  gracious  Influences  and  be  assured 
of  my  having  Him  concerned  for  me. 

But  in  the  multitude  of  my  Thoughts  within  me,  when  I  was 
giving  up  all  my  Opportunities  to  do  Good,  as  lost  and  gone,  and 
utterly  destroy'd  by  such  as  ought  to  have  been  the  greatest  Com- 
forts unto  me,  I  have  that  Word  strangely  born  in  upon  me.  /  am 
thy  Shield,  and  thy  exceeding  great  Reward.  My  GOD  has  brought 
me  to  this ;  that  a  glorious  CHRIST  is  my  exceeding  great  Reward. 
1  have  taken  up  with  it,  as  the  very  Top  of  my  Ambition,  and  the 
very  Sum  of  my  Blessedness,  to  enjoy  HIM  for  mine.  If  I  may  but 
have  HIM,  I  judge  that  I  have  an  exceeding  great  reward,  and  a  suffi- 
cient, an  abundant  Compensation  for  all  the  sad  Things  that  I  meet 
withal ;  Yea,  what  will  make  Amends  for  it,  tho'  I  am  stript  not 
only  of  all  my  other  Enjoyments,  but  even  of  my  Opportunities  to 
do  good,  which  are  the  dearest  Things  in  the  World  unto  me.  Upon 
this,  I  received  a  joyful  Assurance  from  the  Lord,  that  He  would  be 
a  Shield  unto  me,  and  that  they  who  go  to  hurt  me  should  not  be  able 
to  do  it ;  but  then,  my  Soul  was  grieved  for  the  Hurt,  which  they 
will  do,  yea,  have  done,  unto  themselves  and  for  the  terrible  Things 
which  are  to  come  upon  them. 

In  the  Evening  of  this  Day,  my  poor  Wife,  returning 
to  a  right  Mind,  came  to  me  in  my  Study,  entreating  that 
there  might  be  an  eternal  Obhvion  of  every  thing  that  has 
been  out  of  Joint,  and  an  eternal  Harmony  in  our  future 
Conversation ;  and  that  for  the  expressing  and  further 
obtaining  of  this  Foelicity,  I  would  now  join  with  her,  in 
pouring  out  Supplications  to  the  Lord :  and  resolve  to  pray 
oftener  with  her,  than  ever  heretofore.  I  did  accordingly. 
And  the  Tokens  of  the  greatest  Inamoration  on  her  part 
ensued  upon  it. 

24.  G.  D.  The  Death  of  my  son  Increase.  Ah,  my 
Son !  my  Son !  Is  there  no  Fruit  that  I  should  bring  forth 
upon  it,  for  the  Awakening  of  our  young  People,  betimes 
to  turn  and  live  unto  God? 

The  little  Damsels  of  the  Flock,  have  so  deserted  the 
Catechising,  that  I  have  now  for  many  months  intermitted 
the  Exercise.    Yett  I  will  make  one  Experiment  more; 


756         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

and  accordingly  this  Week  I  have  directed  their  Attendence 
on  me,  declaring  my  purpose  to  take  my  Measures  accord- 
ing to  what  Appearance  they  now  make  at  the  Time  and 
Place  appointed. 

25.  G.  D.  In  my  Family,  Things  are  again  strangely 
returned  unto  the  former  Tranquillity. 

But,  that  they  may  continue  so,  my  Purpose  is,  (tho' 
I  now  make  seven  sett  Prayers  in  the  Day)  to  pray  oftner 
with  my  Consort,  than  formerly. 

26.  G.  D.  Tis  the  Day  when  I  expect  the  little  Damsels 
to  attend  upon  my  Catechising.  I  propose  to  treat  them, 
with  some  very  moving  Thoughts  on,  Psal.  cxix.  147. 
{There  appeared  near  100.) 

27.  G.  D.  The  Death  of  my  Son  Increase,  among  the 
peaceable  Fruits  of  Righteousness,  which,  —  Oh,  that  it 
may  yield  unto  me,  —  I  have  many  Thoughts  whether  I 
should  not  be  putt  upon  making  one  Essay  more  for  the 
Awakening  and  Animating  of  early  Piety.  Consulting  of 
Heaven,  whether  I  should  proceed  or  desist,  the  Direction 
is,  proceed. 

28.  G.  D.  Some  Churches  need  Advice  in  Difficulties, 
among  them. 

This  Day,  I  sett  apart  for  Supplications  before  the  Lord ;  hum- 
bling myself  unto  the  uttermost,  in  the  Sense  of  the  sad  Things, 
wherein  my  GOD  has  humbled  me :  and  especially,  the  Sense  of  the 
Sins  and  Crimes  wherewith  I  have  provoked  Him  to  dispense  terrible 
Things  unto  me. 

The  Exercises  as  well  as  the  Occasions  of  this  Day,  were  many 
of  them  such  as  I  have  had  heretofore ; 

But  then  I  had  this  Day  before  me,  the  new  Grief,  which  the 
Death  of  my  poor  Son  Increase  has  brought  upon  me. 

I  exceedingly  loathed  and  judged  myself  before  the  Lord,  for  the 
Sins  of  that  Child,  as  being  on  some  accounts  my  own ;  and  for  all 
my  other  Sins,  which  have  procured  such  astonishing  Rebukes  of 
Heaven  upon  me,  as  in  the  Case  of  that  unhappy  Child,  I  have  mett 
withal.  And  from  the  Depths  I  cried  unto  the  Lord,  with  whom  there 
is  Forgiveness,  that  He  may  be  feared. 


AUGUST,     1724  757 

I  begg'd  it,  of  the  Glorious  Lord,  that  I  might  have  the  Grace 
to  carry  it  well  under  this,  and  all  my  Trials ;  and  that  I  might  be 
fruitful  in  the  Land  of  my  Affliction. 

I  sett  myself  more  particularly  to  beg,  that  the  Death  of  my  Son, 
may  produce  very  special  and  very  notable  Fruits  of  Righteousness : 
and  that  the  Sermon  which  I  may  preach  (and  perhaps  print)  on  that 
Occasion,  may  be  blessed  for  the  good  of  many.  Yea,  I  humbly 
declared  unto  the  Lord,  that  if  the  Death  of  my  Son,  might  bring  in 
any  Children  to  GOD,  it  would  be  a  marvellous  Compensation  for 
my  Sorrows  on  this  Occasion,  and  mightily  quicken  me  and  comfort 
me,  in  the  Resignation,  wherewith  I  sacrificed  my  Son  unto  Him. 
This  Disposition  I  could  not  but  look  upon,  as  a  Token  for  good 
upon  me ;  and  it  revived  me,  when  walking  in  the  Midst  of  Trouble. 

Yea,  the  Good  which  I  find  that  I  gett,  and  am  awakened  into 
Endeavours  to  gett,  by  the  sad  Things  that  befall  me,  I  consider,  as 
a  Token,  that  tho'  my  Sins  have  brought  such  sad  Things  upon  me, 
yett  my  Sins  are  pardoned. 

29.  G.  D.  A  miserable  Man  of  the  Church  fallen  into 
Scandal. 

*  30.  G.  D.  It  being  my  Course,  to  call  upon  my 
Glorious  God  and  Father  seven  Times  a  Day  with  more 
solemn  Addresses,  besides  what  I  do  in  Prayers  of  the 
ejaculatory  Sort  without  Number,  I  am  willing  here  to  give 
some  Account  concerning  the  Matter  and  Purpose  of  them. 

I.  At  my  first  Arrival  to  my  Study,  I  make  the  Prayer  which 
presents  my  daily  Petitions  to  the  Lord,  for  myself  and  others. 

I  begin  it,  with  an  Improvement  of  those  Meditations  on  a  glori- 
ous CHRIST,  which  it  is  my  constant  Care  to  have  my  Soul  in  the 
Night-Watches  fed  withal. 

II.  At  a  fitt  Hour,  I  have  my  Family-Sacrifices;  in  which  I 
particularly  consider  what  the  Portion  of  the  Sacred  Scriptures  then 
read,  leads  me  to  take  Notice  of. 

III.  At  or  near  the  Hour  of  Twelve,  I  do  again  in  secret,  pros- 
trate myself  before  the  Lord ;  and  particularly  spread  before  the 
Lord,  the  Condition  of  my  Family,  and  the  several  Branches  of 
it;  and  with  a  good  Issue  to  whatever  Difficulties  may  be  lying 
upon  me. 

I  also  carry  my  Countrey  unto  the  Lord,  and  in  a  more  particular 
Manner  pray  for  what  Mercies  the  Condition  of  it  may  call  for. 


758         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

I  likewise  beg,  that  I  may  have  right  Sentiments  concerning 
the  Kingdome  of  God,  that  is  to  be  look'd  for,  the  Characters  and 
Approaches  of  it. 

IV.  Rising  from  the  Table,  which  is  usually  between  two  and 
three  o'clock,  I  renew  my  Supplications ;  wherein  I  more  particularly 
employ  the  Portion  of  the  sacred  Scriptures,  which  [  I  ]  had  singled 
out,  as  the  Subject  for  part  of  my  Table-Talk ;  And  then,  I  cry  unto 
GOD  for  the  Success  of  my  Ministry;  and  for  the  Rescue  and  In- 
crease of  my  Opportunities  to  do  good,  which  thro'  the  Devices  of 
Satan  are  continually  struck  at.  But  above  all,  that  I  may  be  pre- 
pared for  my  dying  Hour,  and  that  an  easy  Death  as  well  as  a  happy 
Death,  may  be  allowed  unto  me.  0  My  SAVIOUR,  For  an  easy 
Death!  For  an  easy  Death  I  For  an  easy  Death  I  I  earnestly  look  up 
unto  thee  I 

V.  About  the  shutting  in  of  the  Evening  I  make  a  new  Visit 
unto  Heaven,  wherein  I  acknowledge  and  celebrate  some  Glories  of 
my  SAVIOUR,  whereof  I  have  had  a  previous  Contemplation;  or 
some  Operations  of  the  holy  SPIRIT,  wherein  the  Life  of  PIETY 
with  me,  may  be  concerned. 

I  also  look  up  to  my  GOD,  and  SAVIOUR,  that  I  may  have  His 
good  ANGEL  employ'd  in  the  doing  of  good  Offices  for  me. 

VI.  Towards  the  Time  of  going  to  Rest,  I  sing  something  of  a 
Psalm  with  my  Domesticks,  after  I  have  entertained  them  with  some 
Thoughts  upon  it.  And  then  make  a  Prayer,  on  such  Points,  as  I 
apprehend  proper  for  the  Evening-Sacrifices. 

VII.  Before  my  going  to  Rest,  I  retire,  and  give  Thanks  to  the 
glorious  God,  for  such  Favours  as  are  never  to  be  forgotten  with  me ; 
and  particularly  for  such  as  in  the  Day  now  past,  may  fall  under  my 
more  particular  Observation.  And  if  any  had  shown  me  any  special 
Kindnesses  in  the  Day,  I  do  more  especially  ask  for  the  divine  Recom- 
pences  to  them.  I  then  bewayl  the  more  observable  Miscarriages  of 
the  Day,  and  ask  for  the  Pardon  of  them,  and  of  all  my  Miscarriages. 
Finally  I  committ  myself,  and  my  all,  into  the  Hands  of  Him,  whereof 
I  may  say,  I  know,  whom  I  have  beleeved. 

31.  G.  D.  What  can  I  do  better  for  my  Flock,  than 
entertain  them,  with  such  a  Sermon  of  Early  Piety,  as  the 
Death  of  my  Son  leads  me  to ! 

September,  i.  G.  D.  That  Samachi  may  make  some 
further  Improvements  and  be  encouraged  in  his  Industry, 


SEPTEMBER,     1724  759 

I  give  my  Countenance  and  Assistance,  unto  a  Journey, 
which  he  desires  to  take  unto  New  London,  and  so  unto  New- 
Haven,  that  he  may  be  present  at  the  Commencement  there. 

2.  G.  D.  What  shall  I  do,  for  my  new  Son-in-law? 
Endeavour  to  estabhsh  him  in  the  Exercises  of  Religion, 
particularly  aboard  the  Ship  he  is  Master  of. 

3.  G.  D.  Advice  to  be  sent  unto  Bristol,  upon  some 
Difficulties  about  Apostates  there.  The  Thursday  Inter- 
view of  the  Ministers  disbands  again.  Differences  arising 
at  Bridgwater;   GOD  helps  me  to  compose  them.^ 

4.  G.  D.  Some  of  the  Ministers  in  the  Town  should 
be  putt  upon  writing  unto  the  wilful,  furious,  wretched 
Minister  of  Harwich,  to  cease  his  always  grievous  Ways  of 
embroiling  the  Peace  of  the  Churches,  in  those  Parts  of  the 
Coimtrey. 

5.  G.  D.  A  poor  old  Man  at  Concord,  wanting  to  be 
helped  into  the  Church  there,  I  write  a  Letter  thither  for 
him,  having  first  removed  his  Difficulties. 

0  the  astonishing  Dispensations  of  Heaven!  must  it 
always  be  so,  that  I  must  see  a  Sentence  of  Death  upon 
good  Things;  and  then  wiU  the  GOD  of  Patience  and  of 
Consolation,  give  me  to  see  some  Comfort  in  them!  We 
are  surprized  with  very  probable  Advice,  that  my  poor 
Son  Increase  is  yett  living  :  that  the  Vessel  wherein  he  sailed, 
after  a  long,  long,  sad  Passage,  wherein  it  had  spent  all  its 
Masts,  was  arrived  into  a  Port  of  New-found  Land. 

If  it  be  so.  Oh !  may  the  Distresses  of  the  poor  Prodigal 
bring  him  home  to  GOD.  Oh!  may  I  yett  see  strange 
Answers  and  Effects  of  the  Prayers  that  have  been  employ'd 
for  him ! 

*  6.  G.  D.  What  fresh  Matters  of  Contemplation,  and 
Supplication,  have  I  now  before  me! 

'A  new  parish — the  East  parish  —  was  set  off  in  1723,  and  October 
28,  1724,  Rev.  John  Angier  was  ordained.  Mather  may  refer  to  that,  or  to 
the  difficulties  of  Rev.  Benjamin  Allen,  pastor  in  the  South  parish.  Mitchell, 
History  of  Bridgewaler,  46,  47. 


760         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

This  hopeful  Advice  concerning  my  Son  that  was  dead 
and  is  aUve,  need  not  hinder  my  entertaining  the  Flock  this 
Day  with  such  a  Sermon  as  the  Advice  of  his  Death,  has 
putt  me  upon  prgeparing  as  one  Essay  more  for  the  Awaken- 
ing and  Animating  of  early  Piety. 

But  I  do  it  this  day,  and  have  a  mighty  Presence  of 
the  glorious  Lord  with  me,  in  the  doing  of  it. 

7.  G.  D.  I  think  to  print  the  Sermon  of  Yesterday, 
and  scatter  it  especially  among  the  young  People  of  the 
Flock,  whereof  I  am  the  Servant. 

Lord,  Thou  hast  lifted  me  up,  and  cast  me  down,  Oh! 
Lett  there  not  be  thy  Indignation  and  Wrath,  in  what  is 
done  imto  me!  To  day,  the  good  News  of  poor  Creasy^ s 
being  rescued  and  revived  from  Death,  is  all  come  to  noth- 
ing.    T'was  another  Vessel.     O  my  Father,  Thy  will  he  done! 

8.  G.  D.  Samachi  may  be  made  an  Instrument  of 
some  Good  among  the  Ministers  and  others  at  New-haven, 
by  Means  of  the  Things,  which  this  Week  I  write  unto  him. 

This  Day,  the  Lieut.  Govemour  and  Council,  desired 
the  Ministers  of  the  City,  to  meet  with  them  in  the  Council- 
Chamber,  and  spend  some  time  extraordinary,  in  Humilia- 
tions before  the  glorious  Lord  under  the  Distresses  which 
the  Indian-War  brings  upon  us,  and  Supplications  for 
Success  to  the  Forces  now  going  forth  against  the  Enemy. 

I  enjoy'd  gracious  and  precious  Assistence  from  Heaven, 
in  my  Part  of  the  Services. 

9.  G.  D.  I  supply  my  Kinsman  at  Roxbury,  with 
certain  Materials,  which  he  publishes,  to  enlighten  the 
Minds  of  Men  in  several  Points  of  great  Importance  at 
this  day  to  the  Countrey. 

10.  G.  D.  The  divine  Providence  throwing  into  my 
Hands  this  Day  an  Opportunity  to  serve  the  Lecture,  in 
the  Room  of  a  Brother  that  is  indisposed,  I  make  it  an 
Opportunity  to  entertain  the  People  of  GOD,  with  such 
Things  as,  I  hope,  will  prove  seasonable  and  serviceable  unto 


SEPTEMBER,     1724  761 

many.    Especially,  with  regard  unto  Fears  that  exercise 
them. 

11.  G.  D.  I  propose,  the  next  Week,  to  invite  the 
Ministers  of  this  Island  unto  my  Table,  and  then  actually 
concert  with  them,  the  Projection  for  the  Establishment  of 
a  profitable  Conversation. 

12.  G.  D.  More  Widows  produced  in  the  Neighbour- 
hood. 

*  13.  G.  D.  My  glorious  Lord  calls  me  to  a  singular 
Exercise  of  Piety,  Patience  and  Humility  under  the  Trial 
of  being  one  despised  atid  rejected  of  Men.  The  Sleight 
and  the  Spite,  with  which  the  Corporation  of  the  Colledge 
have  treated  me,  when  I  had  such  a  Testimony  in  their 
Conscience  as  well  as  with  the  whole  Countrey,  to  the 
Erudition,  and  Capacity  and  Activity  for  doing  of  good, 
and  Fidelity  to  the  Religion  of  the  Churches  of  which  it 
may  be  hoped  that  the  Lord  has  bestowed  something  upon 
me;  this  occasions  Town  and  Countrey  to  be  inquisitive 
into  the  Bottom  of  the  Contempt,  which  they  have  cast 
upon  me  ;  and  many  wild  Guesses  are  made  on  this  Occasion 
to  my  Disadvantage.  It  becomes  me  to  be  very  silent, 
and  with  meekness  of  Wisdome  to  concoct  it,  and  ly  in  the 
Dust  before  the  Lord  who  makes  me  so  much  a  Castaway, 
and  not  complain  of  it,  if  I  am  also  a  Stone,  which  the 
Builders  have  refused. 

This  Day  I  read  over  the  Book  which  contains  the  Life 
of  Mr.  Gearing,  and  his  Experiences ;  and  the  Marks  of  an 
Interest  in  CHRIST,  that  my  Soul  may  further  improve 
in  experimental  Piety. ^ 

14.  G.  D.  I  am  treating  the  Flock,  with  two  Sermons 
on  our  SAVIOUR,  gathering  the  Children  of  Men  as  the 
afi"ectionate  Bird  the  Chickens,  under  his  Wings.     I  repeat 

'  William  Gearing,  author  of  a  History  of  the  Church  of  Great  Britain 
(1674).  He  also  published  The  Sacred  Diary,  or  Select  Meditations  for  every  Part 
of  the  Day  (1679). 


762         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

the  clocquing  Voice  of  our  SAVIOUR  as  affectionately  as 
ever  I  can;  and  apply  it  in  a  singular  Manner  iinto  our 
young  Ones. 

15.  G.  D.  Lett  iVawcy  read  the  Experiences  of  a  young 
Gentlewoman,  published  with  the  Life  of  Mr.  Gearing. 

And  Visit  — 

16.  G.  D.  What  shall  I  do  for  my  new  Son-in-Law, 
who  is  now  upon  a  Voyage? 

17.  G.  D.  Proposing  as  soon  as  I  can,  to  pubUsh  my 
Sermon  on  the  Death  of  my  Son  Increase,  for  the  Animation 
of  early  Piety,  I  am  thinking,  whether  I  had  not  best  add, 
my  Sermon  on  the  Sparks  flying  upward. 

18.  G.  D.  A  Minister  of  some  Note  among  us,  being 
entangled  in  the  Wretchedness  of  excessive  Drinking,  and 
a  great  Flock  being  in  hazard  of  being  niin'd  by  it,  I  would 
move  the  Ministers  of  this  Island,  with  whom  I  am  associ- 
ated in  a  profitable  Conversation,  to  join  with  me,  in  a  solemn 
Letter  of  Rebuke  and  Advice  unto  him. 

19.  G.  D.  A  very  poor  old  man  in  my  Flock,  must  be 
instructed  and  comforted  with  singular  Assistences. 

*  20.  G.  D.  By  reading  the  Christognosia,  of  Steyg- 
man,^  1  propose  to  furnish  myself,  with  Stores  for  Thoughts 
on  the  Glory  of  my  SAVIOUR,  which  are  the  very  Life  of 
my  Life,  and  must  be  the  Salt  of  my  Ministry.  And  by 
reading  what  he  writes,  De  vera  Christianismo,  I  propose  to 
brighten  and  strengthen  my  Sentiments  on  a  Subject  which 
I  have  already  done  something  to  cultivate. 

21.  G.  D.  With  my  Collegue,  lett  me  concert  a  List, 
of  such  as  we  may  apprehend  qualified  for  our  Communion, 
and  then  with  private  and  proper  Applications  unto  them, 
call  upon  them  to  do  their  Duty  in  the  Matter. 

22.  G.  D.  I  am  informed,  that  my  Son,  Samuel,  in 
the  Journey  to  New-haven  from  which  he  is  not  yett  returned, 
has  had  the  uncommon  Respects  of  the  Degree  of  M.  A. 

*  Joshua  Stegmannus,  Studii  Pielatis  Icon,  sive  Christognosia,  1630. 


SEPTEMBER,    1724  763 

conferred  on  him,  at  the  Commencement  there.  If  it  be 
true,  he  is  distinguished,  by  being  a  graduated  Mr.  of  Arts, 
while  he  is  yett  short  of  eighteen  years  of  Age.  He  also 
meets  with  much  Esteem  as  a  Preacher  at  these  early  Years. 
On  these  Accounts,  I  must  mightily  inculcate  on  him,  the 
Maxims  of  Piety,  of  Industry,  of  the  profoundest  Humility, 
that  he  may  express  a  due  Gratitude  unto  the  glorious  Lord 
who  so  remarkably  smiles  upon  him ;  and  a  Conduct  so 
full  of  Wisdome,  that  he  may  not  make  them  ashamed  who 
have  promoted  him,  and  that  he  may  not  fail  the  just 
Expectation  of  the  World  concerning  him. 

23.  G.  D.  The  Children,  which  are  this  day  to  attend 
the  Catechising,  are  unto  me  as  my  Relatives.  Besides 
my  other  Contrivances  to  come  at  their  young  Souls,  I 
would  this  day  preach  as  pungent  things  as  I  can  to  them, 
on  the  Children  of  Bethel. 

24.  G.  D.  Being  well-assured,  that  the  M.  CC.  LX 
years  for  the  Man  of  Sin,  are  up,  I  am  sure,  our  High- 
Church  must  go  down ;  and  I  will  take  the  Occasion  from 
hence  to  animate  as  many  Testimonies  as  I  can,  against  its 
vile  Idolatries  and  Superstitions.^ 

25.  G.  D.  The  Interview  of  the  Ministers  on  this 
Island,  for  a  profitable  Conversation,  being  established,  there 
shall  a  proper  Number  of  Ministers  from  the  Neighbourhood 
be  invited  into  it. 

This  Day,  I  sett  apart  for  Supplications  on  the  same  Occasions 
and  with  the  same  Exercises,  that  I  had  a  Month  ago. 

But  with  a  special  Regard  unto  the  sad  Case  of  my  Son  Increase; 
that  I  may  have  Light  arise  in  Darkness  to  me  under  it ;  and  that  I 
may  after  a  suitable  Manner  make  the  Sacrifice  which  I  am  call'd 
unto ;  and  that  the  Discourses  which  it  has  awakened  me  to  praepare 
for  the  Pubhc  may  be  pubhshed  and  prospered. 

A  Blessing  on  my  Son  Samuel  in  his  Journey  homewards,  was  also 
a  Petition  of  Importance  with  me. 

The  Publication  of  several  Composures,  which  have  long  been 
'  See  p.  80s,  infra. 


764         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

waiting  for  it,  was  a  Matter  which  I  now  also  importunately  carried 
unto  the  Lord. 

26.  G.  D.  A  poor  Woman  perishing  under  a  Cancer, 
I  must  make  a  singular  Object  of  my  Compassions. 

*  27.  G.  D.  The  sudden  Death  of  my  intimate  and 
honoured  Friend,  the  excellent  Govemour  Saltonstal,  on  this 
Day  Se'nnight,  who  was  a  few  years  younger  than  myself, 
—  how  much  must  it  awaken  me  to  be  always  ready,  and  as 
fast  as  I  can,  do  with  my  Might  what  my  Hand  finds  to  do, 
and  what  I  would  wush  to  have  done  before  I  dy! 

O  my  God,  and  SAVIOUR,  quicken  me,  assist  me,  and 
lett  an  easy  Death,  (Oh!  for  an  easy  as  well  as  an  happy 
Death!)  conclude  my  Labours  and  my  Sorrows! 

28.  G.  D.  To  entertain  the  Flock,  with  a  Sermon  on 
the  Golden  Candlestick! 

This  Day,  the  Church  meets,  partly  to  employ  the 
Golden  Snuffers  of  the  Sanctuary  in  the  Discipline  due 
to  an  Offender ;  charged  with  lewd  Attempt  of  Adulteries 
on  several  Persons.  The  Lord  help  me,  to  make  this  an 
Occasion  of  speaking  such  Things,  as  may  cause  all  the 
People  to  fear  GOD  and  receive  Instruction. ^ 

29.  G.  D.  On  the  Death  of  my  Son  Increase,  my  first 
Care  is,  to  make  my  dreadful  Sacrifice  after  a  suitable 
Manner. 

But  then,  I  would  contrive  as  exquisite  Ways  as  I  can, 

*  "A  copy  of  two  Votes  drawn  up  by  the  Reverend  Dr.  Mather,  at  a  Church 
Meeting  28  d.  7  m. 

"The  Church,  from  what  they  have  heard,  apprehend  it  their  Duty  unto 
Mr.  N.  Wheeler,  who  stands  accused  of  lewd  and  very  scandalous  Behaviors  toward 
several  Women ;  and  a  Duty  owing  to  the  Honor  of  our  holy  Profession  and  Com- 
munion, that  he  should  stand  suspended  from  our  Fellowship  at  the  Table  of  the 
Lord,  until  he  arrive  to  us  with  such  Testimonies  of  an  humbler  watchful,  and 
exemplary  Carriage,  and  such  Expressions  of  a  true  Poenitent  as  may  be  for  our 
more  general  Satisfaction. 

"Voted,  that  the  Church's  Treasury  pay  the  rent  of  the  House  in  which  our 
Pastor  the  Rev.  Mr.  Joshua  Gee  resides;  and  also  advance  the  Sum  of  twenty 
Pounds  for  the  Fuel  of  his  Family  for  the  Year  current  and  annually,  till  'tis 
otherwise  ordered."    MS.  Records  of  the  Second  Church,  iii. 


SEPTEMBER,     1724  765 

that  at  and  by  his  Death,  a  poor  Child,  who  did  no  good 
in  his  Life,  may  do  good  in  the  World :  that  the  Child  may 
be  an  Instrument  of  good  after  he  is  dead.  I  think,  I  have 
contrived  a  Way  for  it,  which  may  anon  be  mentioned. 

30.  G.  D.  My  excellent  Sister,  Mrs.  R.  B.  is  fallen 
into  such  an  Extremity  of  AlBiction  by  a  foolish  Son,  who 
has  wasted  her,  that  she  is  in  extreme  Danger  of  being 
hurried  into  the  Grave.  I  am  under  the  greatest  Obliga- 
tions of  doing  all  that  I  can,  to  assist  and  comfort  her. 

(V.)  A  godly  Woman  having  been  carried  thro'  many 
Afflictions,  thought  herself  bound  in  Duty,  to  invite  her 
Friends  unto  a  Consort" with  her  in  the  Praises  of  GOD  her 
SAVIOUR:  and  having  had  a  more  particular  Experience 
of  the  Truth  in  that  Word,  Psal.  cxix.  92,  Unless  thy  Law 
had  been  my  Delights,  then  had  I  perished  in  my  Affliction, 
she  desired  me  to  furnish  her  with  a  Discourse  upon  it.  I 
did  so,  and  she  published  it.  It  is  entituled.  The  Nightin- 
gale. An  Essay  of  Songs  among  Thorns,  or  The  Supports 
and  Comforts  of  the  Afflicted  Beleever.^ 

October,  i.  G.  D.  It  may  be  a  Service  unto  the 
Public,  for  me  to  bestow  a  funeral  Sermon  on  my  honourable 
Friend,  Governour  Saltonstal;  and  give  him  his  deserved 
Character. 

I  do  it  this  Day  in  the  Lecture. 

2.  G,  D.    And  I  send  it  unto  New-London. 

3.  G.  D.  A  young  Gentleman,  bound  for  Europe; 
Fortify  him  against  his  Temptations. 

*  4.  G.  D.  Ever  now  and  then,  when  I  am  conversing 
with  Heaven  in  Supplications,  I  have  a  Thought  struck  in 
my  Mind,  which  I  never  had  before,  and  which  I  know  not 
that  any  other  Man  has  had  before ; 

A  Thought  full  of  Light  and  Warmth,  and  of  an  heart-melting 
Efficacy.    Tis  my  Infelicity,  that  I  have  not  had  the  Time  or  Strength 
to  write  so  many  of  them,  as  I  should  have  done. 
1  Printed  by  B.  Green,  1724. 


766         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

But  because  it  is  now  the  Lord's-day  with  me,  I  will  enter  a 
Thought  of  Piety,  by  which  the  Sanctification  of  the  Day,  may  be 
more  than  a  little  animated.  This  is  the  Day,  which  the  Lord  has 
made  considerable  by  His  Resurrection  from  the  Dead  upon  it.  His 
Resurrection  from  the  Dead,  was  his  Acquittance  from  the  Debt  of 
Punishment  which  we  ow'd,  (for  on  His  own  Account  He  ow'd  none) 
unto  the  Justice  of  GOD.  Accordingly,  when  we  sanctify  this  Day, 
and  celebrate  it,  as  we  ought  to  do,  we  not  only  putt  in  our  Claim  to 
a  share  in  that  Acquittance,  but  also  have  an  Assurance  of  it.  When 
we  conscienciously  and  reUgiously  Sabbatize,  we  may  be  assured  of 
it,  that  we  have  a  Share  in  that  Justification  which  our  SAVIOUR 
and  Surety  rising  from  the  Dead,  received  on  the  behalf  of  His 
chosen  People.  God  says  to  the  careful  Sabbatizer ;  Be  of  good  Com- 
fort, thy  Sins  are  forgiven  thee. 

Oh !  That  this  Joy  of  the  Lord  may  be  my  Strength,  in  sabba- 
tizing  to  Him ! 

5.  G.  D.  Some  things,  to  be  done  with  relation  to 
the  Seats,  in  the  Meeting-house. 

6.  G.  D.  My  Son  Samuel,  having  found  so  much 
Acceptance  of  his  Performances  in  the  Neighbourhood,  it 
WiW.  be  expected,  that  he  should  be  exhibited  unto  his 
Grandfather's  and  Father's  Church  in  the  Neighbourhood. 
I  advise  him  therefore  to  prepare  a  Sermon,  on  Exod.  xv.  2. 
My  Father^ s  God,  I  will  exalt  him. 

7.  G.  D.  I  have  two  Nephews  both  which  are  now  so 
struck  with  a  Consumption,  that  their  Lives  are  to  be  de- 
spaired of.  I  am  to  treat  them  accordingly,  and  assist  their 
preparations. 

8.  G.  D.  I  am  now  making  Remittances  to  the  Royal  So- 
ciety, which,  I  hope,  will  be  not  an  unuseful  Entertainment. 

9.  G.  D.  I  am  also  making  fresh  Instances  to  forward 
the  Design  of  collecting  and  compacting  the  Lives  and 
Characters  of  pious  Puritans. 

10.  G.  D.  A  godly  Woman  of  my  Neighbourhood, 
under  the  Torments  of  a  wicked  and  froward  Husband,  and 
bereaved  of  a  Daughter  that  was  a  great  Comfort  unto  her, 
what  shall  I  do  for  her  Support  in  her  Affliction? 


OCTOBER,     1724  767 

A  Man  and  his  wife  in  my  Neighbourhood,  living  in 
much  sinful  Discord,  I  heal  their  Contentions. 

*  II.  G.  D.  Another  of  the  many  Things  darted 
into  my  Mind,  when  I  am  addressing  Heaven  with  my 
Supplications,  is  this :  the  meritorious  Obedience  of  my 
SAVIOUR  to  the  Law  of  the  glorious  GOD,  had  a  Voice 
in  it.  The  Sufferings  of  my  SAVIOUR  were  Petitions  to 
Him  for  such  Favours  of  Heaven  to  be  bestow'd  upon  us, 
as  they  purchased.  The  Wounds  of  my  dying  SAVIOUR, 
did  as  opened  Mouths,  petition  for  such  Blessings  to  us, 
as  the  Blood  which  issued  from  them,  was  the  Payment 
of  a  Price  for.  When  therefore  I  pour  out  my  Prayers  to 
the  Glorious  God,  they  are  in  Conjunction  with  the  Suppli- 
cations, which  there  were  in  the  Sacrifice  of  my  SAVIOUR : 
they  do  but  utter  the  Language  of  the  Sacrifice.  With 
what  Faith,  what  Hope,  what  Joy  may  my  Prayers  be 
animated  from  this  Consideration! 

12.  G.  D.  The  last  Week  there  died  in  this  Neighbour- 
hood a  Damsel,  about  sixteen  years  old,^  who  in  the  last 
Days  of  her  pious  Life,  expired  with  marvellous  Triumphs 
over  Death,  and  such  uncommon  and  heavenly  ^Expressions, 
that  I  thought  it  might  be  a  Part  of  my  pastoral  Watch- 
fulness, to  entertain  the  Flock,  and  particularly  the  young 
ones  of  it,  with  a  Relation  of  them. 

13.  G.  D.  Some  further  Projections,  for  dear  Nancys 
Welfare. 

14.  G.  D.    And  my  dying  Kinsman  at  Roxbury. 

15.  G.  D.  I  purpose,  if  I  can,  to  draw  a  number  of 
our  Ministers,  into  a  Combination,  to  erect  and  revive  a 
Society  for  the  Suppression  of  Disorders;  which  may  go  on 
upon  such  a  Plan,  as  in  this  Town  such  a  Society  formerly 
went  upon;   and  a  World  of  Good  was  accomplished. 

16.  G.  D.  A  Council  to  meet  in  this  Place,  and  at 
my  House,  upon  the  distressed  Case  of  Portsmouth. 

^  Mrs.  Rebecca  Burnel. 


768         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

17.  G.  D.  A  gracious  Widow  in  this  Neighbourhood, 
fallen  into  great  Affliction  by  the  Death  of  her  only  Son, 

*  18.  G.  D.  Much  edified  in  Reading  of  Gerhard's 
Meditationes  Sacrae,  one  of  them,  the  last  thing,  before  I 
go  to  Rest. 

19.  G.  D.  Some  in  the  Flock,  under  grievous  Exer- 
cises, To  be  accommodated  with  a  Discourse  on  being 
chosen  in  the  Furnace  of  Affliction. 

20.  G.  D.  What  shall  I  do,  that  my  Carriage  towards 
my  Consort,  may  have  in  it  yett  more  Conformity  to  my 
Lovely  SAVIOUR?  I  think  of  many  Instances,  wherein 
I  will  endeavour  it  unto  the  uttermost.  Especially,  in 
Compassion  to  her  with  regard  unto  the  Things  which 
threaten  her  Comfort. 

But  that  I  may  improve  to  the  highest  in  this  matter, 
I  would  pray  much  oftener  with  her,  than  I  have  done 
heretofore.  Oftener  than  in  our  monthly  Action  of  that 
Importance. 

21.  G.  D.  The  little  Damosels  of  the  Flock,  are  to  be 
treated  with  me,  as  my  Children.  This  is  the  Day  for  the 
Catechising  of  them.  I  would  this  Day  treat  them  with 
a  Discourse  on  Ps.  lxiii.  i.  Thou  art  my  GOD,  Early  will 
I  seek  thee. 

22.  G.  D.  The  Revival  of  the  horrible  Persecution 
in  France,  revives  in  me,  an  Enquiry,  whether  I  may  not 
resume  the  Essay,  which  I  made  three  years  ago,  to  send 
into  France,  an  Instrument  in  the  French  Tongue,  that  is 
calculated  for  the  awakening  of  the  People  there,  to  reform 
their  Impieties,  or  to  expect  the  tremendous  Judgments  of 
GOD.^  I  sent  it  into  Hollatid,  and  have  had  no  Account 
concerning  it.  I  am  inclinable  to  be  at  the  Expence  of 
printing  it  here,  and  so  sending  it  into  France,  as  many 
ways  as  I  can.     Direct  me,  O  my  SAVIOUR! 

23.  G.  D.    The  unhappy  State   of  Religion  at  Rhode- 

•  Unc  Grande  Voix  du  Ciel. 


OCTOBER,     1724  769 

Island,  calls  for  some  Consideration,  and  the  Minister  there 
is  to  be  putt  upon  the  doing  of  his  Duty. 

Something  to  be  done  relating  to  Canterbury.^ 

This  Day  I  sett  apart  for  Supplications,  with  the  same  Exercises 
and  on  the  same  Occasions,  which  employ'd  me  a  Month  ago. 

Unto  which  there  were  now  some  others  added. 

Especially,  that  the  glorious  Lord  would  pour  out  His  Holy 
SPIRIT  on  my  Son  Samuel,  and  assist  him  and  accept  him,  to  serve 
His  Kingdome,  and  be  particularly  with  him  on  the  Lord's-Day 
approaching,  when  he  is  to  stand  in  his  Grandfather's  Pulpitt,  and 
Minister  before  the  Lord. 

And  that  I  may  enjoy  a  glorious  Presence  of  the  Holy  One  with 
me,  in  a  great  Council  of  Churches,  which  is  to  meet  at  my  House 
the  next  Week,  that  they  may  consider  the  Condition  of  Ipswyche 
and  Portsmouth;  and  see  a  good  Issue  of  the  important  affair. 

24.  G.  D.  Good  Offices  to  be  done  for  oppressed  and 
afflicted  Slaves.  These  have  often  occurr'd,  without  my 
making  in  these  Records  any  Mention  of  them.  ' 

*25.  G.  D.  Oh!  If  I  had  an  holy  Heart,  how  much 
might  I  live  in  Heaven,  while  I  am  on  Earth.  Yesterday, 
to  the  seven  stated  Prayers  of  the  Day,  there  were  added, 
a  Prayer  with  my  Widow-sisters  in  the  Evening ;  a  Prayer 
with  a  gracious  widow  under  Darkness ;  a  Prayer  with 
my  Consort  praeparatory  to  the  Communion ;  which  raises 
them  to  the  Number  ten.  How  many  ejaculatory  Prayers 
passed  in  the  Day,  cannot  be  numbred. 

Now,  that  I  may  be  more  Heavenly  in  and  by  these 
Exercises  of  PIETY,  I  propose  often  to  prseface  them  with 
such  Thoughts  as  these ;  /  am  now  making  a  Visit  unto 
the  Heavenly  World!  I  am  going,  where  my  SAVIOUR  is 
making  a  continual  Intercession  for  me.  I  am  going,  where  I 
hope  ere  long  to  he  received  into  everlasting  Habitations. 

This  Day,  my  Son  Samuel,  (while  yett  short  of  eighteen) 
appeared  in  the  Pulpit  where  his  Father  and  Grandfather 

1  Samuel  Estabrook  was  the  minister  at  Canterbury,  Connecticut,  where 
he  remained  until  dismissed  in  June,  1727. 
11-49 


770         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

before  him,  have  served  our  Glorious  Lord ;  and  preached 
on  Exod.  XV,  2.  He  is  my  Father^ s  God  atid  I  will  exalt 
Him. 

26.  G.  D.  On  the  special  Presence  of  our  Glorious 
Lord,  in  the  Midst  of  His  Churches,  I  entertain  the  Flock 
with  such  things  as,  I  hope,  He  will  make  awful  and  useful 
to  them. 

27.  G.  D.  Oh!  when,  when,  will  my  two  Daughters 
exalt  the  GOD  of  their  Father,  by  laying  hold  on  His  Cove- 
nant, and  confirming  it  in  the  Communion  of  His  People, 
at  the  Table  of  the  Lord! 

I  must  not  leave  my  Instigations,  till  it  be  accom- 
plished. 

This  Day,  the  Delagates  of  ten  Churches,  mett  in  a 
Council,  at  the  Place  of  my  present  Habitation.  My 
spacious  Hall,  was  handsomely  filled  with  a  venerable 
Appearance.  The  Occasion  was,  the  Desire  of  the  Church 
at  Portsmouth,  to  obtain  a  Translation  of  one  of  the  Pastors 
in  the  Church  at  Ipswyche,  to  them.^  They  placed  me  in 
the  Moderator's  Chair.  And  my  Glorious  Lord,  imto 
whom  I  had  look'd  up  with  much  of  Agony  for  His  Assist- 
ence,  enabled  me,  to  manage  the  affair  in  my  hands,  after 
such  a  Manner,  that  they  who  were  present,  apprehended, 
that  we  had  an  uncommon  and  very  special  Presence  of 
our  Lord  with  us.  The  Result  of  the  Council  is  in  other 
Papers.    They  adjourned  for  three  Weeks. 

28.  G.  D.  Lord,  what  shall  I  do,  for  my  two  Nephews, 
whose  Life  drawes  near  to  the  Grave,  —  that  [unfinished], 

(VL)  29.  G.  D.  It  may  be  for  the  Service  of  Piety 
among  very  many  People,  especially  our  young  ones;  to 
allow  the  Publication  of  a  Discourse,  which  is  now  in  the 
Press ;  entituled. 

Light  in  Darkness  :   An  Essay  on  the  PIETY,  which 

'  See  p.  734,  supra.     The  council  considered  Fitch's  acceptance  of  the  call 
tx)  Portsmouth. 


OCTOBER,     1724  771 

by  Rememhring  the  Many  Days  of  Darkness,  will  change 
them  into  a  Marvellous  Light.  With  a  notable  Exemple  of 
it,  in  a  young  Person,  in  the  Seventeenth  year  of  her  Age  meet- 
ing her  Death  with  uncommon  Triumphs  over  it.^ 

30.  G.  D.  My  best  Instructions  and  Assistances,  to 
a  young  Minister,  bound  for  the  Service  of  the  Gospel, 
at  Cohanzy.^ 

31.  G.  D.  A  godly  Woman  in  my  Neighbourhood, 
mourning  under  the  Death  of  what  was  most  of  all  desire- 
able  to  her,  in  her  Children ;  and  vexed  with  a  very  wicked, 
and  froward  Husband. 

(VII.)  Preaching  lately  a  Sermon  on,  Job.  iii.  25. 
one  of  the  Hearers  came  to  me,  for  a  Copy  of  it.  It  was 
a  Sermon  which  the  Death  of  my  Son  Increase  led  me  to. 
Tis  pubhshed  under  this  Title.  Tela  pr^visa.  A  short 
Essay  on  Troubles  to  be  looked  for.  A  Wise  Expectation  of 
and  Preparation  for  Troublesome  Changes,  recommended  unto 
the  Strangers  aiui  Pilgrims  in  this  present  Evil  World. ^ 

(VIII.)  Moreover,  That  I  might  serve  several  good 
Purposes,  I  sent  my  Funeral-Sermon  on  Governour  Salton- 
stal,  to  his  Widow  at  New-London,  who  immediately  pub- 
lished it.  This  is  the  Title.  Decus  ac  Tutamen.  A 
brief  Essay  on  the  Blessings  enjoyed  by  a  People  that  have  Men 
of  a  Right  Character  shining  among  them.  Offered  in  Com- 
memoration of  that  Good  and  Great  Man,  the  Honourable 
GURDON  SALTONSTAL  Esqr,  Late  Governour  of  Con- 
necticot-Colony,  New  England.^ 

November.  *  i.  G.  D.  I  find  my  Dispositions  to  find 
all  my  Dehghts  and  all  my  Riches,  and  all  my  Honours,  in 
a  glorious  CHRIST,  grow  exceedingly. 

It  is  a  marvellous  Consolation  and  Encouragement  unto 

*  Printed  by  S.  Kneeland  for  Nathaniel  Belknap,  1724.  It  was  preached  on 
Mrs.  Rebecca  Burnel. 

'  Salem  county,  New  Jersey. 

^Printed  by  B.  Green  for  Thomas  Hancock,  1724. 

*  Printed  by  T.  Green,  1724. 


772         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

me,  in  my  Supplications,  to  think,  that  there  was  a  Voice 
in  all  those  Acts  of  Obedience,  which  my  SAVIOUR  paid 
imto  the  divine  Law,  and  more  particularly  a  Voice  went 
from  the  Wounds  of  my  suffering  SAVIOUR,  as  with  open 
Mouth  demanding  the  Blessings  of  Goodness  for  His  Peo- 
ple ;  and  all  my  prayers  to  the  glorious  GOD,  are  nothing 
but  the  Repetition  of  that  Voice ;  and  so  they  reach  to 
Heaven  with  a  marvellous  Concomitance  and  EflEicacy. 

2.  G.  D.  I  take  in  hand  the  Word  of  GOD  as  a  mighty 
Hammer  which  breaks  the  Rock  to  Peeces,  (preaching  on  the 
Text  that  calls  it  so)  and  then,  I  particularly  single  out 
the  several  Sorts  of  Transgressors  which  the  Hammer  is 
more  especially  to  be  employ'd  upon ;  and  I  give  adapted 
Strokes  of  the  Hammer  upon  them.  Oh!  may  they  be 
effectual ! 

3.  G.  D.  I  putt  my  Son  Samuel  upon  two  Things. 
The  one  is,  a  more  exact  Method  and  Order  for  his  daily 
Studies. 

The  other  is,  A  more  particular  Concern  in  him  to  do  all 
possible  Good  unto  his  two  Sisters. 

And  yett  more  particularly  for  Nancy,  to  supply  her 
with  such  Things  as  it  may  be  most  proper  and  useful  for 
her  to  read  ;  and  also  what  her  Pen  may  be  employed  upon. 

4.  G.  D.  A  Kinsman  come  to  sojourn  and  study  in 
Boston,  is  to  have  my  best  Assistences  given  to  him. 

5.  G.  D.  This  Day  being  a  public  Thanksgiving,  thro 
the  Province,  I  thought  it  might  be  a  Service  to  enter- 
tain the  People  of  GOD,  with  a  Discourse  on  the  devout 
Methods  to  be  used,  in  keeping  a  Day  of  Thanksgiving, 
which  all  the  Churches  in  the  World,  but  ours,  (and  ours 
now  too  much)  are  Strangers  to. 

The  Lord  graciously  assisted  me  in  the  public  and  private 
Services  of  the  Day,  and  help'd  to  the  Attainments  and 
Enjoyments,  of  a  Sabbath  filled  with  His  Praises. 

6.  G.  D.    I  must  furnish  the  Deputies  which  our  Coun- 


NOVEMBER,     1724  773 

cil  sends  unto  Ipswyche,  with  Matters  to  manage  the  Cause, 
which  we  send  them  upon. 

7.  G.  D.  A  young  Man,  whom  his  Uncle,  a  worthy 
Minister  in  London,  recommends  to  me. 

8.  G.  D.  I  find  the  reading  of  Mr  Cole's  Discourses, 
to  be  serviceable  to  me ;  in  several  Hints  I  take  from  them, 
to  nourish  and  quicken,  the  Spirit  of  the  Gospel  in  me ;  and 
PIETY  upon  evangelical  Principles. 

9.  G.  D.  I  propose  to  entertain  the  Flock,  with,  first, 
the  free  Offer,  which  our  SAVIOUR  makes  of  the  Water 
of  Life  to  us ;  and  show  [how]  our  Faith  is  to  receive  the 
Offer.  And  then,  (if  I  may  be  spared  so  long,)  to  entertain 
them  with  the  apostolical  Catalogue  of  Graces,  to  be  added 
unto  Faith. 

10.  G.  D.  Liza,  is  in  circumstances,  which  I  may  lay 
hold  on,  as  an  Occasion  for  me  to  press  upon  her  the  Attain- 
ments of  the  most  serious  Piety. ^ 

18.  G.  D.  I  visit  my  dying  Kinsman  at  Roxbury,  and 
assist  him  all  I  can,  to  praepare  for  what  is  before  him ; 
And  I  also  carry  to  him  some  temporal  Releefs,  under  his 
domestic  Difficulties. 

19.  G.  D.  I  entertain  the  Public  this  Day,  (the  General 
Assembly  sitting)  with  some  faithful  Instructions,  how  we 
may  come  to  have  the  Face  of  GOD  in  His  CHRIST  so 
shining  upon  us,  as  to  save  us. 

20.  G.  D.     My  Letters  to  Ipswyche  and  Portsmouth. 

This  Day  I  sett  apart  for  Supplications,  as  I  use  to  do. 

Little  that  is  new,  occurred  for,  and,  in  the  Day.  I  earnestly 
declared  unto  the  Lord,  that  I  ask'd  no  Blessings  from  Him,  which 
it  was  lawful  for  me,  to  be  willing  to  have  denied  unto  me,  but  I 
praeferred  an  Heart  willing  to  sacrifice  those  Blessings,  before  them 
all.  Such  a  sacrificing  Heart  was  what  I  now  chiefly  insisted  on ; 
and  I  declared  with  the  greatest  Alacrity,  that  a  Soul  full  of  a  CHRIST, 
and  sensible  of  a  CHRIST  concerned  for  me,  and  quickening  of  me, 
should  satisfy  all  my  Desires :  I  would  ask  for  no  more. 
*  A  leaf  has  been  torn  from  the  record. 


774         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

I  also  besought  of  the  Lord,  that  if  I  asked  for  anything,  which 
He  saw  would  not  be  for  His  Glory  and  Service,  He  would  not  grant 
the  Petition  I  asked  of  Him. 

I  then  particularly  pray'd  for  a  Smile  of  GOD,  upon  my  Attempts 
to  publish  and  scatter  my  Essay  to  convey  His  great  Voice  unto 
France.  And  upon  my  Essay  to  instruct  the  Candidates  of  the  Min- 
istry, which  I  design  speedily  to  return  unto. 

And  that  He  would  smile  on  what  I  have  to  do  the  next  Week, 
in  an  Ordination  at  Medford. 

By  a  marvellous  Operation  of  the  divine  Providence,  all  things 
are  come  to  Rights  in  my  unhappy  Family. 

*2i.  G.  D.  An  abominable  Fellow  in  my  Neighbour- 
hood abuses  his  godly,  humble,  patient  Wife,  intolerably. 
Every  body  dreads  the  Consequences.  This  Day  I  write 
as  well-contrived  a  Letter  as  I  can  unto  him. 

22.  G.  D.  The  Corporation  of  our  miserable  CoUedge 
do  again  (upon  a  fresh  Opportunity)  treat  me  with  their 
accustomed  Indignity  and  Malignity.^  But,  Oh!  may  I 
take  Pleasure  in  the  Opportunity,  which  I  have  to  glorify 
my  GOD  and  SAVIOUR,  with  a  Disposition  which  He  may 
with  Delight  look  down  upon ! 

First ;  I  am  entirely  Satisfied  in  the  Allowance  which 
my  sovereign,  wise,  just  and  good  LORD  grants  me,  of 
Opportunities  to  do  good  in  the  World.  I  am  content, 
that  they  should  be  all  at  His  Disposal ;  and  thankful  that 
I  have  what  He  has  indulged  unto  me. 

Secondly ;  I  look  unto  Him,  for  His  Help,  to  govern 
my  Resentments  of  Affronts,  that  may  be  ofi'ered  unto  me ; 
and  bear  them  with  a  Prudence,  and  Patience,  and  Silence, 
that  may  adorn  the  Doctrine  of  GOD  my  SAVIOUR. 

Thirdly :  I  rejoice,  I  rejoice,  I  feel  a  secret  Joy  in  it, 
that  I  am  thus  conformed  unto  Him  who  was  despised  and 
rejected  of  Men,  and  the  Stone  which  the  Builders  refused. 
That  I  may  demonstrate  this  Joy,  I  would  utterly  forbear 

*  Rev.  Benjamin  Colman  was  chosen  to  be  President  of  the  College,  November 
i8,  1724,  but  declined  the  office,  and  Benjamin  Wadsworth  entered  upon  the 
duties  of  President  July  7,  1725. 


NOVEMBER,     1724  775 

taking  any  Step  (as  I  easily  could  many)  to  throw  Confu- 
sion upon  the  Men,  who  would  make  me  low  in  the  Eyes 
of  all  the  Countrey.  A  Man  in  black,  may  deride  these 
Things,  under  the  Name  of,  my  Extasies,  but,  I  bless  GOD, 
I  know  the  Meaning  of  them. 

On  this  Lord's-day,  I  found  myself  much  indisposed. 
And  returning  home  from  the  public  Services  of  the  Fore- 
noon (to  which  I  was  graciously  assisted,)  I  had  so  much 
of  a  Fever  siezing  on  me,  as  confined  me  from  going  abroad 
any  more.  I  had  three  Maladies  now  to  conflict  withal. 
A  Cough  which  proved  a  grievous  Breast-beater ;  an  Asthma 
which  often  almost  suffocated  me ;  and  a  Fever,  which  held 
me  every  Afternoon.  In  the  Time  of  this  Confinement,  the 
glorious  Lord  enabled  me,  to  study  how  I  might  approve 
myself  a  Spectacle  which  Heaven  might  with  Delight  look 
down  upon ;  especially,  with  a  patient  and  submissive 
Resignation  to  His  Will,  in  my  uneasy  Circumstances ;  and 
with  a  continual  Struggle  to  have  such  Thoughts  formed 
in  my  Mind,  as  might  be  fitt  for  a  Temple  of  GOD  :  Par- 
ticularly, I  imposed  it  as  a  Rule  for  me,  that  whenever  any 
Fitt  of  my  tedious  and  irksome  Coughing  should  come  upon 
me,  I  would  strive  to  have  some  new  Thoughts  of  the 
blessed  JESUS  raised  in  me.  And  I  was  gloriously  supported 
by  the  Comforter  who  releeved  my  Soul,  and  caused  me 
to  triumph  over  the  Fear  of  Death,  and  enabled  me  to  sing 
the  Songs  of  the  Lord  in  a  strange  Land,  and  entertain  my 
Visitors  with  such  Flights  to  the  Heavenly  World,  and  Views 
of  it,  and  News  from  it,  as,  I  hope,  honoured  Him,  and  had 
a  great  Impression  upon  them. 

After  five  Weeks,  of  Confinement,  the  God  of  my  Life 
returns  me  to  my  Study,  and  to  a  Prospect  of  serving  Him 
again  in  the  Public  Sacrifices. 

It  was  a  comfortable  Circumstance,  that  my  own  Son 
was  one  of  those,  who  supplied  the  Pulpitt  for  me. 

The  Month  of  December  passed  along  as  a  Month  of  Vanity. 


776         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

And  yett  in  this  Month,  I  read  over  several  considerable 
Books,  yea,  went  thro'  much  of  some  Folio^s,  which  made 
some  Addition  to  the  little  Stock  of  Erudition,  with  which 
I  would  be  somewhat  qualified  for  the  doing  of  some  good 
Work  about  the  House  of  my  GOD. 

In  this  Time  also,  I  gott  into  the  Press,  (and  corrected 
^the  Press-work  of  it)  an  Essay  in  the  French  Tongue, 
which  I  had  praepared  before  my  falling  Sick. 

(IX.)  I  have  a  strong  Apprehension,  that  France  is 
very  near  a  mighty  and  a  wondrous  Revolution ;  and  that 
it  is  not  easy  to  do  a  greater  Service  for  the  Kingdome  of 
God,  than  to  sett  before  the  French  Nation,  the  horrible 
Wickedness  of  that  cruel  and  matchless  Persecution,  with 
which  they  have  exposed  themselves  to  the  tremendous 
Vengeance  of  GOD ;  and  therewithal  to  instruct  them  in 
the  only  Terms,  which  the  Friends  of  a  Reformation  must 
unite  upon,  and  exhibit  unto  them  an  incontestible  System 
of  pure  attd  undefiled  Religion,  and  a  scriptural  Fulmina- 
tion  upon  the  Corruptions  of  Religion  with  which  the  Man 
of  Sin  intoxicates  them.  The  glorious  Lord  has  helped  me 
to  do  this,  in  an  Essay  which  I  putt  myself  unto  the  Expence 
of  Publishing;  under  the  Title  of,  Une  Grande  Voix  du 
CiEL  A  LA  France.  And  I  apply  myself  immediately  to 
Methods  of  getting  it  convey'd  into  France;  which  I  have 
already  a  various  Prospect  of. 

(X.)  Moreover,  being  sollicitious  that  the  grievous 
Calamity  befalling  me  in  the  Death  of  my  poor  Son  Increase, 
may  yeeld  some  Revenues  of  Service  to  the  Kingdome  of 
GOD  ;  and  that  the  Child,  who  did  so  little  Good,  but  much 
ill,  in  all  the  Days  of  his  Life,  may  do  some  good  at  his 
Death ;  I  took  the  Sermon  I  preached  on  that  Occasion,  add- 
ing to  it  another  that  is  agreeable ;  and  with  a  considerable 
Expence  enabled  the  Bookseller  to  publish  them.  While  it 
was,  in  the  Press  (which  also  was  in  this  Month)  a  strange 
Hand  of  Providence  made  such  an  Accession  from  others, 


DECEMBER,     1724  777 

to  my  own  Disbursements,  that  I  could  add  a  third  Sermon, 
to  the  Book,  wherein  I  may  yett  more  notably  serve  the 
Designs  of  Piety.  All  these  are  concluded,  with  an  In- 
strument of  a  Soul  repenting  and  returning  to  GOD  ;  which 
is  a  Copy  of  a  poenetent  and  pertinent  Writing  left  by  the 
poor  Child  on  the  Table  in  my  Study,  before  his  going  ofif. 
So  it  makes  a  bound  Book ;  whereof  the  Title  is ;  Tiie 
Words  of  Understanding.  Three  Essays,  i .  The  PHILO- 
MELA, with,  the  Notes  of  Morning-Piety,  ii.  The  EPHEM- 
ERON,  or.  Tears  dropt  on  Dust  and  Ashes,  iii.  JONAH, 
or,  The  Dove  in  Safety.  Occasioned  by  some  Early  Deaths 
which  require  such  Notice  to  he  taken  of  theni.^ 

About  this  Time,  a  new  Matter  of  Distress  comes  upon 
me.     Lord,  what  Sacrifices  dost  thou  call  me  to! 

My  Son,  my  only  Son,  Samuel,  whom  I  have  at  home 
with  me,  in  a  Conversation  and  a  Cultivation,  that  affords 
me  the  greatest  Consolations  among  the  Creaturulce  Conso- 
latiumculcB,  which  I  am  releeved  withal,  is  earnestly  sett 
upon  a  Voyage  to  England,  and  there  is  a  Coincidence  of 
many  Circumstances,  to  accelerate  the  Execution  of  his 
Purposes,  which  I  was  in  hopes  to  have  delay'd  another 
Year.  The  Expences  of  his  Voyage,  he  thinks,  are  won- 
drously  provided  for.  His  Uncle  (his  Mother's  Brother,) 
accommodates  him  with  a  good  and  great  and  strong  Ship, 
and  what  Money  he  has  Occasion  for ;  and  he  has  also  an 
Interest  of  his  own  to  support  him.  He  proposes  to  im- 
prove in  his  Accomplishments  for  Service ;  but  much  more, 
to  do  considerable  Service  for  the  Church  of  GOD,  by 
bringing  forth  such  Things  as  with  the  Help  of  Heaven  I 
have  prepared  for  it.  If  I  cross  his  Inclinations,  I  know 
not  what  grievous  Temptations  I  may  throw  him  into.  He 
has  a  strange  Perswasion,  that  he  shall  be  prospered :  and 
his  Friends  generally  agree  to  encourage  him.  Full  of 
Distress,  I  cast  my  Burden  on  the  Lord.     If  this  Child, 

'  Printed  by  S.  Kneeland  for  J.  Edwards,  1724. 


778         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

must  after  his  two  Brothers,  be  buried  in  the  Atlantic  Ocean, 
/  sacrifice  him,  0  my  GOD  and  SAVIOUR,  I  sacrifice  him  to 
thy  Holy  Pleasure!  If  I  have  a  CHRIST  left  unto  me,  I 
shall  rejoice  in  Him,  and  reckon  that  I  am  still  happy  enough, 
tho'  every  Comfort  in  this  World  be  taken  from  me. 

But  I  am  satisfied.^    The  Matter  will  Issue  well. 

January.  [1724-25.]  i.  This  is  the  first  Day  of  my 
Return  to  my  Study;  and  I  begin  the  Year,  with  such 
Recollections  and  Supplications  as  a  new  Year  should  be 
entred  withal.  ]\Iy  published  Essay  on,  A  Year  well-begun, 
has  described  them. 

G.  D.    A  fruitful  year,  beyond  any  that  ever  I  saw! 

2.  G.  D.  In  the  Time  of  my  Sickness,  I  dispensed 
Alms  to  the  Poor ;  and  especially  some  that  were  languishing 
under  Sickness. 

*  3.  Returning  to  this  evil  World,  I  seem  to  be  upon 
a  new  Song.  The  very  little  Time  that  remains  of  my 
Pilgrimage  thro'  this  evil  World,  must  be  carried  on  with 
new  Measures.  No  Time  is  to  be  lost.  I  must  be  at 
Work  for  my  Glorious  Lord  continually  and  assiduously, 
and  more  than  ever. 

I  think  to  leave  off  the  Custome  of  entring  so  largely 
the  Memorials  of,  Good  devised,  in  these  Papers ;  but  far 
from  abating  the  Number  of  the  Devices;  and  indeed  a  great 
Part  of  the  daily  Number  was  never  entred. 

But,  I  would  record  my  Improvements  in  the  Senti- 
ments and  Practices  of  Piety.  And  for  my  Purposes  to  Do 
Good,  I  would  every  Satureday  in  the  Evening,  record  very 
brief  Minutes,  of  what  I  have  thought  in  the  week,  on  the 
seven  Heads,  which  I  use  to  employ  them  on. 

Such  more  considerable  Things  also  as  befall  me  in  my 
Life,  may  come  into  the  Records. 

These  Things  may  be  sufficient.  For  me  to  be  more 
laborious  in   these  entries,  may  be  a  disservice  to  that 

'  Two  lines  of  text  obliterated. 


JANUARY,     1724-25  779 

Redemption  of  Time,  of  which  I  must  now  be  more  than 
ever  Studious. 

G.  D.  I  know  not  what  better  Service  to  do  for  the 
Flock  I  am  returning  to,  than  to  entertain  them  with  two 
Discourses  on  Phil.  i.  21.  How  CHRIST  is  the  true 
Christian's  Life,  and  what  Gain  such  a  Christian  shall 
have  by  his  Death. 

A  gracious  GOD,  has  marvellously  interposed  in  the 
Affair  of  my  Son  Samuels  Voyage.  He  seasonably  disposed 
me  to  prevent  his  going  by  the  Way  of  the  W.  Indies.  Then 
he  ship'd  himself  on  a  Vessel  bound  more  directly  for  Lon- 
don. Here  also  the  divine  Providence  ordered  something 
to  fall  out,  which  putt  a  Delay  and  a  Defeat  upon  his  In- 
tentions. This  is  the  Effect  of  my  Cries  unto  the  glorious 
Lord,  that  if  the  Child's  Voyage  might  not  be  for  the  Ser- 
vice of  His  Kingdome,  and  the  Welfare  of  the  Child  himself, 
He  would  graciously  putt  a  Stop  unto  it.  The  calm  Resig- 
nation and  Satisfaction,  with  which  the  Child  entertains 
the  Disappointment  of  a  Matter  which  his  Heart  was  ex- 
ceedingly and  passionately  sett  upon,  is  a  Token  for  Good. 
I  have  also  had  an  Opportunity  to  make  a  Sacrifice  of  my 
only  Son;  and  yett  without  the  actual  Accomplishment 
thereof,  to  receive  him  again  as  from  the  Dead.  G.  D.  I 
hope  to  improve  these  Occurrences,  as  great  Obligations 
upon  both  of  us,  to  apply  our  selves  unto  such  Things,  as 
may  effectually  demonstrate,  that  GOD  has  meant  them 
unto  Good. 

At  the  Hour  of  Twelve,  I  use  to  have  a  short  Inter- 
view with  Heaven,  wherein  among  other  Things,  I  particu- 
larly carry  the  Condition  of  my  Family  unto  the  Lord. 
G.  D.  I  find  it  an  excellent  Introduction  and  Ingredient  of 
this  Communion  with  Heaven,  to  take  a  Sentence  of  the 
sacred  Scriptures,  and  find  out  what  is  in  it,  and  feed  for 
a  while  upon  it,  and  conform  to  the  Sentiments  of  Piety, 
which  it  leads  me  to.    The  Like,  for  my  Evening-Prayer. 


780         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHEH 

I  find  my  Soul,  with  strange  Raptures  into  Heaven,  in  this 
Exercise,  praepared  for  the  Supplications,  which  I  pour  out 
unto  the  Lord. 

9.  My  Kinsman  at  Roxbury,^  lies  a  dj'ing ;  full  of  Dis- 
tress and  of  Darkness  about  his  future  State.  With  much 
Importunity  and  Impatience,  he  calls  for  me  to  be  fetch'd 
over  to  him.  I  have  the  Satisfaction  to  strengthen  him  in 
his  Agonies,  and  advise  him,  and  comfort  him ;  and  leave 
him  with  a  sensible  Satisfaction,  and  a  good  Hope  thro' 
Grace  arrived  unto  him.  The  Prayer-hearing  Lord,  enabled 
him  to  dy  the  next  Day,  with  joyful  Triumphs  over  the  last 
Enemy. 

G.  D.  Some  remote  Relatives  in  Dorchester,  I  this  Day 
consider,  with  transmitting  Books  of  Piety  to  them. 

*  10.  My  Glorious  Lord  often  enlightens  me  and  en- 
livens me,  with  such  Sentiments  of  His  Gospel  and  His 
Kingdome,  and  such  Insights  into  the  Mystery  of  CHRIST, 
as  have  a  most  heart-melting  Efficacy  in  them.  I  am  sorry 
that  I  have  entred  no  more  of  the  Precious  Thoughts,  in 
my  Memorials.  But  for  the  little  Time  that  remains,  I 
hope,  to  make  more  frequent  Entries  of  them. 

Where  pr.  Th.  appears  in  the  Margin,  those  Precious 
Thoughts,  have  some  Notice  taken  of  them. 

Pr.  Th.  We  have  a  SAVIOUR,  who  is  our  Advocate  in  the 
Heavens,  and  by  His  potent  Intercession  saves  us  to  the  uttermost. 
He  receives  those  of  our  Petitions,  which  find  an  Approbation  with 
Him ;  and  presents  them  to  the  FATHER,  and  undertakes  to  prose- 
cute them  and  accomplish  them;  and  Him  the  FATHER  heareth 
always. 

O  my  dear  SAVIOUR,  the  Petition  which  I  bring  unto  thee,  is, 
that  thou  mayest  be  glorified  in  making  me  Partaker  of  thy  great 
Salvation ;  in  making  me  a  Servant  of  thy  Kingdome,  a  Member  of 
thy  Body,  an  object  of  those  precious  Works,  wherein  thou  dost 
fulfil  the  good  Pleasure  of  thy  Goodness  upon  thy  chosen,  and  that 
I  may  come  to  live  unto  GOD,  and  bring  forth  much  of  that  Fruit,  by 

» Thomas  Walter. 


JANUARY,     1724-25  781 

which  the  FATHER  will  be  glorified.  My  Heart  is  not  sett  upon 
any  Petition  comparable  unto  This !  And  now,  may  I  not  be  assured 
of  it,  that  such  a  Petition  as  this,  will  be  approved  and  allowed  and 
accepted  with  thee ;  and  that  thou  will  prosecute  it  and  accomplish 
it;  and  that  it  will  be  grateful  unto  the  eternal  FATHER,  whose 
Glory  will  be  Thine,  in  thy  obtaining  of  it  ?  It  cannot  be  otherwise ! 
And  this  Assurance  now  fills  me  with  a  Joy  unspeakable  and  full  of 
Glory! 

Points  of  Consideration. 
G.  D.     My  Bereaved  Relatives  at  Roxbury. 
My  Decaying  Nephew  in  Boston. 
The  Redemption  of  a  Captive. 
One  of  my  Flock,  fallen  by  excessive  Drinking. 
Several  poor  Widows. 
G.  D.    The  Case  of  the  Fear  of  Death,  to  be  with  a 
well-studied  Answer  spoken  to.   How  much  good  may  be 
done  in  the  Flock,  by  a  proper  Discourse  upon  it  ? 

15.  The  Feebleness,  which  continues  upon  me,  since 
my  late  Sickness,  excuses  me  from  setting  apart  this  Day, 
as  I  use  to  do  every  Friday,  approaching  to  the  Table  of 
the  Lord.  I  serve  a  gracious  Lord  who  desires  Mercy  and 
not  Sacrifice,  and  who  delights  not  in  the  Miseries  of  His 
Creatures.     My  Eyes  also  are  continually  unto  the  Lord. 

And  I  sett  apart  the  Afternoon  of  the  Day  following, 
for  such  exercises  of  Piety,  as  might  have  a  Tendency  to 
praepare  me  for  the  Interviews  with  Heaven  at  the  Holy 
Table. 

16.  Pr.  Th.  Whatever  holy  Frames  and  holy  Thoughts,  I  have 
raised  in  me,  were  first  of  all  produced  in  my  Holy  JESUS.  My 
SAVIOUR  is  the  first  Recipient  of  the  Holy  SPIRIT,  in  those  gra- 
cious Influences,  with  which  His  whole  mystical  Body  is  to  be  ani- 
mated :  and  whatever  Holiness  is  produced  in  His  People,  is  first  in 
Him,  as  the  Archetype  of  it,  and  the  Fountain  of  Life  whence  flow 
down  the  gracious  Influences  by  which  we  are  quickened  for  Living 
unto  God.  If  I  am  enriched  with  any  holy  Frames  and  holy  Thoughts 
they  are  such  as  have  been,  for  the  Kind  of  them,  in  the  Mind  of  my 
lovely  SAVIOUR. 


782         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

Here  I  see  a  Reason,  why  the  holy  Frames  and  holy  Thoughts, 
which  are  at  any  time  formed  in  me,  find  Acceptance  with  the  infi- 
nitely holy  God,  and  He  looks  down  with  Delight  upon  them.  Not 
only  has  my  SAVIOUR  made  Expiation  for  the  Iniquity  which  thro' 
my  Corruption,  does  attend  my  holy  Things,  but  also  they  are  such  as 
He  has  beheld  already  produced  and  existing  in  the  Son  of  His  Love. 

Here  again  I  see  the  Meaning  of  having  the  Face  of  GOD  shine 
upon  me.  It  is  the  CHRIST  of  GOD  that  is  the  Face  of  GOD.  He 
shines  upon  me,  when  He  forms  holy  Frames  and  holy  Thoughts  in 
me.  I  have  Him  in  me,  when  I  have  these  from  Him  in  me.  He 
withdraws.  He  hides  Himself,  He  keeps  at  a  Distance  from  me,  in 
the  Withdraw  and  Ceasing  of  these.  The  continual  Presence  of 
these,  may  cause  me  to  sing  with  Joy,  Now  I  have  CHRIST  in  me,  Uie 
Hope  of  Glory! 

Here,  finally,  I  see  the  Method  of  obtaining  holy  Frames  and  holy 
Thoughts,  when  I  am  destitute  and  desirous  of  them.  The  Method 
is,  to  look  up  unto  my  JESUS  for  them ;  It  is  to  have  a  Wish  of  this 
Importance,  O  Holy  SPIRIT,  Form  thou  in  me  such  Holy  Frames  atid 
Holy  Thoughts,  as  Thou  has  filVd  my  SA  VIOUR,  withal/  O  my  Saviour, 
send  thou  down  the  Impressions  of  thy  Holy  SPIRIT  upon  we/ 

Reccomend  unto  Samachi,  to  be  attentively  read, 
many  things,  —  but  especially,  Diekricus,  his  Antiquilates 
Biblicae^ 

To  Nancy,  Baxter^s,  Poor  mans  Family-Book. 

Some  agreeable  Books,  to  a  Nephew,  coming  to  live,  a 
Prentice,  in  my  Neighbourhood. 

21.  G.  D.  I  thought  it  might  many  Ways  be  a  Service 
to  the  Cause  of  Religion,  if  with  a  Discourse  on  the  Honours 
which  GOD  will  putt  on  the  Servants  of  our  SAVIOUR,  I 
should  endeavour  a  proper  Commemoration  of  my  Kins- 
man, lately  deceased ;  and  particularly,  give  some  Account 
of  his  last  Hours,  and  the  remarkable  Repentance  and 
Assurance,  to  which  he  arrived  in  them.  The  Lord  graciously 
assisted  me  and  accepted  me  to  do  this,  in  the  Lecture  this 
Day. 

(XL)   And  on  the  same  Day,  I  gave  the  Discourse  unto 

'Conradus  Dietericus  (Dietrich),  author  of  Analysis  Evangelicorum  (1631). 


JANUARY,     1724-25  783 

the  Bookseller ;  entituled,  Christodulus.  A  Good  Reward 
of  a  Good  Servant.  Or  The  Service  of  a  Glorious  CHRIST, 
justly  demanded  and  commended  from  a  View  of  the  Glory  with 
which  it  shall  be  Recompensed.  With  some  Commemoration  of 
Mr  Thomas  Walter.  ^ 

Poor  Objects  of  Charity  releeved  this  Week. 

Books  of  Piety,  dispensed  into  several  Parts  of  the 
Countrey. 

*  24.  Pr.  Th.  Certainly,  there  is  a  Disposition  to  give, 
in  one  who  desires  and  who  directs  to  have  a  Gift  asked  of 
him.  It  may  especially  be  supposed  of  a  Father,  that  if 
he  bids  his  Children  to  ask  a  good  Thing  of  him,  he  is  dis- 
posed, yea,  resolved  for  the  Bestowing  of  it. 

My  most  Gracious  God  has  advised  me,  invited  me,  yea,  com- 
manded me,  to  come  and  ask  for  His  Blessings.  His  Word  is.  Ask, 
and  it  shall  be  given  you.  And  the  Blessings  which  He  bids  me  to 
ask  of  Him,  are  the  best  of  Blessings ;  the  greatest  Things  that  can 
be  thought  of ;  and  such  Things  as  will  make  me  beyond  all  Imagi- 
nation happy;  bring  me  to  perfect  and  endless  Happiness.  I  may 
then  conclude.  If  I  ask  such  Blessings,  they  shall  be  conferred  upon 
me.  The  Lord  only  waits  that  He  may  be  Gracious,  and  stays  for 
nothing  but  that  by  asking  of  them  I  may  be  prepared  for  His 
Favours.  O  my  GOD,  with  what  a  joyful  Assurance  may  I  come 
unto  thee  now,  for  such  inestimable  Blessings  as  these ;  that  I  may 
be  united  unto  my  SAVIOUR,  and  by  His  Blood  be  reconciled  unto 
thee;  and  have  His  Image  imprinted  on  me,  and  feel  Him  dwelling 
in  me,  and  quickening  of  me,  to  live  unto  thee;  and  that  I  may  be 
filled  with  the  Love  of  GOD,  and  employ'd  in  Service  for  Him,  and 
be  made  an  Instrument  of  His  Praises  1  I  am  assured  that  thou  wilt 
grant  such  Blessings  unto  me.  And  then  I  am  assured,  that  thou 
wilt  bless  me  indeed ;  and  I  shall  have  Goodness  and  Mercy  forever 
following  of  me. 

G.  D.  The  scandalous  Profaneness  of  those  who  even 
to  old  Age,  neglect  praeparing  for  and  approaching  to  the 
Table  of  the  Lord,  is  to  have  yett  more  pungent  Rebukes 
bestow'd  upon  it. 

*  Printed  by  T.  Fleet  for  S.  Gerrish,  1725. 


784         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

G.  D.  A  Thing  to  be  done  for  the  Satisfaction  of  my 
Consort. 

G.  D.  Some  foolish  Steps  taken,  to  draw  the  civil 
Government  into  interposing  and  inhibiting  ecclesiastical 
Censures  upon  Offendors.  I  am  giving  seasonable  and 
effectual  Stops  unto  them. 

G.  D.  By  Conversing  with  some  Physicians,  I  hope  to 
gain  some  Augmentation  of  the  Stores,  with  which  I  would 
propose  to  do  good  in  the  world. 

G.  D.  A  very  wicked  and  vicious  Gentlewoman,  my 
Admonitions  unto  her,  and  my  Essays  to  bring  her  unto 
Repentance,  tho'  they  have  been  frequent,  they  have  been 
too  oblique.  I  shall  be  more  easy  in  my  Mind,  if  by  a 
nameless  Letter  she  be  more  directly,  cogently,  faithfully 
dealt  withal. 

*  31.  Pr.  Th.  and  G.  D.  In  a  Sermon  which  with  the 
Help  of  Heaven,  I  have  just  now  composed,  I  give  this 
Description  of  a  SOUL  wherein  PIETY  is  Flourishing. 

"Tis  a  Soul,  whose  Prayers  are  without  ceasing;  very  frequent, 
very  fervent;  poured  out  from  a  Soul  swallowed  up  in  Aims  at  the 
Glory  of  GOD ;  full  of  Resignation  to  His  Will,  and  Reliance  on  the 
Intercession  of  the  Advocate  in  the  Heavens. 

"A  Soul  that  prizes  and  propounds  Communion  with  GOD  in  all 
religious  Performances,  and  cannot  be  satisfied  without  it. 

"A  Soul  that  remembers,  GOD  is  acquainted  with  all  my  Ways; 
and  therefore,  not  only  steers  clear  of  secret  Sins,  but  also  will  not 
allow  those  Frames  or  Thoughts  in  the  Heart,  that  may  be  offensive 
to  Him. 

"A  SOUL  that  is  a  mighty  Enemy  to  Mis  pence  of  Time,  and  is 
troubled  if  many  Hours  have  been  so  spent,  that  a  good  Account 
can't  be  given  of  them. 

"A  SOUL  that  is  ever  Devising  of  Good,  and  studies  to  be  a  Bless- 
ing in  all  Relations,  to  all  Societies. 

"A  Soul  that  looks  upon  all  that  it  has,  or  could  wish  to  have, 
with  a  sacrificing  Eye,  and  can  readily  forego,  and  give  up,  and  part 
with  every  thing  that  GOD  will  have  to  be  denied  unto  it. 

"A  Soul  able  and  wiUing  to  dy,  and  that  when  Death  approaches, 


FEBRUARY,     1724-25  785 

can  sing  in  the  Valley  of  the  Shadow  of  Death,  and  find  it  but  a  Shadow 
of  Death;  and  can  say  /  have  nothing  to  do,  but  to  dy;  Nay,  I  have  not 
this  to  do  neither;  For  I  am  already  dead  unto  all  things  here  below:  So, 
triumphing  over  the  Fear  of  Death,  and  beginning  to  sing  the  Songs 
of  the  Lord,  even  in  a  strange  Land ;  the  Songs,  which  none  but  those 
chief  Musicians,  the  Redeemed  from  the  Earth,  are  skilful  at.  This  is 
the  Soul,  which  flourishes  in  the  Courts  of  our  GOD.  Oh !  For  such 
a  SOUL !    Oh !  For  such  a  Soul ! 

"A  CHRIST,  a  CHRIST  conversed  withal;  This  is  what  will 
produce  a  Soul  so  flourishing  in  PIETY.  Without  this,  O  SOUL, 
Thou  wilt  be  no  other  than  a  barren  Figtree.  If  we  would  flourish  in 
the  Courts  of  our  GOD,  it  must  be  in  living  by  the  Faith  of  the  SON  of 
God,  and  by  continual  Flights  unto  our  SAVIOUR.  Tis  a  SOUL  full 
of  a  CHRIST,  that  is  the  flourishing  SOUL:  A  SOUL  which  makes 
daily  Visits  to  Him  with  affectuous  Contemplations  and  Supplications : 
A  Soul  which  often  beholds  the  Pattern  of  all  Goodness  in  our  SAVIOUR, 
and  labours  to  resemble  Him,  to  imitate  Him :  A  SOUL,  that  can't 
bear  to  be  long  without  the  precious  Thoughts  of  Him ;  A  Dove  in  the 
Clefts  of  the  Rock  !    Oh !  for  such  a  SOUL ! " 

Now,  This  is  what  I  am  striving  for.  Yea,  0  my  SAV- 
IOUR, I  hope  tis  what  thou  hast  in  a  comfortable  Measure 
brought  me  to. 

But  I  was  taken  so  ill  the  last  Night,  with  a  Relapse 
into  my  Cough,  and  Fevers,  that  I  was  not  only  diverted 
from  the  public  Services  of  the  Lord's-day  but  also  con- 
fined all  the  following  Week. 

I  used  all  the  Methods  of  Piety  I  could  think  on,  to 
glorify  my  faithful  GOD  and  SAVIOUR,  under  this  new 
Visitation. 

February.  Several  Services  public  and  private,  were 
attempted  under  the  confinement  by  Sickness,  which  the 
first  Week  of  this  Month  finds  me  under. 

Especially  this.  I  apprehend  it  may  be  a  most  com- 
prehensive and  unspeakable  Service,  unto  the  Cause  of 
Piety,  yea,  and  the  Establishment  of  our  Churches  in  their 
Aversion  for  the  episcopal  Ways  whereto  some  are  aposta- 
tising, if  I  should  pubUsh  an  History  of  "glorious  Effects  of 

11  •  so 


786         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

Grace,  remark'd  in  the  Church  of  Scotland,  suffering  for  its 
Opposition  unto  an  abjured  Prelacy,  and  a  Collection  of 
memorable  Speeches  uttered  by  some  of  her  dying 
Martyrs." 

My  Gracious  Lord  has  helped  me  this  Week,  under  my 
Languishments,  to  make  a  notable  Progress  in  this  Collec- 
tion. 

*  7.  G.  D.  When  I  sitt  alone  in  my  Languishments, 
unable  to  write,  or  to  read,  I  often  compose  little  Hyms, 
agreeable  unto  my  present  Circumstances,  and  sing  them 
unto  the  Lord. 

Vast  Numbers  have  I  had  of  these ;  which  are  imme- 
diately all  forgotten.  But  tho'  none  of  them  have  been 
hitherto  recorded,  I  will  here  insert  one  of  them ;  inasmuch 
as  I  design  to  use  it  again,  and  often  upon  Occasion. 

Having  found  my  Mind  for  some  time  without  such 
precious  and  impressive  Thoughts  of  GOD  my  SAVIOUR, 
as  are  the  Life  of  my  Spirit,  I  thus  mourn'd  and  sang  unto 
the  Lord. 

0  Glorious  CHRIST  of  GOD  ;  I  live 
In  Views  of  Thee  alone. 

Life  to  my  gasping  Soul,  oh !  give ! 
Shine  Thou,  or  I'm  undone. 

1  cannot  live,  my  GOD,  if  thou 
Enlivnest  not  my  Faith. 

I'm  dead ;  I'm  lost ;  oh !  Save  me  now 
from  a  lamented  Death ! 

For  the  Return  of  my  Health,  I  added. 

My  glorious  Healer,  thou  restore 
My  Health,  and  make  me  whole. 

But  this  is  what  I  most  implore ; 
Oh,  for  an  Healed  Soul !  ^ 

*  A  leaf  has  been  torn  from  the  record. 


february,    1724-25  787 

The  Course  of  my  Ministry. 

16  d.  12  tn.  [February.]  1723-24.  I  preached,  on  i.  Cor.  III.  23. 
Our  Acknowledgments  of  the  Right  which  our  Saviour  has  unto  us: 
after  four  Sermons,  on  all  Things  made  ours  through  Him.  (And  I 
administred  the  Eucharist.) 

20  d.  12  m.  Thursday.  The  Lecture.  On  Jam.  V.  8.  Being 
praepared  for  the  Coming  of  the  Lord,  in  unknown  Events  and  Changes, 
as  well  as  in  the  Approach  of  Death. 

23  J.  12  w.  On  Prov.  XI.  23.  The  good  Desires  of  the  Right- 
eous. 

1  d.  I  m.  [March.]  1724.  On  2.  Chron.  XX.  12.  Our  Eyes  unto 
the  Lord,  for  the  Releef  of  the  Distresses,  wherein  we  know  not  what 
to  do. 

Sd.im.  On  Mic.  VI.  8.  A  glorious  CHRIST,  the  good  One. 
(Intending  a  Course  of  Sermons,  on  that  Epitome  of  the  Bible.) 

15  i.  I  w.  On  Mic.  VT.  8.  Piety,  in  all  the  Exercises  of  it,  good 
for  us. 

22  d.  I  m.  On  Prov.  XV.  8.  The  Sacrifice  of  the  Wicked.  (Prae- 
paratory  unto  a  general  Day  of  Prayer,  to  be  this  Week  attended.) 

26  d.  I  w.  Thursday.  A  general  Fast.  On  Exod.  XVII.  11.  A 
Continuance  in  Prayer  and  Faith  (uplifted  Hands,)  on  the  Behalf  of 
the  Church  in  the  Distresses  of  it. 

29  d.  I  m.    On  Mic.  VI.  8.    The  Doing  of  Justice. 

$d.  2  m.     On  Mic.  VI.  8.     The  Loving  of  Mercy. 

12  d.  2  tn.  [April.]  On  Joh.  XIV.  20.  The  Union  between  our 
Saviour  and  His  People.     (And  I  administred  the  Eucharist.) 

16  d.  2  tn.  Thursday.  The  Lecture.  On  Deut.  XXXIII.  7. 
The  Blessing  which  a  People  enjoy  when  their  Hands  are  made  suffi- 
cient for  their  Support  in  the  Service  of  GOD :  adding  a  Warning  to 
our  People  against  the  needless  and  foohsh  Expences,  which  plunge 
us  into  Insufficiencies. 

19  d.  2  tn.  At  Roxbury.  On  Rom.  VIII.  16.  The  Testimony  of 
the  holy  SPIRIT,  unto  our  Adoption.     (Both  Parts  of  the  Day.) 

26  d.  2  m.  On  Hos.  XIII.  9.  The  self-Destruction,  which  they  that 
walk  in  the  Ways  of  Sin,  may  be  charged  with.  (On  the  Occasion 
of  several  noted  Persons  lately  laying  violent  Hands  on  themselves.) 

3  J.  3  w.  [Afay.]  On  Mic.  VI.  8.  Walking  humbly  with  our 
GOD.  (My  fifth  and  last  Sermon,  on  the  whole  Duty  of  Man,  accord- 
ing to  the  Gospel  of  Micah.) 

10  d.  3  m.  On  Psal.  CXIX.  104.    Hating  every  false  Way.     (On 


788         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

the  Spectacle,  which  we  have,  in  what  the  false  Ways  of  our  Pyrates 
have  brought  them  to.) 

11  d.  2,m.  On  Job.  XXVII.  8.  Hypocrites,  who  are  they,  and 
what  the  Hopes  and  the  Gains  they  may  arrive  unto,  and  what  comes 
of  them  at  the  Last. 

24  d.  3  m.    On  Job.  XXVII.  8.  (A  second  time.) 

31  d.  3  m.  On  Jer.  XXXI.  18.  A  Poenitent  bemoaning  himself, 
and  praying  for  his  own  Conversion.  (At  the  Desire,  and  in  the 
Hearing,  of  two  Pyrates  that  are  to  dy  two  Days  hence.  To  a  great 
Assembly,  and  with  a  great  Assistence.) 

7  d.  4  m.  [June.]  On  Gal.  II.  20.  How  to  obtain  and  enjoy  the 
Blessedness,  of  living  to  GOD,  thro'  a  CHRIST  living  in  us.  (And 
I  administred  the  Eucharist.) 

11  d.  4  m.  Thursday.  The  Lecture.  On  Num.  XH.  9.  The 
Tokens  of  GODS  departing  from  a  sinful  People,  and  the  Methods  of 
preventing  it.    The  General  Assembly  sitting. 

14  d.  4  m.    On  Job.  XXVII.  8.     (The  third  and  last  time.) 

21  d.  4  m.  On  Act.  IX.  6.  A  Soul  returning  to  GOD,  with  a 
changed  Heart,  willing  to  know,  and  willing  to  do,  the  whole  Will  of 
GOD. 

28  d.  4  m.  On  I.  Sam.  XVI.  23.  How  the  Harp  of  David  is  to 
be  employ 'd,  for  the  driving  away  the  evil  Spirit! 

5  <f .  5  w.  [July.]  On  Isa.  LXIII.  10.  The  Evil  of  provoking  the 
holy  SPIRIT  of  GOD. 

12  d.  $m.  On  Luk.  XIX.  9.  Salvation  come  to  the  House  and 
Soul,  and  with  the  Tenders  of  the  Gospel. 

19  d.  5  m.  On  Rom.  XVI.  7.  What  it  is  to  be  in  CHRIST,  and 
what  are  the  Marks  of  them  that  are  so. 

23  d.  5  m.  Thursday.  A  Fast  kept  by  the  Inhabitants  of  Boston, 
on  account  of  the  War  and  the  Drought.  On  Job.  V.  6.  Our  Con- 
cern with  the  glorious  GOD  in  all  our  afflictive  Troubles. 

26  d.  V  m.  On  Phil.  IV.  19.  A  glorious  CHRIST  having  a  rich 
Supply  for  all  our  Wants,  in  His  glorious  Riches. 

2  d.  VI  m.  [August.]  On  i.  Cor.  I.  9.  Communion  with  the  Son 
of  GOD.     (And  I  administred  the  Eucharist.) 

6  d.  VI  m.  Thursday.  The  Lecture.  On  Isa.  LXIV.  7.  Re- 
ligion in  earnest.    The  sad  Proofs,  that  there  is  little  of  it. 

9  d.  VI  m.  On  Eph.  V.  14.  The  Call  to  arise  from  the  Dead, 
and  the  Light  which  a  glorious  CHRIST  will  give  to  them  who  do  so. 

15  (i.  VI  m.  On  Prov.  XXX.  8.  Temporal  Blessings  to  be  asked 
of  GOD.    And  Contentment  with  a  convenient  Allowance  of  them. 


FEBRUARY,     1724-25  789 

23  d.VLm.  On  I.  Sam.  XXV.  29.  On  a  Soid,  bound  up  in  the 
Bundle  of  Life. 

30  d.  VI  m.  On  Psal.  CXIX.  147.  Early  Piety.  One  lively 
Essay  more,  for  the  Animating  of  it.  (Awakened  by  the  Death  of 
my  Son  Increase.  And  now,  in  the  first  Place,  addressed  unto  the 
Assembly  of  the  New  North  [Church],  unto  which  there  is  a  great 
Resort  of  young  People,  from  several  Parts  of  the  Town,  and  par- 
ticularly from  that  which  has  formerly  satt  under  my  Ministry.) 

6  d.  VII  m.  [September.]  On  Psal.  CXIX.  147.  Giving  to  my 
own  Flock  the  same  (with  some  other)  Things,  that  I  gave  the  last 
Lord's-day  unto  another. 

10  d.  VII  m.  Thursday.  The  Lecture.  On  Psal.  LVI.  3.  Fear 
cured  by  Faith  at  the  Time  when  we  apprehend  ourselves  in  the  most 
fearful  Circumstances. 

13  d.  VII  m.  On  Matth.  XXIII.  37.  Our  SAVIOUR  willing  to 
gather  our  Souls  under  His  Wings;  and  People  perishing  because 
they  are  not  willing  that  He  should  save  them. 

20  d.  VII  m.  On  Matth.  XXIII.  37.  Finishing  what  I  began 
the  last  Lords-day. 

27  J.  VII  m.  On  Rev.  I.  12.  A  Church  answering  the  Char- 
acter of  a  golden  Candlestick.     (And  I  administred  the  Eucharist.) 

I  d.  VIII  m.  [October.]  Thursday.  (The  Lecture.)  On  Prov.  XL 
II.  Good  Men  great  Blessings  to  the  People,  whom  Grod  bestows 
them  on.     (A  funeral-Sermon  for  Governour  Saltonstal.) 

4  d.  VIII  m.  On  Job.  III.  25.  A  wise  Expectation  of  and 
Praeparation  for,  troublesome  Changes,  to  befall  us.  (Occasioned  by 
the  Death  of  my  Son  Increase.) 

11  d.  VIII  m.  On  Eccl.  XI.  8.  Remembering  the  many  Days  of 
Darkness.  (With  a  Relation  of  the  marvellous  Triumphs  over  Death, 
in  a  Child  of  this  Neighbourhood.) 

18  d.  VIII  m.  On  Isa.  XL VIII.  10.  Chosen  in  the  Furnace  of 
Affliction.  (Occasion'd  by  the  grievous  Trials,  wherewith  some  are 
exercised.) 

25  d.  VIII  m.  On  Rev.  I.  13.  The  special  Presence  of  the  glori- 
ous Lord,  in  midst  of  golden  Churches. 

I  d.  IX  m.  [November.]  On  Jar.  XXIII.  29.  The  Word  of  God 
an  Hammer  that  breaks  the  Rock  to  Peeces.  Employing  some  singular 
Strokes  of  the  Hammer,  on  certain  particular  Occasions. 

5  d.  IX  m.  A  Day  of  public  Thanksgiving.  On  Col.  I.  3.  The 
Methods  of  Thanksgiving.  Particularly  of  keeping  a  Day  of  Thanks- 
giving. 


790         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

Sd.IKm.  On  Rev.  XXII.  1 7.  The  Water  of  Life  offered  freely; 
and,  how  the  Offer  is  to  be  received. 

IS  d.  IX  m.    On  Rev.  XXII.  17.    A  second  time. 

22  d.  IX  m.  On  Rev.  XXII.  17.  A  third  Time.  (And  I  admin- 
istred  the  Eucharist.) 

3  d.  XI  m.  [January,  1724-25.]  After  the  longest  Confinement 
by  Illness,  that  I  ever  had  in  my  Life,  I  this  Day  returned  unto  the 
Flock  of  God ;  whom  I  treat  with  a  Sermon,  on  Phil.  I.  21.  CHRIST, 
the  Life  of  the  true  Christian. 

10  d.  XI  m.     On  Phil.  I,  21.     (A  second  time.) 

i7d.XIm.  On  Phil.  I.  21,  (A  third  Time.)  And  I  admm- 
istred  the  Eucharist. 

21  d.  XI  m.  The  Lecture.  On  Joh.  XII.  26.  The  Honours 
which  God  bestows  on  the  Servants  of  our  SAVIOUR.  (A  funeral- 
Sermon  for  my  Nephew.^) 

24  d.  XI  m.  On  Phil.  I.  21.  (A  fourth  time.)  Finishing  my 
Sermons  upon  it.^ 

Advertisement.  a.a.s. 

To  Confute  a  Vile  Calumny,  which  I  am  told,  is  cast  upon  me. 
That  I  directed  or  advised,  or  some  Way  Encouraged  the  unhappy 
Daniel  WUlards  Creditors  to  arrest  or  trouble  him,  it  might  be  Enough 
to  say,  that  such  will  appear  the  Nonsense  and  Folly  of  the  Calumny, 
to  every  one,  who  considers  my  circumstances  relating  to  him  that 
it  must  confute  itself ;  None  but  an  Idiot  (or  such  as  take  me  for  one) 
can  believe  it.  But  I  further  declare  That  there  is  not  the  Least 
Syllable  or  Shadow  of  Truth  in  it.  Nor  has  he  any  one  Creditor  in 
the  world,  that  ever  would  offer  or  whisper,  the  Least  Intimation  of 
such  a  Thing.  I  have  done  that  poor  Man  Good  and  not  Hurt,  all 
the  Days  of  his  Life ;  and  as  he  knows  I  never  yett  spoke  one  Angry 
Word,  so  I  have  never  done  one  Hurtful  Thing  to  him  since  he  was 
born.  And  until  just  now  I  remember  not  that  I  ever  knew  who  so 
much  as  any  two  of  his  Creditors  were ;  besides  myself,  who  am,  I 
suppose,  by  far  the  greatest  Creditor  he  has,  but  have  never  to  this 
Hour  made  any  Demands  on  him,  or  done  any  thing  for  my  own  Secu- 
rity. I  know  not  how  well  to  express  myself  in  stronger  Terms.  But 
such  Abuses  as  these,  are  no  more  than  what  I  am  daily  treated 
with.    May  Patience  have  its  perfect  work  on  all  such  occasions. 

T.  .     „  /  C.  M. 

Feb.  28,  1723/4. 

»  Rev.  Thomas  Walter. 

'  Here  ends  the  Diary  of  Cotton  Mather,  so  far  as  it  has  been  preserved. 


FEBRUARY,     1724-25  791 

To  John  Dean.  a.a.s. 

Sir,  —  Your  pious  Desire,  to  have  a  Sermon  preached  on  the 
Eleventh  of  December  (Last)  was  what  I  had  the  fullest  Resolution 
and  Expectation  to  have  answered,  according  to  my  first  understand- 
ing of  it ;  and  accordingly  I  priepared  a  Sermon,  for  a  Commemora- 
tion of  your  never-to-be-forgotten  AfHiction  and  Salvation. 

My  purpose  was  to  have  assembled  a  good  number  of  pious  Gen- 
tlemen, at  either  Dr.  Boylstons,  or  my  own  Capacious  Hall,  and  there 
to  have  spent  an  agreeable  portion  of  Time,  in  proper  Devotions, 
especially  giving  Thanks  and  making  Prayers,  on  your  behalf,  accom- 
panied with  the  sermon ;  which  I  proposed  then  to  have  printed  with 
the  story  of  your  affair,  as  I  did  the  like  Ten  years  ago. 

As  for  the  price  of  a  Sermon,  I  know  none  Established  in  this 
Countrey.  Much  less  would  I  have  Look'd  for  any  pecuniary  Ac- 
knowledgment of  Mine ;  who  have  preached  so  many  hundreds  of  ser- 
mons, without  any  Temporal  Requitals.  Only  if  something  has  been 
advanced  for  the  Charge  of  the  Impression  I  might  have  allow'd  of  That. 

But  when  our  worthy  and  Hearty  Friend,  Mr.  Borland,  arrived , 
unto  us,  he  told  us,  he  thought  my  proposal,  did  not  in  all  points 
quite  answer  yours.  He  thought,  that  you  suppos'd  the  Bells  might 
be  rung,  and  a  promiscuous  congregation  come  together  on  this  Occa- 
sion, in  one  of  our  public  Churches ;  as  it  might  be  done  in  England. 
Upon  this  View,  it  was  considered.  That  such  a  practice  being  alto- 
gether unusual  in  our  City,  it  might  meet  with  some  Inconven- 
ient Misconstructions.  And  the  Religion  of  this  Countrey  also  not 
Encouraging  the  Anniversary  celebration  of  any  Stated  and  Certain 
Days,  any  thing  that  Look'd  that  way  openly  done  might  be  mis- 
interpreted. So  we  agreed,  the  dropping  of  the  matter  at  this  time, 
and  not  proceeding  until  we  receive  your  further  Directions  after  the 
True  State  of  the  Case,  as  it  is  now  represented,  has  been  considered 
with  you. 

In  the  mean  time,  I  bless  the  Glorious  Lord-Redeemer,  that  He 
continues  in  you  a  grateful  sense  of  His  Favours ;  which  doubtless 
you  also  Endeavour  to  Express  with  perseverance  in  all  the  Steps  of  a 
Godly,  and  sober,  and  Righteous  Life ;  And  may  the  final  Issue  of 
all  be,  a  Rescue  from  the  worst  of  Ship-wrecks,  and  a  share  in  the 
plentious  and  Eternal  Redemption,  which  will  bring  the  People  of 
GOD  unto  the  full  Enjoyment  of  Him.  With  such  wishes,  I  am,  Sir, 
Your  hearty  Friend  and  servt. 
Mar.  31.  1724. 


792        DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

To  Thomas  Prince.  m.h.s. 

Sir,  —  Tis,  I  confess,  a  weakness  in  me,  to  communicate  unto 
you,  the  enclosed  Papers;  For,  to  be  free  with  you,  the  Ministers 
of  this  Town  appear  to  me,  the  most  unhrotherly  and  unsocial  Tribe  of 
their  Profession,  that  I  beleeve,  is  in  the  whole  World. 

But  I  do  it,  because,  I  have  some  Apprehension,  that  I  must 
within  a  few  Days,  or  Weeks,  take  a  Step,  which  much  more  than  all 
New  England  will  ring  of,  and  I  am  willing  to  distinguish  you  from 
the  rest,  with  giving  you  some  Satisfaction  aforehand  about  the  Cir- 
cumstances leading  to  it. 

I  have  nothing  under  Heaven  to  ask  of  you,  but  your  Prayers: 
and  your  prayers  for  nothing  but  this,  that  I  may  be  strengthened  with 
all  might,  according  to  the  glorious  Power  of  CHRIST,  unto  all  Patience 
and  Long-suffering  with  Joy  fulness.  And,  if  you  think  fitt,  some 
Advice  to  my  Son,  if  he  find  occasion  to  ask  it. 

I  will  send  Ezer,  and  in  the  Evening,  for  the  Return  of  these 
papers,  and  of  Gog  and  Magog. 

(Only  that  about.  The  State  of  Religion,  which  you  may  keep 
a  few  Days ;  and  which  you  may  (tho'  I  beleeve,  you  will  not,)  Shew 
to  Judge  Sewal,  and  Col.  Fitch,  but  if  you  do,  yett  leave  it  not  in  their 
Hands.) 

I  wish  you  and  yours,  all  the  Blessings  of  Goodness ;  and  a  Con- 
dition very  much  the  Reverse  of  what  is  ordered  for,  Sir,  Your  Brother 
and  Servant 

Co.  Mather. 
Apr.  I.  1724. 

To  Lieut.  Governor  William  Dummer.        a.a.s. 

Syr,  —  My  Disobedience  to  the  Command  which  your  Goodness 
laid  upon  me,  the  last  Thursday  requires  a  Just  Apology ;  and  yett 
it  will  require  the  mention  of  such  unmentionable  Things,  that  even 
that  may  render  another  Apology  necessary. 

An  Indisposition  then  upon  me  unfitted  me  for  the  payment  of 
my  Duty.  But  Concomitant  with  it,  I  laboured  under  several  Dis- 
couragements. 

I  need  not  say,  that  I  apprehended  my  well-known  Circumstances 
of  prosecution  to  restore  what  I  took  not  away,  rendred  it  a  Disgrace 
unto  such  a  Table,  as  well  as  unto  any  Pulpitt,  for  me  to  make  my 
Appearance  there.    These  perhaps  are  since  a  little  altered. 

But  I  must  confess  also,  that  I  have  thought  myself  directed  by 


FEBRUARY,     1724-25  793 

the  Government,  (for  the  serving  whereof  I  have  exposed  myself  to 
suflferings  much  beyond  any  man  in  the  Countrey,)  to  look  upon  it 
as  a  peece  of  proper  Modesty,  to  be  as  little  as  possible  in  their  pres- 
ence, ever  since  they  did  above  a  year  ago,  with  sufficient  Expressions 
of  Displeasure,  silence  my  pen,  and  forbid  the  printing  of  any  more 
about,  the  State  of  Religion.  I  was  accordingly  to  the  best  of  my 
Capacity,  with  a  Better,  Endeavouring  to  do  comprehensive  service 
for  the  Countrey  and  Religion,  and  surely  if  I  had  not  been  reckoned 
a  person  worthy  of  the  greatest  Contempt,  I  had  been  by  some  one 
or  other  of  the  Council  spoken  with,  before  the  Countrey  (who  much 
Expected  the  Continuation  of  their  Satisfaction)  had  been  made 
sensible  that  the  Government  was  offended  at  me,  as  publisher  of 
dangerous  Libels.  Being  thus  treated  as  an  offender,  I  have  I  hope 
with  all  decent  Patience  commanded  a  Silence  to  my  speech  aequal 
to  that  which  my  Superiours  commanded  for  my  pen :  but  I  have 
with  a  modest  Recess,  for  now  a  twelve  month,  retired  from  the  old 
Familiarities  of  the  Table,  as  well  as  other  Freedoms,  which  I  had 
been  once  used  unto :  It  appearing  to  me  always  rude  for  an  Offender 
to  do  otherwise. 

The  Suspicion  of  an  Aversion  in  the  Government  more  for  me 
than  for  other  Men,  was  very  much  strengthened,  and  confirmed ; 
When  the  offence  taken  at  me  was  for  a  Quotation  of  a  passage, 
which  was  but  a  Complaint  of  a  vUe  party  in  the  Ch.  of  E.  which 
complaint  is  made  continually  by  an  Army  of  the  most  famous  Divines 
in  the  Established  Church.  And  yett,  in  the  same  News-Letter, 
xmder  the  Title  of,  [published  by  Authority^  there  is  an  Allowance  for 
whole  pages  of  the  bitterest  Invectives  against  that  Potent  and  Sway- 
ing party  of  the  Ch.  of  E.  as  Monsters  of  Impiety,  and  representing 
the  Four  Stuarts  on  the  Throne,  as  prodigies  of  Weakness  and  Base- 
ness and  Perfidy ;  and  the  Late  Queen,  as  the  Favourite  of  High- 
Church  but  Leaving  the  World,  under  the  blackest  Infamy.  And 
all  this  from  a  paper  well-known  to  be  highly  offensive  unto  the  King 
and  present  Ministry.^ 

To  be  disheartened  into  a  peaceable  Withdraw  as  far  as  may  be, 
from  all  public  Exhibitions  when  I  see  myself  under  such  (I  would 
not  presume  to  say  undeserved)  Marks  of  Dislike  from  those  to  whom 
I  ought  always  to  pay  all  due  Deference,  may  be  smiled  at  as  Vapour ; 
yett  this  Vapour  will  appear  to  be  Reason  unto  one  under  the  power 

*  Probably  refers  to  the  letter  signed  "  Cato,"  which,  copied  from  an  Eng- 
lish source,  occupied  more  than  three  pages  of  the  Boston  News-Lelter,  March 
12,  1723-24. 


794         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

of  it ;  having  at  the  same  time  a  thousand  other  more  heavy  Loads 
upon  him. 

There  is  yett  another  Thing,  wherein  I  should  reconcile  myself 
unto  your  Honour,  before  I  can  have  the  courage  to  do  as  I  have  used 
heretofore  to  do. 

A  man  for  whom  Honour  is  not  seemly,  has  been  so  Gentlemanly 
as  to  show  here  and  there  a  Letter  with  which  your  Invaluable  Brother 
had  obliged  me.  Now,  tho'  I  would  much  sooner  have  died,  than 
have  been  guilty  of  so  vile  an  Action,  as  to  betray  a  Friend,  and  to 
his  Enemies  what  he  writes  unto  me ;  yett  this  Disaster  befalUng 
me,  has  entirely  and  eternally  shutt  me  out  of  his  Friendship;  and 
your  Honour  may  well  judge,  you  have  cause  to  shutt  me  out  of  your 
Favour  also.  Now,  I  can  give  no  Account  of  the  Disaster  but  this. 
The  Villains,  I  mean,  especially  Three,  have  certainly  Employ'd  one 
of  their  Brethren,  to  do  an  abominable  Thing.  One  of  their  Tools, 
riffled  Mr  Penhallows  closett,  and  convey'd  unto  them  from  thence, 
a  Letter  of  Mine  to  him,  which  gave  to  four,  their  true  Character, 
But  so  meanly  was  I  then  deserted,  by  those  who  ow'd  me  more 
Protection  that  I  was  drawn  into  the  Iniquity  of  asking  their  Pardon. 
And  I  must  now  say,  my  Study  has  been  knavishly,  and  c-kishly 
riffled.  But  about  the  same  time,  that  this  Letter  of  him  that  was 
once  my  Friend,  was  in  this  rascally  manner  siezed  upon,  I  had  six 
pounds  of  Money  also  stolen ;  which  was  enough  to  bear  the  Expence 
of  several  Tankards.  If  they  would  please  to  tell,  how  they  gott  the 
Letter  into  their  hands,  tis  possible  I  might  guess  how  my  Bills  of 
Credit  were  disposed  of.  This  is  my  Case.  And  tho'  the  person 
more  immediately  injured  accepts  not  my  Vindication,  yett,  it  may 
be,  his  Honourable  Brother,  may  upon  a  calm  view,  think  me  rather 
unhappy  than  culpable,  and  use  a  Lenity  in  the  Censures  to  which 
I  am  obnoxious. 

I  have  now  declared  some  of  my  Discouragements,  imder  which 
yett  I  hope,  neither  your  Honour  nor  the  Board,  will  ever  find  me 
any  other  than  an  easy,  honest,  well-meaning  Man ;  one  who  will 
not,  cannot  strike?  one  who  will  forever  study  to  be  quiet,  and  lead 
a  peaceable  Life  under  your  aequal  Government ;  and  one  who  at 
the  worst,  will  study  to  make  no  other  than  an  Humble,  and  a  Decent 
use  of  all  the  Frowns  he  meets  withal ;  And  now,  if  after  this,  your 
Honour  have  any  further  Commands  to  lay  upon  me,  you  shall  never 
find  me  fail  of  due  obedience. 

The  publication  of  my  Parentator,  having  mett  with  no  Inter- 
ruption, I  take  leave  to  present  it  unto  your  Honour,  especially  for 


FEBRUARY,     1724-25  795 

the  sake  of  the  Charter-Story  in  it ;  and  I  do  it  with  earnest  Prayer 
that  you  may  long  enjoy  your  Opportunities  to  do  good  with  the 
Divine  Assistance  and  Acceptance,  in  the  singular  Enjoyment  whereof 
you  make  us  an  happy  people;  subscribing,  Your  Honours,  Most 
obedient  serv't. 
Apr.  4,  1724. 

To  Lieut.  Governor  John  Wentworth.        a.a.s. 

Sir,  —  It  is  with  more  than  a  little  Concern  of  Mind,  that  we 
behold  so  considerable  a  Flock  as  yours  at  Portsmouth,  so  much  in  the 
uncomfortable  Condition  of  Sheep  without  a  Shepard ;  and  your  pru- 
dent and  Faithful  Agents  meeting  with  no  better  Success  of  their  In- 
defatigable Endeavours  to  obtain  a  Supply  for  you.  We  are  Sensible, 
that  so  Conspicuous  and  Important  a  Station  as  that  in  Ports- 
mouth ought  to  be  filled  with  a  Person  of  Rich  and  Bright  and  uncom- 
mon Abilities.  If  one  in  whom  you  can  generally  unite  as  being  such 
an  One  do  not  immediately  appear,  the  Holy  and  Humbling  Provi- 
dence of  the  Great  God  therein  is  to  be  adored.  But  it  is  a  Blessing 
worth  some  waiting  for ;  and  we  are  not  without  Hopes,  that  a  God 
who  waits  that  He  may  be  Gracious,  may  bestow  it  upon  you,  when 
you  shall  be  more  prepared  for  it.  It  may  be,  the  Glorious  Head  of 
the  Church  Expects  to  be,  with  yett  a  more  particular  Solemnity  and 
Importunity  sought  unto ;  that  He  may  be  duely  Acknowledged  in 
such  a  Gift  of  His  unto  you.  There  are  several  very  Hopeful  Can- 
didates of  the  Ministry,  which  we  are  told  may  be  in  a  very  Little 
Time  shown  unto  Israel  and  when  the  methods  of  prayer  and  Patience 
have  been  a  Little  further  persisted  in.  He  that  once  opened  the 
Eyes  of  one  in  a  wilderness  to  see  an  unexpected  provision  made  for 
her,  may  show  you  where  the  Waters  of  Life  may  be  ready  for  you. 
While  the  present  Necessity  obliges  you  to  the  Trial  of  a  Little  wait- 
ing, we  cannot  but  earnestly  recommend  it  unto  you,  as  what  will  be 
a  Token  for  Good ;  That  you  do  not  fall  out  by  the  way,  for  you  are 
Brethren.  Divisions  and  Contentions  among  your  Good  people,  and 
Especially  if  they  proceed  so  far  as  to  threaten  any  Interruption  of 
the  pure  and  undefiled  Religion,  in  which  you  have  hitherto  flourished, 
will  not  at  all  Mend  your  Circumstances,  but  give  an  opportunity 
for  the  Devices  of  Our  Great  Adversary  to  do  unknown  and  Endless 
Mischiefs  among  you.  Your  Beauty  and  Safety  will  be  in  your 
adherence  to  Those  Golden  Maxims  of  the  Gospel,  Be  kindly  affected 
one  to  another,  with  Brotherly  Love,  in  Honour  preferring  one  an- 
other;   And,  Lett  us  follow  the  things  which  make  for  peace,  and 


796        DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

things  wherewith  one  may  Edify  another.  And  we  are  well  assured, 
that  your  Honour,  will  Employ  the  wisdome  and  the  Temper  and  the 
power,  with  which  our  Good  GOD  has  furnished  you,  to  preserve  as 
much  as  may  be,  an  unity  of  spirit  in  the  Bond  of  Peace,  among  a 
people,  who  are  made  happy  by  your  Influences. 

With  hearty  suppUcations  That  our  glorious  Lord  would  confer  a 
Man  of  understanding  and  a  Pastor  after  His  own  Heart  upon  His 
Destitute  people  with  you ;  and  therewithal  Assist  and  Accept  you 
in  the  whole  Administration  of  your  Government,  we  subscribe, 
Your  Honours,  Most  sincere  and  faithful  servts. 
Apr.  II.  [1724?] 

To  Thomas  Bradbury.^  a.a.s. 

Sir,  —  It  is  my  Duty  to  glorify  GOD  in  you ;  and  I  do  it,  giving 
Thanks  to  Him  for  the  services  which  He  Enables  you  to  do  for  His 
Kingdome  and  Interest  in  the  World. 

The  Last  Essay  of  that  Intention,  wherewith  you  favored  me, 
requires  very  particular  Expressions  of  my  Gratitude. 

I  wish  my  Parentator,  which  I  now  present  unto  your  Accept- 
ance, may  among  them  find,  with  you,  at  Least,  what  the  Law  Calls, 
an  Acceptilation. 

I  have  no  Expectation  that  any  thing  performed  by  my  Mean 
Hand,  should  find  any  great  Reception  on  your  side  of  the  Water. 

Especially  since  the  prodigious  Depravation  of  Gust  among  you, 
which  renders  every  thing  unpalatable,  but  what  shall  have  Qual- 
ities, which  I  will  never  be  Reconcil'd  unto. 

I  wish  a  passage  in  the  two  hundred  and  first  page  may  have  a 
due  operation  among  our  Brethren ;  But  this  is  more  than  what  I 
can  Look  for. 

It  is  an  Insupportable  Grief  unto  us,  that  so  many  of  our  Brethren 
should  so  openly  declare,  that  they  Look  not  on  the  Faith  of  our 
SAVIOUR  and  Eternal  Godhead,  as  Essential  to  Christianity  and  sal- 
vation ;  and  that  they  can  receive  to  the  Regards  of  Brethren  in 
Christ,  those  Idolaters  who  acknowledge  no  CHRIST  but  one  that 
is  infinitely  Inferiour  and  Posterior  to  the  Eternal  Father.  We 
behold  it,  and  are  grieved,  That  your  pretended  Irenicums  do  pur- 
posely and  perpetually  Leave  out  the  Faith  of  our  Lords  Eternal 
Deity,  when  they  pretend  unto  an  Enumeration  of  our  Fundamental 
Articles.  Tho'  they  themselves  are  not  gone  over  to  the  Arian  Infi- 
deUty,  yett  by  these  perfidious  pretensions  and  overtures  for  Peace, 

'  See  Dictionary  of  National  Biography,  vi.  150. 


FEBRUARY,     1724-25  797 

they  take  a  fearful  step  towards  the  Sacrificing  of  the  most  Glorious 
Truth,  and  the  Delivery  up  of  the  Holy  City  into  the  hands  of  Infi- 
dels. We  are  afraid,  we  are  afraid,  lest  our  Brethren  hereby  procure  to 
themselves  a  sad  share  in  the  Consuming  Blows,  which  I  cannot  but 
again  and  again  tell  you,  are  hastening  on  a  sinful  Nation,  a  people 
Laden  with  Iniquity. 

In  some  few  parts  of  this  Countrey,  especially  where  piety  is 
very  much  decay'd,  there  have  appear'd  Little  Parcels  of  Ignorant, 
Vicious  Contemptible  people  declaring  for  the  Ch.  of  E.  Which  yett, 
as  Litigious  and  Scandalous  a  Crue  as  they  commonly  are,  they  would 
never  do,  if  they  had  not  the  Hopes  of  being  Excused  from  all  the 
Charge  of  Maintaining  any  Ministry,  by  having  parsons  maintained 
for  them,  from  the  stock  of  your  Society  pro  propaganda  Fide,  Than 
which  there  never  was  more  shamefully  misapplied  and  prostituted 
Charity  in  the  world. 

It  would  amaze  you  to  hear  of  the  Occasions  on  which  the  Ch.  of 
E.  is  here  declared  for.  But  I  will  mention  One,  which  a  Little 
belongs  to  a  Point,  about  which  you  once  enquired  of  me. 

[A  mighty  Spirit,  as  in  the  Letter  to  HoUis.]  ^ 

Very  Lately,  a  Little  Crue  at  a  Town  Ten  miles  from  the  City 
of  Boston,  were  so  sett  upon  their  old  Howling  in  the  public  Psalmody, 
that  being  rebuked  for  the  Disturbance  they  made,  by  the  more  Nu- 
merous Regular  Singers,  they  declared  They  would  be  for  the  Ch.  of 
E.  and  would  form  a  Little  Assembly  for  that  purpose,  and  subscribed 
for  the  Building  of  a  Chapel ;  and  expect  a  Missionary  to  be  sent  and 
supported  from  your  Society  (aforesaid)  for  the  Encouragement  of 
half  a  score  such  Ridiculous  Proselytes.  But  we  suppose,  it  will 
come  to  nothing. 

Our  Late  Apostates,  make  no  hand  on't.  And  Cutler^  for  whom 
they  have  built  a  New  Church  in  Boston,  has  by  high  Flights  rendred 
himself  so  odious  unto  the  Body  of  our  People,  and  rendred  the  more 
temperate  and  moderate  part  of  his  own  Congregation  so  disaffected 
unto  him,  that  he  has  no  very  Encouraging  Auditory ;  and  his  Arrival 
here,  is  as  much  a  Disservice  to  the  Ch :  of  E.  as  almost  anything 
that  could  have  happened.  The  vile  High-flying  Leslaean^  pam- 
phletts  they  disperse  among  us,  meet  with  such  victorious  Answers 
as  tend  greatly  to  the  Establishment  of  our  Churches. 

'  There  is  no  such  passage  in  the  draft  of  the  letter  to  Thomas  Hollis. 
^  Timothy  Cutler,  who   served  the  North  Episcopal  "  Christ  Church "  from 
its  foundation  in  1723  to  his  death,  in  1765. 
*  Charles  Leslie. 


798        DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

My  Invaluable  Friend,  Mr  Reinolds,  in  a  short  letter  some  while 
ago,  seem'd  upon  dismissing  me  from  all  Expectation  of  his  taking 
any  further  Notice  of  me  (as  for  some  years  before  indeed,  he  took 
very  Little,)  because  of  his  having  his  time  so  much  taken  up  in  his 
controversy  with  Mr.  Brown}  I  wonder  a  person  of  so  bright  Abil- 
ities can  think  such  a  Controversy  a  thing,  in  which  the  spending  of 
much  Time  should  be  necessary.  I  pray,  when  you  see  him,  give  my 
service  to  him,  and  inform  him.  That  his  Adversaries  pamphlett  has 
here  done  him  no  manner  of  Damage ;  but  been  Entertain'd  with 
greater  E.xpressions  of  DisUke  and  Contempt  than  one  would  care 
to  mention;  and  the  Author  censured  and  condemned  as  one  of  a 
very  unchristian  spirit,  and  uncivil  Conduct.  I  would  not  that  my 
Brother  Reinolds  should  have  one  uneasy  Thought  about  him.  I 
have  now  done  for  him  this  time. 
Apr.  22,  1724. 

To  Colonel  Winslow  and  His  Consort.^  a.a.s. 

My  honoured  Friends,  —  In  the  General  Condolence  wth  you, 
upon  the  Sorrow  which  you  have  Lately  mett  withal,  I  take  a  very 
particular  Share ;  and  think  it  my  Duty  to  give  you  some  few 
Expressions  of  it. 

But,  how  can  I  better  Express  it  than  in  my  Earnest  Supplica- 
tions which  I  therefore  make  to  the  Glorious  Lord,  that  He  would 
Enable  you  to  Glorify  Him  in  the  Sacrifice  which  He  now  calls 
you  to? 

If  not  a  Bird  of  the  Air  falls  to  the  Earth  without  the  Will  of  our 
Heavenly  Father,  you  may  be  sure,  that  the  Child  hatch'd  under  your 
tender  Wing,  is  not  fallen,  without  the  Will  of  Heaven  ordering  of  it. 
And  you  cannot  have  a  better  proof  that  you  are  the  Children  of 
God,  than  by  your  patient  submission  to  His  Will  on  such  an  Occa- 
sion ;  and  your  submissive  saying,  The  Cup  which  my  Father  has  given 
me,  shall  not  I  drink  it?  The  Cup  which  is  now  given  you  indeed  is 
Bitter  Enough.  But  if  the  Sense  of  the  Hand  which  it  comes  from 
and  of  the  End  which  His  Wisdome  and  Goodness  has  in  giving  it, 
quiets  you.  His  Comfortable  Voice  unto  you  is ;  /  will  be  a  Father  to 
you.  And  being  thus  His  Children,  you  have  a  Better  Name,  than 
what  the  Son  and  the  Daughter  He  has  obliged  you  to  part  withal, 
could  have  help'd  you  to. 

It  is  a  Great  Sacrifice  that  you  are  now  putt  upon.    But  you  will 

>  Simon  Browne.  *  See  p.  73S«,  supra. 


FEBRUARY,     1724-25  799 

approve  yourselves  the  Genuine  Children  of  Abraham:  and  so  prove 
your  claim  to  the  Blessings  of  His  Covenant.  [Illegible]  the  Reluc- 
tancies  of  nature  to  it.  Withold  not  the  child  whom  you  have  Loved, 
when  God  calls  you  to  offer  it  up.  So  it  shall  be  said,  Now  I  know, 
that  thou  fearest  God.  And  verily,  There  is  more  solid  comfort  in  this 
Assurance,  than  there  can  be  in  the  Enjoyment  of  any  Child,  whereof 
you  might  say.  This  same  shall  comfort  us.  Your  Blessedness  in  the 
world  to  come,  will  be  in  an  Holy  Priesthood.  And  that  you  may  be 
in  this  world  Initiated  for  it,  Your  SAVIOUR  will  now  have  you  to 
be  Holy  Sacrificers.  You  will  be  notably  such,  when  upon  the  Death 
of  Lovely  and  Hopeful  Children,  you  hold  your  peace,  and  only  say. 
The  will  of  the  Lord  be  done,  and  beg  of  Him  that  the  Influences  of  His 
Grace  may  Effectually  subdue,  all  the  Rebellion  of  yours  against  it. 

A  Trial,  yea,  an  Exquisite  one  is  now  made ;  Whether  there  be 
any  thing  Which  at  the  plain  call  of  God,  you  cannot  Resign  unto 
Him?  Or,  whether  you  will  not  now  seek,  and  hope  to  find,  that 
satisfaction  in  having  a  Glorious  CHRIST  Concerned  for  you,  and 
conversing  with  you,  which  we  Expect  in  Vain  from  the  Creatures, 
which  forever  are  found  no  better  than  Lying  Vanities.  If  being 
thus  tried,  you  come  forth  as  Gold,  and  approve  yourselves  noble 
Sacrificers,  it  will  [be]  an  Infallible  Token  for  Good,  that  you  have  a 
part  in  the  Grand  Sacrifice  wliich  your  SAVIOUR  has  offered  for 
His  people ;  and  shall  have  a  part,  among  those,  whom  the  Blood  of 
the  Lamb  will  bring  to  walk  in  white  Robes,  and  serve  Him  in  His 
Temple. 

Most  certainly,  If  the  Repeted  Strokes  of  Mortality  upon  your 
Family,  be  of  use  unto  you ;  To  bring  sin  unto  Remembrance,  and 
carry  on  Repentance  to  its  Perfect  work ;  To  animate  your  prayers, 
and  your  cares  that  you  may  be  perfect  and  Entire  in  your  Essay  to 
conform  unto  the  whole  will  of  GOD  : 

To  wean  you  from  a  World,  wherein  you  see  an  End  of  all  Per- 
fection :  and  make  you  seek  the  Things  that  are  Above ; 

To  Quicken  your  Thorough  praeparation  for  your  own  Death, 
which  the  Death  of  such  Relatives,  does  Loudly  admonish  you  to  be 
daily  Looking  for ;  These  Blessings  will  be  a  Rich  and  a  Full  Com- 
pensation for  the  Loss  of  what  have  been  taken  from  you.  True 
PIETY  will  dispose  you  to  count  them  so.  Death  in  such  a  way 
brings  the  truest  Life  with  it ;  yea,  what  is  better  than  Life.  And 
Light  will  arise  unto  you  in  the  Darkness,  which  Death  has  brought 
upon  your  Tabernacle. 

But,  there  is  the  less  Need  of  my  Expatiating  unto  you  upon  these 


800         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

Consolations  of  God,  since  you  have  an  Excellent  Pastor,  who  has 
you  under  his  Continual  Cultivations,  and  Loves  you  Exceedingly, 
and  has  the  Tongue  of  the  Learned,  able  to  speak  a  word  in  season 
to  you ;  And  from  him  you  will  continually  hear  those  Good  Words, 
which,  I  hope,  will  make  your  Hearts  Glad,  when  they  are  stouping 
with  Heaviness. 

I  here  Enclose  a  small  Addition  to  them,  as  a  sign  of  the  Affec- 
tion, with  which  I  am.  Your  cordial,  constant,  sympathizing  Friend. 
July  I.  1724. 

To  Thomas  Bradbury.  a.a.s. 

Sir,  —  So  Lately  have  I  written  to  you ;  (with  a  present  of  my 
Parentator,)  that  I  thought  I  had  Little  more  to  write,  but  an 
Acknowledgment  of  the  Satisfaction  I  have  this  Day  received  in  the 
Letters  of  last  April,  with  which  I  have  been  favoured. 

My  more  particular  Sentiments,  about  the  Two  Gentlemen- 
Brothers  (I  wish  I  could  say,  on  all  accoimts,  Gentlemen,)  whose 
odd  usages  of  me,  have  made  me  to  be  (as  all  their  Friends  here  seem 
now  to  be)  Ashamed  of  my  Hope,  concerning  them ;  As  also  my 
Sentiments  of  that  violent  Man,  their  Antagonist,  now  with  you.'  I 
make  my  Neighbour  Dennis  Master  of  them ;  and  he  shall  Entertain 
you  with  them. 

When  I  thought,  I  had  nothing  else  to  write  about,  I  was  imme- 
diately by  a  Letter  from  another.  Led  into  an  affair  with  you,  of  as 
great  Importance  with  me,  as  most  that  can  be  mentioned. 

A  Composure,  which  not  I,  but  the  Grace  of  God  with  me,  pre- 
pared for  the  public  some  years  ago,  Entituled,  Boanerges,  or.  The 
work  of  the  Day,  I  am  told,  is  Lodged  with  you.  My  Heart  rejoiced, 
when  I  understood  This ;  and  I  was  ready  to  use  the  word,  which  an 
Army  of  Good  Men  Engaged  in  a  Good  Cause  once  began  a  Battel 
with.  Now  for  the  Fruit  of  Prayer!  Many  a  prayer  (not  without  an 
agreeable  Resignation)  has  been  made  unto  the  Glorious  Lord,  That 
He  would  Employ  His  Good  Angel,  to  make  to  be  heard  the  Voice 
of  His  word,  in  that  Boanerges.  And  now  think  I,  My  Bradbury, 
who  has  already  Laid  me  under  vast  obligations,  by  bringing  my 
Christian  Philosopher ,  to  serve  the  Great  End  of  my  Life,  is  to  do  the 
part  of  the  Good  Angel  again  on  this  occasion. 

I  am  sure,  that  he  is  of  my  Catholic  Principles ;  and  that  he  will 
be  particularly  pleased,  with  the  Care  which  I  perpetually  take,  under 
them,  to  shutt  out  all  Aria^is,  and  their  Brethren,  from  any  Share  in 
'  May  refer  to  the  Dummers. 


FEBRUARY,     1724-25  80I 

the  Union  of  Good  Men  upon  the  Basis  of  Goodness,  and  the  Maxims 
of  the  Everlasting  Gospel. 

Syr,  If  this  Treatise  may  by  your  Means  be  brought  into  the 
world,  you  will  soon  find,  thousands  of  Good  Men,  who  will  tell 
you,  that  a  greater  service  to  the  Church  of.  God  could  not  easily 
be  thought  of.  I  pray  you,  I  beg  you,  I  do  with  the  greatest 
Importunity,  besech  you  to  favour  it. 

I  Entirely  Committ  the  Work  into  your  Hands.  I  give  you  full 
power,  to  omitt ;  or  Alter,  any  passage  in  it,  as  you  shall  in  your 
wisdome,  (to  which  I  always  pay  all  possible  Deference)  Judge  Con- 
venient. You  will  also  see,  (as  you  did  in  your  former  Kindness) 
that  the  press-work  be  well  corrected. 

For  a  further  Animation  of  the  Work,  you  may,  if  you  think  it 
necessary;  assure  your  Bookseller,  That  if  he  will  risque  as  many  of 
the  Books  as  may  be  allow 'd  for  Ten  Pounds  in  our  Money,  I  shall 
(if  Living)  upon  the  Receit  thereof  pay  that  sum  unto  his  order.  But 
the  Book  will  certainly  sell. 

I  now  add  no  more,  but  pray  your  Acceptance  of  Two  Little 
Things,  for  the  offer  whereof  (such  Little  Things!)  I  can  make  no 
Apology,  but  This ;  That  they  are  just  now  pubhshed. 

May  the  Glorious  Lord,  be  with  you  in  all  your  unfainting  La- 
bours for  His  Name,  and  for  His  Sons  Name.    Stand,  O  Bradbury, 

as  aicrtfio%  rvTTTOfiai 

I  am.  In  the  Faith  and  Patience  of  the  Kingdome,  Your  Brother 
and  hearty  Servt. 
July  13,  1724. 

To  Isaac  Greenwood.  a.a.s. 

My  dear  Child,  —  It  is  as  Cool  Waters  unto  a  Thirsty  Soul,  that 
I  hear  what  I  do,  of  you  and  from  you.  But  it  is  above  all,  a  singu- 
lar satisfaction  unto  me,  to  understand,  that  in  the  Midst  of  the 
Pleasant  Studies,  which  do  at  an  imcommon  rate  accomplish  you, 
you  still  retain  your  Disposition  to  serve  your  Glorious  End,  in  the 
work  of  the  Evangelical  Ministry.  It  is  most  certain,  that  notwith- 
standing the  many  Discouragements  and  Humiliations,  which  that 
work  may  be  attended  withal,  tis  the  best  that  a  short  Hfe  can  be 
devoted  to ;  and  the  Consequences  if  it  be  very  well  allowed  will  be 
of  all  the  most  comfortable  in  the  Day  that  is  daily  to  be  Looked  for. 
I  hope,  you  will  be  a  grateful  Spectacle  to  Heaven  in  it ;  and  that 
the  Field  of  your  Actions,  will  be  your  own  Countrey ;  which  tho' 
it  be  not  in  all  points  what  you  would  have  it,  yett  all  things  con- 
n-si 


8o2        DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

sidered,  the  only  Better  Countrey  to  be  desired,  is  the  Heavenly. 
The  Sooner  you  Return  to  us,  the  Better;  for  that  which  is  more 
Precious  than  Money,  spends  apace ;  and  we  Long  to  be  reaping  the 
Fruits  of  your  Excellent  and  Exemplary  Industry. 

Whatever  Lies  within  my  Reach,  to  promote  your  Acceptance 
and  usefulness  among  us,  you  may  depend  upon.  And  if  something 
should  happen  that  some  foretel,  and  many  desire,  but  I  don't  care 
to  mention,  you  may  be  sure,  I  shall  consider  you  as  my  son,  and 
appear  with  more  zeal  to  gett  your  proposals  answered,  than  if  you 
were  by  Nature  so.  But,  Child,  you  know,  tis  Early  Days  in  our 
Little  Countrey ;  and  meritt  is  very  Little  regarded  here ;  and  the 
most  useful  Erudition  is  not  what  we  are  fondest  of.  Tho'  the  Col- 
ledge  has  a  Revenue,  to  Encourage  the  Profession  of  the  Mathe- 
matical Sciences ;  yett  I  durst  not  promise,  that  a  SuflBcient  Number 
of  Scholars  will  shew  themselves  whose  payment  of  a  proper  premium 
joined  unto  That,  will  be  a  Suitable  Subsistence  for  a  Professor  of 
That,  and  of  Experimental  Philosophy ;  or  not  be  content  with  what 
their  ordinary  Tutors  may  do  for  them.  So  that,  if  you  cannot  return 
to  us,  with  a  Mind  Aequilibrious  on  that  point,  I  am  so  much  under 
the  Power  of  the  Hypo,  as  to  say,  Then  Lett  the  Scale  turn  for  a 
Dismission  of  that  Expectation  and  of  the  great  Expence  that  must 
accompany  it.     But,  Return,  Return,  O  Novanglian,  Return,  Return. 

And  yett,  oh  1  That  before  That,  you  may  be  the  Happy  Instru- 
ment, of  bringing  our  Boanerges  into  Operation.  If  I  could  think 
it  possible,  to  do  a  more  serviceable  or  a  more  seasonable  thing  for 
the  Church  of  God,  I  would  not  ask  it  with  so  much  Importunity. 
But  I  do  ask  it  with  the  greatest  Importunity.  And  for  a  Little  Ani- 
mation of  the  Design,  which  I  have  my  Heart  more  than  a  Little 
sett  upon,  I  now  add,  that  if  you  or  the  Bookseller  do  risque  so  many 
of  the  Books  hither,  as  at  a  just  price  will  fetch  Ten  pounds  of  our 
Money,  your  Order  for  it,  at  the  Receit  thereof,  shall  be  answered. 

At  this  time  I  add  no  more;     But  my  Earnest  Supplications, 
that  the  glorious  Lord  would  furnish  you  for  and  employ  you  in,  good 
work  about  the  House  of  your  GOD :  and  safely  and.quickly  return 
you  to,  Your  cordial  and  constant  Friend. 
July,  i6,  1724. 

To  GuRDON  Saltonstal,  a.a.s. 

Syr,  —  The  Reason  of  your  Suffering  so  seldome  the  Trouble  of 
my  Letters  has  been  my  Apprehension  of  your  Honours  being  sup- 
plied from  other  hands  with  better  and  fuller  Intelligence  of  every 


FEBRUARY,     1724-25  803 

thing  worthy  of  your  Enquiry ;  and  my  sense  of  the  many  ponderous 
Affaires,  which  take  up  your  precious  Time,  quum  tot  sustineas,  wherein 
to  Divert  you,  may  be  to  Injure  many  others.  To  which  I  may  add, 
That  it  were  a  crime  to  break  in  upon  your  Honour,  while  you  are 
perusing  your  Burncttian  History,  which  be  sure,  you  can  not  Leave 
off,  when  you  have  begun  to  read  it.^  My  own  Little  Experience  tells 
me,  That  Correspondences  with  Persons  of  Consideration,  make  an 
Article  of  so  much  Figure  in  the  Business  of  Life,  that  if  Discretion 
do  not,  yett  Necessity  will,  bring  it  under  Limitations.  And  lett 
this  also  be  admitted  as  an  Apology,  for  one  [of]  my  Dull  Capacity, 
when  your  Honour  may  otherwise  interpret  my  Silence,  as  a  peace 
of  Disrespect  or  Negligence. 

But,  it  is  a  great  Satisfaction  unto  me  to  have  a  fair  pretence  for 
the  writing  of  more  Letters  unto  a  person  for  whom  I  have  so  high 
an  Esteem,  in  the  occasion  which  I  have  in  those  wherewith  you 
have  Lately  honour'd  me.  I  gladly  take  the  opportunity  to  Render 
Thanks  from  all  the  United  Ministers  of  the  City,  with  my  own,  to 
your  Honour,  for  the  Goodness  and  Candour  with  which  you  have 
Encouraged  a  Collection  for  the  Meeting-house  at  Providence.  May 
it  be  recompensed  in  the  Blessings  of  that  glorious  One,  who  cast  a 
Benign  Aspect  on  him,  who  had  from  the  people  of  GOD,  that  Recom- 
mendation ;   He  hath  Loved  our  Nation  a^id  built  us  a  Synagogue. 

As  for  the  Money  Collected,  we  pray  That  Mr  Adams'^  may  trans- 
mitt  it  unto  Mr  Cotton '  of  Bristol,  who  is  the  Chief  Manager,  and  a 
very  Generous  One,  of  what  is  now  doing  for  the  House  of  God  at 
Providence;  and  who  will  so  apply  the  Money  as  will  doubtless  be 
to  the  content  of  the  proper  persons  to  whom  he  will  anon  give  an 
Account  of  the  Stewardship. 

Having  so  briefly  dispatched  that  Point  I  pass  into  the  Dispo- 
sitions of  a  further  and  more  than  a  Little  Satisfaction,  in  the  place 
assigned  unto  your  Honour  at  the  Board  of  the  Commissioners  for 
the  Gospellizing  of  our  Indians ;  and  the  Hope  it  gives  me,  that  it 
will  not  only  procure  something  more  Effectual  than  what  has  yett 
been  done  for  your  Monhegins,  but  also  inspire  a  New  Vigour  into 
all  our  Motions. 

I  must  confess,  every  thing  has  appeared  under  such  a  Languid 
Aspect  with  us,  and  I  have  seen  so  much,  and  so  Little,  that  I  did 
half  a  year  ago,  address  for  a  Release  from  any  further  obligations 
to  the  Business.     But  if  your  Honour  will  please  to  be  one  of  the 

"^The  first  volume  of  Burnet's  History  of  his  own  Times  appeared  in  1723. 
^Eliphalet  Adams.  ^Nathaniel  Cotton. 


804        DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

Number,  it  wall  so  fetch  me  out  of  my  Despondencies,  that  I  shall 
be  willing  to  return  unto  the  Colours  from  whence  I  began  a  Deser- 
tion. For,  tho'  your  Distance  will  not  permitt  us  to  Enjoy  much  of 
your  presence  at  the  Board,  the  Desires  that  your  pen  may  convey 
to  us,  will  generally  have  the  Force  of  Commands,  and  I  shall  myself 
always  think  it  my  Duty,  imto  the  best  of  my  power,  to  prosecute 
them. 

It  is  a  Time  of  many  Distresses  and  confusions  with  us ;  and  God 
knowes  what  may  be  the  Issue  of  them.  Redeuntem  Vix  usquam 
videbimus.  It  is  particularly  Remarkable,  That  among  the  many 
Frowns  of  Providence  upon  us,  we  do  not  see  it  smiling  on  our  Ch. 
of  E.  Adversaries.  The  Standard-bearer  of  it  here,  sinks  under  Epi- 
demical Contempt  and  Hatred,  and  his  Flock  is  become  a  Little 
sorry.  Scandalous  Drove,  which  have  Little  but  Baseness  and 
Impiety  and  Jacobism  to  distinguish  them.^ 

As  for  the  world  in  general ;  it  is  most  certain  that  the  second 
coming  of  our  God  and  Saviour  will  be  at,  and  for  the  Perdition  of 
the  Man  of  Sin;  whose  period  of  1260  years  is  now  finished.  And 
it  is  as  Little  to  be  doubted,  that  the  Flames  wherein  the  Lord  comes, 
will  bring  on  the  tremendous  Conflagration,  which  is  to  precede  the 
New  Heavens  and  the  New  Earth  wherein  shall  dwell  Righteous- 
ness. Nor  do  we  any  where  see  any  thing  but  the  world  fearfully 
Ripening  for  such  a  Revolution  :  And  the  Sleep  of  Midnight  growing 
into  the  deepest  Lethargy,  among  the  professors  of  our  Holy  Religion ; 
which  has  now  in  a  manner  every  where  almost  given  up  the  Ghost. 
Your  Sagacious  Wisdome,  needs  no  Intimations  of  Mine,  what  is  to 
be  Look'd  for. 

May  we  be  Ready  for  all  Events. 

I  wish  to  your  Honour,  and  your  Lady  the  best  of  Blessings,  and 
subscribe  Your  Honors,  Most  hearty  serv't. 
Aug.  3.  1724. 

To  GuRDON  Saltonstal.  a.a.s. 

Sir,  —  Much  more  than  Thirty  years  ago,  Leading  an  Infant  by 
the  hand,  thro'  a  Room  in  a  Grandfathers  house  at  Charlestown,  I 
was  guilty  of  so  much  Impertinency,  as  to  say  unto  a  poor  Mad 
Woman  then  in  the  Room,  75  not  this  a  pretty  Damsel?  The  mad 
woman  made  me  this  wise,  and  sober  and  pungent  Answer,  The  Crow 
thinks  so,  Syr!  The  Rebuke  and  Satyr  so  pleased  me,  that  I  gave 
her  (what  I  could  not  now  do)  a  Splendid  Shilling,  to  reward  her  for 

» Timothy  Cutler. 


FEBRUARY,     1724-25  805 

SO  useful  an  Admonition ;  and  I  hope,  it  has  been  much  more  than  a 
shillings  worth,  of  use  to  me,  unto  this  very  Moment. 

A  Young  Man,^  who  counts  it  well  worth  his  Travel  and  Expence, 
to  visit  New  London,  only  to  come  under  Notice  with  your  Honour, 
is  also  ambitious  of  Riding  in  your  Guards  to  the  Commencement  at 
New-haven.  EUs  having  spent  so  much  Time  not  altogether  unprofit- 
ably  in  the  studies  which  he  has  follow'd  so  close,  as  to  deserve  a 
play-day,  causes  me  to  Countenance  his  proposal ;  But  much  more, 
the  Benefit  of  Waiting  on  your  Honour,  which  it  will  be  impossible 
for  him  to  do,  without  some  Improvement.  It  is  proper  for  me  to 
give  your  Honour  some  Account  of  him ;  tho'  how  to  do  it,  without 
incurring  the  Censure  of,  The  Crow  thinks  so,  is  not  very  Easy.  He 
has  been  unawares  drawn  two  or  three  times,  into  public  Perform- 
ances :  But  tho'  he  has  mett  with  Uncommon  Acceptance,  yett  he 
resolves  to  stop,  and  not  by  any  means  appear  frequently  in  public, 
till  more  months  of  Qualifying  Study  have  passed  pver  him.  All  I 
shall  add,  is,  That  I  am  told  he  is  Esteemed  for  a  Early  Piety,  for  a 
manly  Discretion,  for  some  Erudition,  and  none  of  the  worst  Tempers ; 
or,  at  Least,  The  Crow  thinks  so.  He  wishes,  that  he  had  been  of  a 
year  or  two  Longer  Standing ;  and  then  he  would  have  humbly 
Supplicated,  for  Leave  to  have  stood  as  a  Candidate  and  Competent 
for  a  Degree,  in  a  Colledge  which  his  Father  has  been  sometimes  a 
Small  Actor  for;  and  where  the  Memory  of  his  Ancestors  would 
bespeak  some  Easy  Terms  for  his  Admission  to  so  much  Honour, 
tho'  his  Learning  should  not  be  aequal  to  that  of  many  others.  But 
it  must  be  enough  unto  him,  to  be  Admitted  as  a  Spectator,  among 
them  who  wish  well  to  Yale  Colledge  and  would  lay  hold  on  all  oppor- 
tunities to  putt  all  possible  Respects  upon  it.  So  I  Leave  Ascanius 
under  your  Honors  favourable  Patronage. 

What  remains,  is.  To  rejoice  with  your  Honour,  in  Governor 
Burnetts  victorious  Demonstrations,  that  the  Man  of  Sins  M.CC.  LX. 
years  are  up.^    Then,  I  am  sure,  High  Church  must  go  down  apace ; 

^His  son  Samuel.      See  p.  759,  supra. 

*  To  this  same  subject  another  fragment  of  a  letter  to  Governor  Saltonstall 
relates : 

"I  look  upon  Colonel  Burnetts  Late  Essay  on  the  Scripture  Prophecies,  as  the 
most  penetrating,  Judicious,  Decisive  Essay,  that  has  ever  yett-been  made  upon 
that  noble  Subject.  He  does  not  Expatiate  into  Copious  and  verbose  Amplifica- 
tions; but  in  a  Concise  way,  wherein  every  word  has  its  weight,  he  gives  those 
Explications  which  carry  Demonstrations  with  them.  He  has  instructed  us  and 
obliged  us  with  some  Illustrations,  which  we  never  Enjoy'd  before ;  but  such  as 
have  in  them  an  Evidence,  which  compels  us  to  give  a  good  Reception  to  them. 


8o6         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

and  our  Apostates  have  taken  a  very  wrong  Time  to  run  into  a  Fall- 
ing House,  and  have  shown  Less  Instinct  than  some  other  Animals 
famous  for  the  Reverse  of  doing  so. 

May  a  Continual  Smile  of  Heaven  be  upon  your  Person,  and  your 
Honourable  Family,  and  your  whole  prudent,  patient,  self-Denying 
Administration.     So  prayes.  Your  Honours  Most  obedient  Servt. 
Aug.  31,  1724. 

To  Mrs.  Gurdon  Saltonstal.^  a.a.s. 

Madam,  —  All  these  Regions  unite  their  Tears  with  yours.  The 
Brightest  Man  that  shone  in  those  Regions  has  Left  us.  We  mourn 
with  you ;  and  we  mourn  for  you.  Our  Sorrows  have  a  Tincture  of 
Sympathy  with  yours ;  upon  whom  (as  well  as  upon  us,)  the  Breach 
is  Like  one  of  the  Sea,  which  cannot  be  heal'd.  Nothing  but  a  Glori- 
ous CHRIST,  can  make  up  your  Loss ;  Tis  your  Happiness  that  you 
have  Long  been  Acquainted  with  Him ;  Long  been  Espoused  unto 
that  glorious  Lord. 

What  that  Excellent  person,  who  Led  him  to  these  Happy  Studies  (our  Late  Presi- 
dent sir  Isaac  Newton,)  has  been  to  the  world,  in  Philosophy,  this  must  his  Hon- 
ourable Scholar  now  be  in  Prophecy ;  and  be  acknowledged  as  a  Dictator ;  above 
all  Contradiction.  There  is  indeed  no  Little  Proof  of  our  being  arrived  imto  the 
Time  of  the  End,  (and  that  he  has  calculated  right)  in  our  having  Daniel  so  admi- 
rably opened  unto  us. 

"I  know,  you  will  study  (in  modest  humble,  prudent  ways)  to  do  Good,  wher- 
ever you  come.  Lett  one  of  your  Essays  in  your  Journey  be  to  command  this  late 
Performance,  unto  the  serious  Perusal  of  the  Gentlemen  where  you  come,  and  lett 
my  Character  of  it  be  known,  and  how  much  it  may  be  wished,  that  by  Studies 
of  the  Prophecies  wisely  managed  (which  have  been  so  Foolishly  neglected,  and 
so  profanely  derided,)  we  may  be  rescued  from  a  share  in  the  Epidemical  Sleep, 
wherein  the  world  is  to  be  surprized  by  the  Terrible  Day  of  the  Lord.  The  1260 
years  being  Certainly  up,  there  are  most  certainly  those  Terrible  Things  to  be 
every  Day  Expected,  which  I  doubt,  we  are  but  poorly  prepared  for. 

"I  am  sure,  if  the  M.CC.LX.  years  be  up,  High-Church  must  go  down.  Accord- 
ingly, I  have  two  things  to  inform  you  of,  and  you  may  particularly  Exhibit  unto 
my  Honoured  Brethren,  the  Trustees  of  YaJe  CoUedge,  the  Information  which  I 
now  give  you.  That  miserable  Apostate  Cutler,  Experimentally  finds  the  Frowns 
of  our  glorious  Lord,  upon  his  Apostasy.  First,  A  Lady  of  High-Church  whom 
you  know,  the  Last  week  declared  unto  me.  That  she  had  been  at  Cutlers  Church, 
and  it  was  amazing  to  see,  how  few  there,  and  what  a  sort  of  shabby  people  they 
were ;  and  what  a  shame  it  was  that  such  a  man  should  be  under  such  contempt 
among  us.  Others  of  the  Auditory  did  this  day  Se'nnight,  speak  to  the  same 
Effect  unto  my  worthy  Collcgue.  Secondly;  This  Day  Se'nnight,  I  read  in 
Letters  from  London,  that  our  Cutlers  High  Principles,  were  strangely  going  down 
the  wind  in  the  Ch  :  of  E.  and  growing  out  of  fashion. " 
'See  p.  765,  supra. 


FEBRUARY,     1724-25  807 

There  are  Two  Duties  which  I  now  feel  incumbent  on  me. 

The  one  is,  To  address  you,  with  what  I  take  to  be  the  most  sup- 
porting Sentiments  on  the  present  Occasion.  This  I  do,  as  well  as  I 
can,  in  a  small  Treatise,  in  which  the  Title  will  presently  inform  you, 
that  it  is.  Your  Now  Names-sake  spoken  to. 

The  other  is.  To  pay  some  Just  Regards  unto  the  Memory  of  my 
Honourable  Friend. 

This  I  have  done,  in  a  Late  Sermon ;  the  Notes  whereof  I  now 
humbly  oflfer  you.  They  being  my  First  Notes,  which  I  could  have 
no  Time  to  gett  fairly  transcribed,  I  doubt  the  Discourse  is  hardly 
Legible.  But  you  may  yett  Read  in  it,  Something  of  my  Appre- 
hensions concerning  the  Excellent  Character  of  the  Departed.  The 
Hearers  all  said.  There  was  not  a  Word  too  much ;  you  and  I  shall 
both  of  us  think,  Tis'  all  much  too  Little.  But  the  Time  would  allow 
no  more ;  and  I  Endeavoured  much  in  a  Little.  I  am  not  so  vain 
as  to  think  that  it  is  worthy  of  the  press ;  or  that  one  so  mean  as  I 
am,  can  add  any  Lustre  to  so  good  and  so  great  a  Man.  It  will  be 
Honour  Enough  to  it,  that  it  be  Lodg'd  in  your  Scrutoir.  But,  if  it 
be  your  pleasure,  that  it  should  go  abroad,  instead  of  what  may  come 
to  you  from  a  Better  and  a  Nearer  hand,  your  Neighbour  Green,^  is 
used  unto  my  Copies.  But  I  should  Earnestly  desire  my  very  valu- 
able Brother  Mr  Adams,-  to  preface  it  with  an  agreeable  Dedication 
to  the  Lady,  whose  Merits  ought  to  be  acknowledged  in  Conjunction 
with  those  of  the  Deceased. 

May  we  yett  for  years  Enjoy  your  presence  with  us ;  and  may 
the  Comforter  that  will  releeve  your  Soul  never  be  far  from  you, 
So  prays.  Madam,  Your  Disconsolate  and  almost  Inconsolable  Kins- 
man and  Servt. 

The  very  great  Civilities  which  my  Son  has  received  from  you, 
madam,  as  well  as  from  the  dear  Governor,  will  never  be  forgotten 
with  us. 

To  Lieut.  Governor  Dummer.  a.a.s. 

Syr,  —  Inasmuch  as  the  Good  Providence  of  God  has  placed  your 
Honour,  at  the  head  of  the  Commission  for  the  Affairs  of  the  gospel 
among  our  Indians,  as  well  as  the  whole  Government  of  this  extended 
province,  I  thought  it  my  Duty  to  venture  upon  One  Request  more, 
on  the  behalf  of  dying  Religion  among  those  miserable  objects.  And 
in  so  doing  I  hope  to  have  so  done  my  Duty,  that  I  may  without 

>  Timothy  Green,  printer.  'Eliphalet  Adams. 


8o8         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

offence  ask  Leave  to  Retire  in  this  point  also,  as  I  have  thought  I 
have  not  wanted  sufficient  Intimations  that  it  may  be  judged  proper 
for  me  to  do,  from  all  Interest  whatsoever  in  any  other  matters  of 
public  Importance. 

The  work  of  Gospellizing  the  Aboriginal  Natives  of  this  Countrey 
is  one  of  New  Englands  peculiar  Glories.  That  it  Labours  under 
grievous  Difficulties  and  Discouragements,  is  not  at  all  to  be  wondred 
at,  considering  what  lies  at  the  Bottom  of  all.  But  the  Greater  they 
are,  the  stronger  must  be  the  Application  of  the  Instruments  to  sur- 
mount them.  The  conduct  of  the  jCommissioners  has  many  eyes 
upon  it;  yea,  Greater  Eyes,  than  those  of  the  Govemour  and  com- 
pany on  the  other  side  of  the  water. 

To  Retrieve  what  is  wanting,  and  produce  numberless  Good 
Effects,  I  could  make  an  Humble  Proposal  to  your  Honour  and  the 
Board ;  That  the  Commissioners  find  out  a  Man  of  Discretion,  and 
Probity,  and  Activity,  and  constitute  him,  A  Visitor  of  all  the  Indian 
Villages. 

This  Visitor  may  with  an  Exact  Scrutiny,  find  out,  what  may  be 
found  among  the  Indians  that  wants  to  be  Redirected  and  Reformed 
or  better  provided  for.  And  He  may  by  Enquiry  of  the  most  pru- 
dent and  best  affected  among  the  English,  Learn,  what  would  be  most 
Advisable  to  be  done  for  the  Indians. 

And  He  may  Return  from  his  Visitation,  furnished  with  Pro- 
posals, which  the  Commissioners  may  without  needless  Retardations 
under  the  Notion  of  writing  and  Waiting  for  further  Informa- 
tions, (which  may  confound  the  best  proposals,  and  has  often, 
it  may  be,  done  so,)  Immediately  find  ways  and  means  to  putt 
in  Execution. 

The  Visitor  may  carry  Instructions  from  the  Commissioners,  and 
a  copy  of  all  the  Articles,  which  his  Enquiries  are  to  proceed  upon. 
The  Visitation  also  may  be  renewed  and  repeated,  as  often  as  the 
comrnissioners  may  judge  Convenient.  And  if  their  Servant  be  well- 
paid,  the  Money  may  be  well-spent. 

The  Commissioners  Once  Employed  such  a  Visitor  and  it  was 
one  of  the  most  useful  Things  that  ever  they  did,  and  if  his  Report 
had  been  acted  upon,  as  it  should  have  been,  and  not  thrown  by,  it 
had  been  followed  with  many  very  happy  consequences. 

I  shall  add  no  more.  But  only  Entreat,  That  your  Honour,  would 
please  as  soon  as  may  be  to  procure  needful  meetings  of  the  com- 
missioners, and  Lett  the  Languishing  State  of  many  things  be  En- 
quired into. 


FEBRUARY,     1724-25  809 

At  Martha's  Vineyard,  for  how  many  years  has  the  settlement  of 
the  Lands  been  Left  unaccomplished,  where  a  Revenue  of  an  100  £  a 
year,  might  be  as  Easily  brought  in  as  50  £  and  things  would  be  better, 
if  such  a  person  as  Mr.  John  Chip-man,  may  be  added  unto  one  of  the 
Mayhews,  powers  to  do  what  is  hitherto  neglected. 

At  Punkapoag,  (where  an  honest  Labourer  in  the  work  of  Chris- 
tianity among  the  Indians  has  had  but  Eight  pounds,  for  the  Labours 
of  near  twice  Eight  years,)  Things  are  in  a  Condition,  which  calls  for 
a  more  thorough  Inspection. 

I  could  mention  many  more.  Occasions  for  somewhat  more 
Vigour  to  be  Exerted  in  the  Proceedings  of  the  Commissioners. 

I  would  be  Thankful  for  what  opportunities  I  have  sometimes  had 
of  being  patiently  and  favourably  heard  speaking  at  the  Honourable 
toard  of  the  Commissioners ;  and  would  humbly  move,  That  since 
by  Mortality,  or  some  EnfeebUng  Circumstance  in  the  Approaches 
of  it,  there  is  now  Left  not  so  much  as  one  Minister  among  the  Com- 
missioners, they  would  please  to  think  on  some  Nomination  for  a 
Substitution  to  be  commended  to,  and  confirmed  by  the  Governor 
and  Company  at  home ;  And  if  a  Minister  or  two  should  come  into 
the  Nomination,  perhaps  there  might  be  some  Advantage  in  it,  as 
well  as  Decency  for  the  Commissioners  do  not  Look  upon  the  Busi- 
ness of  the  Board,  as  if  it  were  meerly  or  mainly  to  save  money  or 
manage  a  Discrete  and  Frugal  Merchandise ;  but  principally  and 
perpetually  to  Invent  and  pursue  the  best  Methods  of  serving  the 
Interest  of  pure  and  undefiled  Religion  among  the  Indians. 

May  our  glorious  Lord,  graciously  direct  and  succeed  the  pious 
Essays  of  His  Faithful  Servants,  to  do  the  work  of  His  Kingdome, 
which  you  are  all  most  cordial  and  constant  Friends  unto. 

And  may  a  singular  share  of  Blessings  rest  upon  your  Honors 
Person,  and  whole  Administration,  with  such  wishes,  I  take  Leave ; 
and  subscribe,  Your  Honours,  Most  affectionate  and  most  obedient 
Serv't. 
Mar.  20,  1724. 

To  Benjamin  Colman.^  a.a.s. 

Sir,  —  Nothing  that  I  have  mett  withal,  (and  continue  to  meet 
withal)  causes  me  to  lay  aside  my  zelous  concern  for  the  welfare  of 
the  Colledge,  which  you  have  under  your  Government. 

I  think  it  my  Duty  therefore,  to  inform  you,  that  within  these 

*An  earlier  letter  to  Colman,  dated  November  6,  1724,  is  in  Proceedings. 
xuv.  260. 


8lO         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

few  Hours,  I  am  (from  one  whose  Time  and  Heart  is  more  with  some 
Folks  than  I  wish  it  were)  inform'd  of  great  Machinations  and  Expec- 
tations, to  see  the  Colledge  demanded  into  the  hands,  of  a  Daughter 
of  Babylon ;  and  notable  over-haulings. 

On  this  occasion,  Lett  me  not  be  thought  an  Overbusy  In- 
termeddler  in  affairs  which  I  have  been  sufficiently  forbidden 
from  any  meddling  with,  if  I  humbly  offer  two  Things  to  your 
Consideration. 

The  Colledge  is  in  a  most  precarious  uncertain,  unsafe  Condition, 
for  want  of  an  Incontestible  Charter,  you  know  whose  Maxim  it  was, 
(and  whose  it  will  be)  That  when  the  Cow  was  Dead,  the  Calf  died 
in  the  Belly  of  it ;  And  how  often  and  how  Long  our  General  Assem- 
blies acted,  as  Confessing  of  it.  Whether  this  be  True  and  Just  or 
no,  the  men  whom  you  know  too  well,  will  as  soon  as  they  can  proceed 
upon  it.  Several  Opportunities,  and  even  Invitations,  to  gett  a 
Royal  Charter  for  the  Colledge,  were  in  a  wretched  Manner,  and  on 
wretched  Intentions  thrown  away.  We  have  now  a  King  on  the 
Throne,  who  is  not  so  much  in  the  Interests  of  High-Church,  and  will 
not  be  so  fond  of  doing  what  K.  James  himself  (as  my  Parentator 
will  tell  you)  confess'd  a  Most  unreasonable  Thing,  but  that,  if  the 
Dissenters  at  home  will  so  far  Lay  aside  their  Unbrotherliness,  as  to 
join  their  Intercessions,  we  may  hope  to  obtain  a  Charter.  Wliat  I 
wish  for,  is.  That  Mr.  Colman  may  be  prevail'd  withal,  to  step  over 
the  Atlantic  and  Employ  the  Talents  wherewith  GOD  has  furnished 
him,  to  soUicit  and  prosecute  this  matter ;  and  that  the  Colledge 
Treasury  may  (with  other  Assistences)  be  at  the  Expence  of  an  Hook 
to  Catch  a  Salmon.  I  Entreat  you  think  of  it.  And  if  there  be  any 
Service  that  I  can  do,  in  forwarding  the  Design  (tho'  it  be  very  Little, 
that  I  can  do  in  this  or  any  other  matter)  I  shall  upon  your  Direction 
do  all  that  I  am  able. 

In  the  Mean  time;  I  remember  the  Time,  when  Days  of 
Supplication,  have  been  kept  in  and  by  the  Colledge.  If  there 
were  such  kept  at  this  Critical  Time,  who  can  tell,  how  many  good 
Consequences  may  follow  upon  them.  There  is  doubtless  a  Num- 
ber, even  of  the  under-graduates,  whose  prayers  may  help,  caelum 
tendere  etc. 

And  others  not  so  well-disposed  may  on  such  Days  be  in  the  way 
of  the  greatest  Edification.  While  such  Things  are  by  you  carrying 
on  there,  I  will  associate  myself  with  some  of  my  Fellow-Christians 
here,  in  Harmonizing  Exercises. 

Tis  possible,  the  same  Indescretion,  which  attends  all  my  other 


JANUARY,     1725-26  811 

Essays  to  do  Good,  may  be  discerned  in  this  also.     But  it  is  address'd 
unto  one,  who  knows  how  to  forgive,  and  Candidly  accept.  His  Brother 
and  Servt. 
Mar.  6.  1724-25  ^ 

To  Thomas  Prince.  m.h.s. 

[January  31,  1725-26.] 

My  dear  Friend,  —  and  one  of  my  dearest ! 

If  you  ask.  How  I  do?  I  can  scarce  allow  myself  Air  Enough,  to 
give  you  an  Account,  in  the  Terms  of  the  Letter  the  poor  Souldier 
at  Casco,  wrote  unto  my  Brother  Walter,  at  Roxbury.  Yett  for  part 
of  it,  I  may. 

If  you  ask.  What  I  do?  Alas,  Methinks,  my  Name  is  Do  Little; 
Tho'  in  Deed  and  in  Worth,  much  Inferiour  to  him  that  wore  that 
Name. 

I  am  hastening  unto  the  Work  of  my  Triparadisus.  But  perhaps 
making  more  Haste  unto  the  Paradise  of  GOD. 

The  Less  I  do  myself,  I  tliink,  I  must  Contrive  the  more  for 
others  to  do. 

And  as  there  are  several  small  services  to  Good  Interests,  which 
I  may  take  an  opportunity  to  mention  imto  you,  if  I  Live  to  see 
you :  [By  the  way.  Ask  Mr.  Cooper  and  Mr.  Foxcroft,  if  I  this 
Day  wrote  nothing  to  them?]  So  there  is  One  Very  Important, 
Extensive  Peece  of  work,  which  you  must  give  me  Leave  to  assign 
over  to  you. 

Our,  Agricola  ;  Good  Master  Henchman  has  it ;  and  it  has  been 
many  weeks  in  his  Hands.  Now,  if  he  saw  Cause  to  go  on  with  it, 
upon  a  sufficient  Encouragement,  I  cast  the  whole  care  (under  the 
glorious  Lord,  who  always  does  All!)  upon  you.  I  Leave  it,  with 
you  to  direct  him,  and  advise  him  ;  very  particularly  about  the  method 
of  sending  the  Proposals  for  Subscriptions  (which  he  has  in  his  hands) 
into  the  Countrey  Towns.  Mr.  T.  Green,  will  I  suppose,  be  so  kind, 
as  to  help  us  all  over  Connecticut.  Perhaps,  I  may  add.  Excite  him 
too,  against  Loss  of  Time ;  and  against  Living  at  the  Sig7i  of  the  Snail. 
You  see,  how  I  sett  you  to  ploughing;  even  under  the  Cold;  yea. 
Because  of  the  Cold.  The  Harvest!  The  Harvest!  It  is  near.  Lord 
come  Quickly.    The  rest  (I  want  strength ;  my  side  akes  with  This !) 

1  On  June  29  the  Church,  "having  taken  into  Consideration  the  Difficulties 
our  reverend  Pastors  labor  under  by  the  high  and  excessive  prices  of  all  necessaries 
of  Life,"  voted  a  weekly  allowance  of  four  pounds  to  Dr.  Mather,  and  of  three 
pounds  ten  shillings  to  Dr.  Gee. 


8l2         DIARY  or  COTTON  MATHER 

I  reserve  to  another  Time.     I  am,  Your  Brother,  As  merry  as  one 
bound  for  Heaven.  Co.  Mather. 

(Mrs.  A  skews  subscription) 

Let  no  vulture's  eye  see  the  enclosed  but  let  it,  at  your  own  time, 
return  safely  to  me.  The  fair  copy  met  with  a  strange  deliverance, 
which  at  another  Time  I  may  tell  you  of. 

To  Thomas  Prince.  m.h.s. 

Sir,  —  That  you  are  as  Cordial  and  Constant  a  Friend  unto  me, 
as  any  I  have  in  the  world,  Endears  you  not  unto  me,  so  much  as 
your  being  such  a  Friend  of  our  glorious  CHRIST,  and  of  His  Truth 
and  Cause  and  Kingdome  in  the  World. 

Some  Expression  of  it,  I  have  seen  in  your  Favour  to  the,  Ratio 
Disciplinae;  wherein  I  have  seen  the  Kindness  of  God. 

That  work  will  certainly  prove  one  of  the  Usefullest  Things,  that 
ever  were  offered  unto  the  churches.  Their  perpetual  Confirmation 
and  Establishment  in  the  Faith  and  Order  of  the  Gospel,  and  their 
Vindication  to  the  (Court  and)  world,  will  be  but  some  of  the  conse- 
quences, that  will  be  found  upon  its  pubHcation. 

Our  great  Adversary  thinks  so.  Hence,  he  obtained  a  permission 
t'other  day,  to  scatter  two  thirds  of  the  Copy,  unto  the  four  Winds 
of  Heaven,  in  Loose  Leaves,  whereof,  some  were  taken  up  by  strangers, 
others  were  found  in  a  Garden,  others  in  a  wood-pile ;  when,  if  it 
had  been  to  save  my  Life,  or  one  worth  ten  thousand  of  mine,  I  could 
not  have  recovered  it.  But,  the  Angel  of  the  Lord  Look'd  after  it. 
Not  a  Leaf,  nor  a  Line  of  it,  is  missing ! 

The  work  proceeds.     Nine-sheets  are  now  printed  off. 

But,  So,  Now,  our  Good  Bookseller  does  declare,  the  work  shall 
stop ;  not  a  sheet  more  shall  be  done.  ' 

He'l  tell  you  his  Reason,  if  you  ask  him.  And  I  have  told  you 
Mine! 

I  don't  wonder  that  such  a  work  must  be  brought  forward  with 
a  Struggle.    Tis  a  sign,  tis  for  the  Kingdome  of  God ! 

I  had  not  writt  a  Word  of  all  This;  but  only  to  introduce  my 
Request,  that  you  would  Visit  Madam  Saltonstal,  from  whom  I 
Learnt  yesterday,  that  you  may  hope  to  find  her  a  Noble  Subscriber. 

See  Isa.  XXXVII.  3.  with  LXVI.  9. 

I  add  no  more,  but  that  I  am,  Sir,  Your  Brother  (and  Servt)  in 
the  Labour,  and  service  and  Patience  of  the  Kingdome. 
Apr.  5,  [1726.]  C.  Mather. 


OCTOBER,     1726  813 

To  Thomas  Prince.  m.h.s. 

[May  23,  1726.] 

Sir,  —  It  appears  to  me,  that  Just  Sentiments  on  the  present  Con- 
dition of  the  Protestant  Religion,  are  what  our  Churches  as  well  as 
those  of  Europe,  need  greatly  to  be  instructed  and  Excited  with. 
Our  prayers  as  well  as  Theirs,  are  called  for;  and  may  have  their 
operation,  on  the  sad  Occasion. 

I  have  not  forgotten,  the  Folly  and  Baseness,  with  which  our, 
present  State  of  Religion,  was  treated.  Yett  I  am  not  thereby  dis- 
couraged, from  allowing,  that  if  you  think  it  advisable,  you  may  give 
this  to  Mr  Gerrish,  for  Publication  ;  and  if  he  have  it  out,  by  the  Elec- 
tion-day Morning,  he  will  be  no  great  Loser  by  it.  You  will  please 
to  Correct  Every  thing  in  it,  (as  well  as  the  press-work,)  and  lett 
Every  thing  about  it,  be  just  as  you  would  have  it.  I  Leave  all  to 
your  Discretion  and  Activity. 

But,  Continue  of  the  Opinion,  it  may  be  a  very  useful  paper; 
and  may  have  prayerful  Consequences. 

If  it  be  cavill'd  at,  I  can  show  a  much  more  obnoxious  one  of  Dr. 
Owens,  published  in  a  worse  Time  than  ours  pretends  to  be.  I  am, 
Sir,  Your  Brother  and  Servt.  Qq  tvtathkt? 

Munday  Morn. 

For  your  marvellous,  and  Victorious  Pryn,  I  mightily  thank  you. 

To  Rowland  Cotton.  a.a.s. 

26  d.  VIII  m.  [October.]  1726. 

Sir,  —  When  will  the  Angry  Man,  who  wrote  the  Enclosed,  have 
done  persecuting  of  me? 

A  Long  While  ago,^  hearing  you  and  the  worthy  Ministers  of  your 
Neighbourhood  basely  reflected  on,  for  ordaining  a  Minister,  who  had 
confessed  unto  Mr.  Stone,^  that  he  had  never  studied  Divinity  for  one 
month  (or  some  such  small  space,)  by  way  of  preparation  for  the 
Ministry,  before  his  Entrance  upon  public  preaching ;  (or  to  this 
Effect,  which,  I  think,  I  have  seen  asserted  under  Mr.  Stones  hand :) 
I  repUed,  I  was  well-assured  This  could  not  he  true.  For,  besides  what 
I  myself  knew  of  the  studies  follow'd  by  him,  I  was  informed  by  Mr. 
Cotton,^  how  long  he  had  studied  Theology  in  Ireland,  under  as  famous 
and  worthy  a  Tutor ;  as  Mr.  Stone  could  have  wished  for  him. 

*In  1 718.  ^Nathaniel  Stone,  of  Harwich. 

'Rowland  Cotton,  of  Sandwich. 


8l4        DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

For  my  saying  This,  I  was  assaulted  and  insulted  by  Mr  Stone, 
with  a  very  strange  Letter  and  Language,  which  for  some  Reasons 
in  a  very  ancient  Book,  I  did  not  care  to  give  any  Answer  to.  I  send 
the  letter  to  you ;  desiring  you  to  rectify  his  mistakes ;  and  Excuse 
me  from  having  any  thing  to  do  with  a  man,  so  full  of  evil-dispo- 
sitions towards  me ;  lest  I  should  unawares  trespass  on  the  Rule  of 
that  meekness  and  Patience,  which  ought  always  to  govern  me.  After 
this,  I  don't  remember  that  ever  I  spoke  any  thing  about  it ;  but  once 
to  my  Brother  Colman;  who  ever  treats  me  with  Candour  in  Expec- 
tation, that  he  would  also  do  the  same  Good  ofl&ce;  which,  if  he  did 
not  forgett  it,  I  beleeve,  he  did.  You  were  pleased  after  this,  (and  a 
great  while  ago)  to  tell  me.  That  Mr.  Stone  ^  promised  to  have  done 
with  his  Clamours  about  Mr.  Osborn:  And  I  don't  know,  that  I  have 
ever  had  occasion  since  then  to  say  any  thing  about  the  Matter. 

I  have  done  all  that  was  needful  for  me  to  do,  that  sin  might  not 
Ly  upon  him ;  And  that  you,  and  other  very  Good  Men,  might  not 
have  a  vile  Representation  given  of  you.  I  have  said  nothing  but 
what  is  Exactly  True  on  this  occasion ;  and  nothing,  but  what  I  had 
a  Loud  call  to  speak  when  you  were  abused  as  ordaining  a  most 
Ignorant  Creature. 

But  the  enclosed  will  give  you  to  see  how  much  he  has  done  with 
his  clamours. 

I  hope,  you  have  not  Lost  his  former  Letter ;  (tho'  I  Forgett  all 
but  the  general  Strain  of  it;  nor  do  I  desire  Ever  to  see  it  again.) 
The  second,  wherein  I  am  sorry  to  see  him  so  much  Like  the  Troubled 
Sea,  I  now  send  you,  with  my  Request,  that  you  would  either  shew 
this  touchy  brother  his  Errors ;  or  tell  me  plainly,  whether  Mr.  Stotte 
did  say  True,  when  he  said.  That  Mr.  Osborn  confessed,  That  he  had 
never  studied  Theology,  any  time  before  his  Entring  on  the  preaching 
of  it.  If  he  did  say  True ;  I  will  humbly  own,  I  have  wronged  him ; 
and  ask  his  pardon.  And  you  shall  as  humbly  own  to  me,  that  you 
have  imposed  on  me,  and  ask  mine.  If  what  he  said,  were  entirely 
False,  then,  I  pray,  perswade  him,  to  forbear  his  charging  me  with 
Lying,  and  with  being  an  Eminently  Immoral  Man,  and  the  rest,  that 
you  have  in  the  Letter.  Perswade  him,  that  he  would  cease  multi- 
plying to  me  occasions  for  that  overcoming  of  Evil  with  good,  which  he 
derides  me  for.  I  pray,  take  this  Task  upon  you.  For  I  will  not 
beleeve  so  wise  and  good  a  Man  as  Mr.  Cotton,  to  do  such  III  Things 
as  Mr.  Stone  insinuates,  in  the  Instrument  he  hath  sent  about  the 

'Samuel  Osborn.      See  Freeman,  History  of  Cape  Cod,  n.  89.      A  letter  of 
Stone  on  this  case,  dated  June  19,  171S,  is  in  Prince  Mss.  loi. 


JANUARY,     1726-27  815 

Countrey.  And  I  will  by  no  Temptation  (if  I  can  help  it)  be  drawn 
in  to  Loseing  time  in  having  any  thing  to  do,  with  a  man  who  hath 
so  far  cast  off  all  the  Rules  of  Decency. 

May  our  glorious  Lord,  Enable  both  of  us  to  be  Followers  of  the 
good  one;  and  give  a  better  Frame  of  Mind  unto  some  of  our  dis- 
tempered Brethren.     I  am.  Sir,  Your  kinsman  and  serv't. 

To  Thomas  Prince.  m.h.s. 

Sir,  —  With  many  Thanks  for  the  Liberty  you  have  indulged 
me,  I  return  your  Laborious  Many-Reader. 

About  the  Illustration,  Extracted  from  him,  which  I  now  send 
you,  some  time  or  other  (if  we  Live)  we  may  change  a  word  or  two. 

I  am  this  morning  in  a  Querulous  Humour. 

Very  many  Months  ago,  a  Number  of  Ministers  who  once  were 
Fathers  to  Mr  Clap,^  address'd  him,  with  their  tenderest  and  most 
obliging  Admonitions,  and  Exhortations,  and  perswasions  to  Reform 
a  great  and  public  Scandal,  that  he  had  Long  persisted  in.  He  took 
no  notice  of  them.  And  yett,  the  Ministers  of  this  Town,  appear 
afraid  of  so  much  as  telling  him,  That  they  dislike  his  Conduct. 

At  the  same  time,  the  State,  and  at  Last  the  Pen,  of  the  Scatter- 
ing Flock  makes  a  Loud  Cry  unto  us,  and  gives  us  the  fairest  oppor- 
tunity and  Introduction  for  our  Advice  to  them  that  can  be.  All 
delay  carries  Destruction  in  it ;  and  yett  all  we  do,  is  to  Lett  them 
know,  that  we  shall  delay  giving  them  the  Advice  their  Difficulties 
call  for,  till  we  have  some  Direction  from  Mr.  Clap  to  do  it. 

The  Two  Letters  you  ordered  yesterday  (tho'  I,  who  would  ever 
submitt  unto  your  better  Judgments  have  signed  them,)  I  verily 
fear,  are  only  to  harden  a  Melancholy  Man  in  a  Gross  Iniquity.  And 
only  to  Lengthen  out  the  Time  for  the  great  Adversary  to  accomplish 
the  Scattering  of  the  Holy  People ;  and  ruining  a  valuable  Interest. 

I  would  not  abound  in  my  own  Sense ;  and  I  am  very  sensible  of 
my  being  more  Hable  to  mistakes,  than  my  Brethren.  However,  I 
must  confess,  I  don't  understand  our  Conduct. 

But,  I  very  well  understand  the  meaning  of  the  Indecency  and 
Indignity  I  am  treated  withal ;  To  order  me  to  draw  up  Letters,  and 
make  me  Lose  my  Time  which  grows  more  and  more  precious  to  me, 
and  own  that  I  have  exactly  foUow'd  my  orders,  and  then  turn  'em 
upon  me  again,  and  substitute  instead  of  them,  that  which  can  be 
of  no  other  use,  but  only  to  render  Them  useless.     1  say,  /  very  well 

'Nathaniel  Clap,  pastor  of  the  Congregational  church  in  Newport,  R.  I. 


8l6         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

understand  it.  However,  you'l  find  me,  very  patient  and  Easy,  and 
under  no  other  Impression  from  it,  but  only  a  Resolution  to  Look  on 
myself  as  Excused  for  the  time  to  come  from  the  Labours  of  your 
Clerkship. 

I  am  willing  you  should  Lett  Mr.  Foxcroft  see  my  simple  Senti- 
ments. 

May  our  Glorious  Lord  help  us  wisely  and  meekly  to  bear  one 

anothers  Burdens,  (what  we  sometimes  Lay  on  one  another,)  and 

keep  us  always  imited  in  Services  to  the  Kingdome  of  the  Stone,  that 

we  may  have  our  share  together  in  the  Kingdome  of  the  Mountain. 

And  Love  one  another,  when  I  am,  Sir,  Your  affectionate  Brother 

and  Servt  _     _, 

Co.  Mather. 

Friday  Morn.  Jan.  13.  [1726-27.] 

To  Thom.\s  Prince.  m.h.s. 

[Boston  January  24,  1726-27.] 

Sir,  —  Having  first  Expressed  my  Satisfaction  on  what  you  have 
written  to  Mr  Watts,  I  will  freely,  and  in  the  most  open-hearted 
Manner,  offer  you  a  Little  of  my  Opinion,  about  the  Disquisitions, 
which  that  Man  has  Lately  pubUshed.^ 

I  take  him,  to  be  a  very  Disqualified  person,  for  the  Managing  of 
the  Vast  Subject  he  has  undertaken ; 

He  is  not  only  too  shallow  for  it ;  but  also  Led  away  with  a  Spuri- 
ous and  Criminal  Charity,  for  those  Abominable  Idolaters,  the 
Arians,  and  ready  to  Embrace  as  Brethren  in  CHRIST,  those  ancient 
and  perpetual  Enemies  of  CHRIST,  whom  to  treat,  as  a  great  part 
of  the  Dissenters  are  Wickedly  come  to  do,  is  an  High-Treason  of  a 
greater  and  blacker  consequence,  than  ever  an  Atterbury  was  charged 
withal. 

His  complements  to  that  execrable  crew  of  Traitors  (I  mean,  the 
Arians)  are  unChristian,  and  scandalous,  and  have  a  Tendency  to 
destroy  the  Religion  of  God.  His  Attempts,  to  compound  with 
them,  on  these  Two  Anathematizable  Terms ; 

First,  That  there  is  no  Eternal  Son  of  God  ;  [welfare,  poor  Assem- 
blies Catechism!)  and  that  there  is  no  Filiation  in  the  Godhead,  but 
this.  That  God  {sabellianicallyl)  created  a  super  angelical  Spirit  a 
good  while  ago,  and  intimately  possessed  him :  — 

Secondly,  That  an  Holy  Spirit  in  the  Godhead,  may  be  called  a 
Person,  as  the  Grace  of  Love,  and  some  other  things,  are  Personalized 
in  the  Scriptures ;  — 

>  Isaac  Watts.      See  Dictionary  of  National  Biography,  lx.  69. 


JANUARY,     1726-27  817 

These  Attempts  will  be  Detestable,  to  all  that  thmk,  The  Faith 
once  delivered  unto  the  Saints,  worth  Contending  for. 

Could  his  predecessor  once  again  take  his  pen  into  his  hand,  he 
would  Charge  him  with  nothing  Less,  than  grievous  Haeresies}  His 
Answer  to  Biddle,  for  That ! 

For  my  own  part,  I  Look  on  the  part  which  our  Brethren,  (I  will 
not  now  say.  United  Brethren,)  have  taken  in  Countenancing  the  Con- 
spiracy to  dethrone  and  degrade  and  ungod  the  Eternal  SON  of  GOD, 
as  having  a  deep  share  in  preparing  the  world  for  that  Catastrophe, 
which  my.  Diluvium  Ignes  warns  you  of.  [You  have  not  yett  Readd, 
the  Two  Last  Leaves  of  it.] 

As  for  you.  My  Son,  [If  not  my  Age,  yett  allow  my  Love  to  call 
you  so !]  I  will  say  one  Thing  to  you.  Take  heed  unto  your  Spirit. 
The  Candour,  or  Humour,  in  the  Spirit  of  Our  Friend  on  the  other 
side  the  water,  has  betray'd  him  into  a  most  mischievous  Treachery 
to  the  Faith  of  the  Gospel  and  unhappy  Disservice  to  the  Best  Cause 
in  the  world.  I  highly  approve  and  admire  the  Goodness  of  your 
Spirit,  and  the  Equanimity  wth  which  you  Look  upon  Displeasing 
Things.  But  yett,  watch  over  it.  Lest  you  admitt  of  an  Indolence, 
where  an  Holy  Zeal  shall  be  called  for;  and  where  a  John  himself 
would  be  a  Boanerges,  with  zealous  Testimonies ;  and  Lest  you  un- 
awares at  some  time  or  other  Hurt  a  Glorious  Cause,  by  an  Air  that 
may  carry  too  much  Complaisance,  where  warm  Expressions  of  the 
greatest  Abhorrence,  are  what  our  glorious  LORD  would  be  most 
pleased  withal. 

Haec  raptim  et  dvroKeXevo-Tt  from  Sir,  Your  most  affectionate 

^'^^t^^'^-  Co.  Mather. 

Mr.  Henchman,  has  the  Agricola  ;  ^  you  will  give  the  Enclosed 
unto  him,  when  tis  fill'd  as  far  as  you  think  fitt.  And  ask  him  to 
carry  it,  with  the  Agricola,  to  Mr  Checkley,  if  he  purposes  to  do  an 
thing  about  it.' 

'Watts  had  succeeded  Isaac  Chauncy  in  the  pulpit. 

*A  tract  of  Mather,  Agricola,  or  the  Religious  Husbandman,  appeared  in 
1727,  printed  by  F.  Fleet  for  D.  Henchman. 

^"2Sd.  II  m.  [January.]  1727-28.  A.M.  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Brethren 
of  the  Church,  the  following  Proposal  was  offered  and  approved ;  and  it  was  agreed 
that  notice  hereof  should  be  given  to  the  whole  .Assembly  in  the  Afternoon. 

"Whereas  in  the  holy  Providence  of  our  Lord  his  aged  Servant,  our  Rev'd 
and  dear  Pastor  (Dr.  Cotton  Mather)  is  visited  and  bro't  low  by  Sickness,  which 
takes  him  off  from  those  E.xercises  of  the  pastoral  Care,  whereby  God  has  greatly 
II -52 


8l8         DIARY  OF  COTTON  MATHER 

endeared  him  to  us,  and  threatens  his  Removal  from  us  by  Death,  which  we  would 
deprecate  as  a  most  awful  Frown  of  Heaven : 

"We  do  therefore  desire  and  appoint  next  Wednesday  afternoon,  to  be  set 
apart  and  employed  in  humble,  poenitent  and  earnest  Supplications  to  God  our 
Savior,  that  it  may  please  him  to  restore  and  confirm  the  Health  of  his  Servant, 
and  prolong  his  Life  and  UsefuUxess,  as  a  rich  Blessing  to  his  People. 

"And  we  humbly  desire  the  Rev'd  Mr.  Colman,  Mr.  Thacher,  and  Mr.  Sewal, 
to  assist  in  the  Services  which  are  called  for  on  this  Occasion." 

Cotton  Mather  died  February  13,  1727-28,  one  day  beyond  his  sixty-fifth 
birthday.  On  the  day  of  his  death  the  church  over  which  he  had  so  long  presided 
passed  the  following  vote :  "Whereas  under  the  awful  and  humbling  Bereavement, 
wherewith  the  great  and  good  Shepherd  has  visited  this  Flock,  the  united  Pastors 
of  the  Town  are  in  a  course  of  preaching  with  us;  according  to  the  usual  Method 
of  expressing  their  pious  Regards  to  a  deceased  Pastor,  and  his  bereaved  Flock 
and  Family:  it  is  therefore  ordered  and  appointed,  that  as  a  token  of  the  like 
Christian  Regards,  the  usual  Salary  be  continued  to  the  bereaved  Family,  and  that 
the  Deacons  accordingly  give  the  same  to  Mrs.  Mather  for  the  support  of  the 
Family,  from  the  Death  of  our  late  Venerable  Pastor,  till  the  said  Course  of  preach- 
ing be  finished."  On  April  2,  1728,  the  Church  voted  to  Mrs.  Lydia  Mather  the 
sum  of  one  hundred  pounds,  to  be  paid  in  monthly  instalments  of  five  pwunds. 
On  January  28,  1730-31,  Samuel  Mather  was  chosen  to  be  assistant  to  Rev.  Joshua 
Gee.    MS.  Records  of  the  Second  Church,  ui. 


TEXTS    USED   BY   MATHER 


TEXTS    USED   BY    MATHERS 


Acts 

CHAP 

.  V. 

VOL. 

p. 

II  Corinthians 

CHAP.  V. 

VOL. 

p. 

5 

17 

I. 

116 

CHAI 

.  V. 

VOL. 

p. 

8 

6 

II. 

401, 

506,  508 

2 

37 

I. 

116 

7 



402 

I 

3-11 

I. 

434 

4 

12 

— 

116 

2 

II 



389' 

S 

31 

— 

38 

I  Chronicles 



— 

II. 

388  > 

6 

8 

— 

18 

3 

18 

II. 

399 

8 

23 

— 

118 

4 

10 

n. 

285, 
289 

286 

5 

5 

I. 

103 

9 

S 

II. 

190 

15 

31 

— 

14 

II. 

219 

6 

I. 

116 

19 

3 

■ — ■ 

167 



17 

I. 

118 



n. 

788 

— 

15 

— 

677 



20 

120 

— 

31 

I. 

119 

29 

3 

— 

289 

7 

II 



592 

10 

4 

I. 

190 

II 

I. 

59° 

II 

27 

n. 

168 

— 

44 

n. 

32, 2 

87 

15 

n. 

289, 

602 

12 

4 

— 

163 

II 

IS 

I. 

219 

~ 

19 

286, 

677 

13 

5 

I. 

118 

— 

25 

— 

251 

II  Chronicles 

— 

— 

II. 

29 

— 

26 

— 

246 

— 

14 

— 

542' 

13 

2 



99 

I 

7 

I. 

119 

4S,  48  n.' 

593  > 

594 

12 

12 

— 

149 

Daniel 

i6 

2 
14 

I. 

202 
117 

20 
25 

12 
9 

n. 
I. 

787 
180 

4 

8,10 
18 

I. 

249 

i6 

30 

I. 

116' 

32 

2-8 

~ 

220 

— 

34 

n. 

163 

— 

31 

— 

116 

COLOSSIANS 

5 

27 

I. 

541 

21 

7 

II. 

400 



14 

— 

504 

I 

3 

I. 

416 

Deuteronomy 

24 

25 

I. 

152 

— 

— 

II. 

789 

26 

28 

— 

120 

— 

12 

— 

530, 

592' 

4 

10 

I. 

119 

27 

23 

I. 

355 

2 

7 

I. 

392 

26 

17 

I. 

391 

— 

— 

n. 

680 

3 

2 

n. 

507 

32 

3 

— 

S9I 

— 

25 

I. 

355 

— 

3 

— 

593 

— 

5 

— 

414 

— 

4 

— 

548 

33 

4 

II. 

234 

Amos 

— 

5 

I. 

288 

38 

7 

u. 

787 

4 
6 

12 
6 

n. 
I. 

678 
116 

I  CORIN 

THIANS 

Ecclesiastes 

8 

2 

II. 

219, 

286 

1 

9 

II. 

788 

1 

4 

n. 

163 

— 

11 

— 

509 

— 

30 

I. 

503, 

504, 

— 

IS 

— 

16s,  167 

Canticles 

505, 

506,  507 

2 

14 

— 

165,  287 

3 

16 

I. 

541  = 

4 

9 

— 

27 

I 

4 

n. 

510, 

595 

— 

23 

II. 

787 

7 

2 

— 

163 

2 

3 

— 

508, 

592 

6 

9 

I. 

287 

— 

9 

— 

507 



14 

— 

401, 

678, 

7 

29 

— 

416 

9 

5 

— 

S09 

679 

— 

35 

— 

590 

— 

10 

I. 

117 



16 

— 

33 

9 

26 

n. 

362, 

400' 

— 

— 

n. 

437.  506 

s 

1 

— 

509 

10 

14 

— 

399 

— 

12 

— 

507 

— 

2 

I. 

120 

— 

31 

— 

595 

II 

8 

II. 

789 

— 

6 

— 

117 

II 

28 

I. 

120 

12 

S 

I. 

365,  391 

— 

9 

n. 

593 

— 

30 

— 

168 



10 

n. 

399 

— 

10 

— 

400 

— 

31 

— 

39 

— 

14 

— 

234 

'  Superior  figures  represent  the  number  of  sermons  preached  upon  the  text. 


822 


TEXTS     USED     BY     MATHER 


Ephesians 


CSAP.  V. 

I  3 

—  4 

—  5 

—  6 

—  7 

—  8 

—  9 

—  lo 

—  II 

—  12 

—  13 

—  14 

—  IS 

—  i6 

—  17 

—  i8 

—  19 


22 

I 
2 

3 

4 

6 

17 

i8 

19 

20 

21 


4  28 

5  S 

—  14 

—  25 

6  II 

—  24 


VOL. 
I. 


3 
9 

12 
IS 

17 

21 

23 

32 

34 


n. 
I. 


2 
26 

7 

2 
26 
II 

19 
2 

22 
10 
6,7 
24 


26 


p. 
414.°  415 
414.  415* 
41s' 
41S' 

416  5 
416,'  417 
417,'  460, 
504 
460' 

460,'  480 
461,'  464 
461,'  462* 
462* 
503* 
SO4 
506' 

So6« 

SOS 

SOS' 

505 ' 

505' 

506 

50^ 

S06,  507 » 

541 

541 

541 

539 

540' 

540 

540 

S40> 

250 

594' 

290 

590 

788 

415 

490,  505.' 

506' 

286 


Exodus 

287 
164 
288 
504 


I. 
II. 

I. 

II. 
I. 
n. 

I. 
II. 
I. 


414 
787 
677 
289 
168 
118 
-  38 
—    540 

EZEKIEL 
I.     319 


CBAI 

.  V. 

VOL. 

p. 

CHAF 

.  V. 

VOL. 

p. 

9 

4 

I. 

116 

10 

26 

I. 

592 

14 

23 



415 



32 



117 

IS 

7 

n. 

290 



38 

— 

117 

16 

21 

— 

30 



39 



370 

17 

23 

n. 

399 

II 

I 



288,  316 

18 

28 

I. 

118 



2 



288 

24 

16 

— 

463 

— 

3 

— 

288 

37 

4 

— 

541.'  590 



4 



289' 

— 

5 



289,  290 

Ezra 

— 

6 

— 

117.  290 

8' 

IS 

n. 

164 

II 

7 

— 

290 

— 

17 



164 

Galatians 



24 



388,  389,  460 

— 

25 



3S9 

I 

18 

n. 

166 



26 



389' 

2 

20 

— 

34,  492,  680, 



27 



389 

788 



28 



389,  390  » 

3 

27 

I. 

S06,  S07,' 



29 



390' 

4 

19 

n. 

592 

56,  163 « 



30 
31 



390 
390 

S 

24 

I. 
n. 

417 
680 

— 

32 

— 

391 

12 

I 



392  » 

6 

3 
7 

— 

28s 
680 



2 
3 



392,' 413' 
413 « 

Genesis 

— 

II 



591;  n.  680 

— 

26 



461 

3 

IS 

I. 

592" 

13 

IS 

n. 

509 

4 

19 

— 

590 



20 

— 

163,  164 

18 

14 

n. 

593 



21 

— 

165,  166 

— 

25 

I. 

462 

20 

6 

n. 

287,  288,  289 

Hosea 

— 

II 

— 

32 

2 

8,9 

I. 

219 

22 

12 

I. 

174 

6 

I 

II. 

30 

— 

14 

— 

116 

8 

12 

I. 

414' 

28 

17 

— 

251 

9 

12 

— 

SOS 

— 

21 

— 

286 

IS 

— 

261,  287 

32 



I. 

43 

10 

12 

— 

250 

— 

10 

— 

117 

13 

9 

II. 

787 

— 

26 

— 

1 25 

14 

3 

I. 

116 

47 

3 

— 

41S 

49 

10 

— 

540 

Isaiah 

SO 

20 

— 

378,  392 

117.  n8 

I 

3 

I. 

Habakkuk 

— 

i8 

— 

38,  117 

3 

10,  II  — 

116 

2 

4 

I. 

16 

6 

5 

n. 

29 

— 

13 

— 

251 

9 

2 

I. 

541 

3 

2 

— 

463 

12 

— 

— 

434 

Haggai 

24 

S 

n. 

31 

25 

4 

I. 

212 

I 

7 

I. 

173 

— 

6 

n. 

594 

— 

9 

— 

173 

26 

2 

u. 

286,  677 

— 

— 

n. 

592 

— 

8 

I. 

118 

2 

7 

— 

S93 

— 

9 

— 

390,  463 

Hebrews 

— 

— 

II. 

510 

— 

13 

I. 

44 

I 

13 

II. 

30 

— 

20 

II. 

402,  506 

2 

7 

I. 

295 

27 

3 

I. 

543 

— 

18 

— 

391.  415 

30 

18 

11. 

399,  593 

— 

— 

II. 

593 

33 

17 

I. 

112 

S 

8 

— 

157,  289 

— 

— 

u. 

508 

TEXTS  USED  BY  MATHER 


823 


CHAP.  V. 

VOL. 

p. 

CHAP.  V. 

VOL. 

p. 

CHAP.  V. 

VOL. 

p. 

33 

24 

I. 

n8 

4 

2 

II. 

595 

35 

10 

— 

383,  392 

— 

34 

— 

250 

— 

i8 



31 

37 

14 



540 

37 

3 

II. 

812 

5 

3 

II. 

167 

42 

2 



220 

38 

14 



648,  679 

6 

16 

I. 

119 

40 

29 

I. 

116 

8 

6 

II. 

32 

Joel 

42 

24 



506 

13 

23 



31 

43 

14 

— 

504 

— 

27 

I. 

117 

2 

13 

II. 

399 

— 

21 



118 

17 

II 



331, 

509 

— 

22 



287 

17 

27 

II. 

687 

John 

44 

3 



6 

18 

2 



33 

I 

19 

I. 

389 

45 
46 
48 

19 

8 

10 

II. 
I. 
II. 

1 56 
391 
789 

23 

25 

24 

29 

6 

I. 

n. 
I. 

119 
789 
507 

2 

39 
48 
10 

u. 
I. 
II. 

287 

543 
678' 

52 

— 

I. 

219 

30 

15 

II. 

30 



II 

I. 

52 

53 

— 



250 

31 

3 

— 

28s 



17 

II. 

401,  402 

12 

286' 

18 

I. 

119 

16 

3 

— ^ 

234 

55 

I 
2 

— 

544 
589 

45 

5 

II. 
I. 

788 
506 

4 

6 
46 

I. 

509 
463' 



3 
7 

8 

U. 

117 

38 
508, 

592 

I 

I 

Job 

I.    S92 

— 

47 

48-5C 
50-53 

= 

453,  463 

463 

464 

"~~ 

10,  III. 

543, 

592 

_ 

21 

i8s 

— 

54 

II. 

678' 

56 

2 

503 

2 

10 

II. 

680 

5 

2 

I. 

506 

■~~ 

4 

29 

3 

25 

__ 

167, 

771,789 

5 

II. 

679 

59 

2 

45 

4 

21 



168 



6 

I. 

117 

60 

7 

u. 

40  r 

5 

6 



788 



14 

II. 

290 

61 
63 

9 
9 

I 
10 

I. 

II. 

812 
508 
116 

788 

7 

24 

I. 
II. 

592 
679 

30,2 

I 

6 

II 

21 

37 

I. 

509 
507 
117,  588 

64 
6S 

17 
7 

I 

u. 
I. 

168 
788 
116 

6 
7 

44 

3 

10 

I. 

n. 

120 
288 
S6i, 

594 

— 

44 
54 
65 



590 
541 
591 

21 

n. 

286 

9 

12 
28 

I. 

402 
503 

7 

70 
27 

II. 

250 
168 

"" 

23 

"~ 

508, 

592 

lO 

15 

n. 

287 

8 

24 

I. 

590 

James 

11 

12 

— 

509 

9 

15 

— 

591 

13 

6 

30 

10 

2 

II. 

509 

I 

2 

I. 

489, 

505 

— 

9 

I. 

32s 

— 

22,  2J 

— 

168 

— 

5 

— 

117 

— 

15 

— 

118, 

461 

II 

29 

— 

508 

— 

12 

— 

392 

— 

24 

II. 

402 

— 

43,44 

— 

508 

— 

26 

— 

276 

14 

10 

— 

32,  I 

63 

12 

26 

I. 

119 

— 

27 

II. 

33,   678,  679 

15 

II 

I. 

590 

— 

— 

u. 

508,  790 

2 

5 

I. 

178 

— 

17 

— 

416 

— 

35 

II. 

677 



u. 

398 

— 

21 

II. 

507, 

678 

13 

IS 

I. 

120 



20 

I. 

250 

— 

34 

— 

687 

14 

6 

— 

45,  219 



23 

— 

119 

16 

22 

— 

680 

— 

20 

n. 

787 

3 

16 

— 

198 

19 

25 

I. 

382, 

392,  464 

— 

23 

I. 

28 

4 

3 

II. 

592 

20 

26 

II. 

29 

— 

27 

— 

390,  391 

II 

I. 

389 

21 

— 

— 

510 

15 

2 

— 

118 

— 

13 

II. 

593 

— 

17 

— 

289 

— 

7,8 

— 

5S8 

5 

7 

— 

510 

22 

29 

I. 

507 

— 

8 

— 

220 

8 

— 

400, 

699,  787 

23 

14 

n. 

401 

— 

25 

II. 

677 

— 

20 

I. 

591 

24 

19 

I. 

539 

16 

9 

I. 

116 

27 

6 

n. 

508 

— 

14 

n. 

399* 

Jeremiah 

— 

8 

— 

788' 

— 

21 

I. 

307 

— 

12 

I. 

390 

17 

24 

II. 

161 

I 

19 

I. 

377 

29 

3 

II. 

507, 

678 

18 

II 

— 

254,  288 

2 

26 

— 

299 

30 

23 

I. 

577, 

592 

— 

18 

I. 

381 

3 

4 

— 

288, 

289 

— 

24 

II. 

168 

19 

6 

— 

390 

— 

12 

— 

27 

31 

6 

I. 

542 

— 

28 

— 

392 

824 


TEXTS     USED     BY     MATHER 


CHAP 

V. 

vot. 

p. 

Lamentations 

CHAF 

.  V. 

VOL. 

p. 

30 

— 

414 



21 



i6s 

21 

21 
22 

17 

20 
28 

I. 
I. 
II. 

I. 

290 

98 

594,  S9S 

392,  Soo 

120 

CHAP 

I 

3 

.  V. 

16 

22 

25 

57 
58 

VOL. 

II. 
I. 

II. 

p. 

594 
220 
29,  44 
507 
400 



22    

23  — 

24  — 
23-28  — 
29,  30  — 
31,32  

16s 

16s 

166  < 

166 

167 

167 

I  John       | 

5 

13 

I. 

294 

16 

2 

I. 

219 

19 

461 

18 

8 

II. 

1 6s 

I 

3 

I. 

41S 

2 

3 

7 

6 

14 

20 

II. 

390 

389' 

460 

399 

n6 

29 

29 

29,  i65 

4 
10 

Leviticus 

21   I.   237 

3   —  413 

—  n.   679 

19 
20 
23 

13 

22 

9 
3 

34 

I. 

II. 
1. 

292 
460 
788 
542 
389 

4 

23 
8 
9 

18 

I. 
II. 

19 

I 

17 
17 

I.   391 

Luke 
I.   116 

39 
40 
41 
42 

II. 

285' 
285' 
28s 
28s' 

5 

3 

29 

— 

38 

— 

507 



43 

I. 

391,'  41S 



4 

29 

— 

5° 

— 

20s 



n. 

285' 



6 

so 

2 

10 

— 

202 



46 

I. 

414 

^— . 

7 



31 



1 2-20  — 

218 

— 

8 

— 

31 

— 

15 

— 

185,  464 

24 

32 

n. 

32 

— 

10 

— 

32 

— 

29 

— 

287,  288,  289 

Maiachi 

— 

13 

I. 

591' 

— 

30 

— 

289 

3 

16 

I. 

542 

— 

14 

II. 

29,  30 

— 

31 

— 

290 

4 

2 

— 

119 

— 

19 

— 

30 

3 

17 

II. 

S08 



11. 

400 

— 

21 

— 

30 

4 

S 

I. 

543 

II. 

680 

Mark 

II  John 

4 

18 

I. 

IIS 

I 

40 

I. 

117 

^ 

4 

I. 

590,'  591 

— 

25 

II. 

592 

2 

S 

II. 

679 

S 

6 

— 

286, 

287 

7 

37 

— 

399 

Ill  John 

20 

I. 

391 

8 

38 

I. 

290 

— 

2 

II. 

677 

6 
7 

68 
47 

n. 
I. 

S95 
S88 

9 
10 

24 
13-1 

6  — 

118 
304 

~~' 

4 

~ 

593,  594 

8 

46 

II. 

677 

— 

21 

— 

391 

Jonah 

9 

23   — 

28,  29  — 

289 
59S 

14 
16 

SI 
16 



588 
1x6 

2 

9 

I. 

119 



31 



S9S 

4 

6 

II. 

399 

10 

6 

I. 

287 

Matthew 



20 

n. 

400 

I 

21 

I. 

38 

Joshua 

— 

29 

— 

33 

2 

5 

— 

183 

7 

8 

II. 

166 

— 

34 

I. 

250 

— 

12 

— 

218 

24 

14 

I. 

119 

— 

42 

— 

220, 

460 

— 

23 

II. 

166 

II 

13 

u. 

379, 

387, 

3 

12 

— 

401 

Judges 

401, » 

454 

5 

29,30  I. 

117 

3 

13 

14 
19 

I. 
II. 

506 
399,  679 

12 

15 
32 
40 

I. 

590' 
129 

S4I 

6 

47 
14 
21 

n. 

312 
559 

287 

I  Kings 

13 

6 

— 

250 

— 

33 

I. 

117 

— 

8 

11. 

33 

— 

— 

II. 

347,  364,  400 

3 

5 

I. 

540,541,542 

— 

35 

I. 

210 

7 

12 

— 

401 

— 

10 

11. 

401 

14 

18 

— 

116 

— 

13 

I. 

542 

8 

38 

— 

S08 

23 

II. 

507 

— 

14 

— 

116,  543 

14 

13 

I. 

591 

— 

27 

I. 

250 

— 

19 

— 

541 

i8 

21 

II. 

399 

IS 

7 

— 

590 

— 

25 

— 

414 

16 

II. 

163 

— 

27 

II. 

401 

II  Kings 



17 

163 

8 

3 

— 

679 

4 

26 

I. 

54°,  542 

— 

18 

— 

164 

1 

— 

5 

— 

679' 

lO 

32 

II. 

167 

— 

19 

— 

164 

— 

10 

I. 

413 

32 

19 

— 

S07 

— 

20 

— 

164, 

i6s 

— 

12 

— 

251 

TEXTS  USED  BY  MATHER 


825 


CHAP.  V. 

VOL. 

p. 

CHAP.  V. 

VOL. 

p. 

CHAP.  V. 

VOL. 

p. 



24,  2 

6  — 

251 

— 

14 

X. 

288 



— 

II. 

787 

9 

2 

— 

251 

14 

19 

— 

220, 

251,391 



24 

I. 

461 

— 



II. 

679 

25 

11 

— 

288 



30 



461 

— 

12 

I. 

366' 

12 

2 



461 

I  Pf.tf.R 

14 

391 



5 



414,  41S 

10 

16 

I. 

288, 

462 

1 

2 

I. 

219 



X2 

II. 

507 

— 

28 

II. 

459, 

507 

I 

8 

I. 

117 

12 

25 

I. 

460 

10 

29 

I. 

290 

— 

IS 

II. 

289 



26 



459 

— 

— 

II. 

594 

2 

7 

I. 

118 

13 

15 



41S 

11 

s 

I. 

20s 



— 

II. 

400 



19 

II. 

X64 

— 

28 

— 

117 



9 

— 

677, 

678" 



21 

I. 

416 

12 

13 

II. 

401, 

593, 594 



IS 

I. 

591 

14 

9 



460 

— 

20 

— 

677 

3 

13 

II. 

508 

— 

10 

II. 

16s,  287 

— 

35 

— 

402 

— 

21 

I. 

507' 



X2 

I. 

46X 

13 

3 

I. 

2872 

5 

10 

II. 

S94 

— 

14 

n. 

32 

— 

4 

— 

287 



2S 

— 

287 

— 

5,6 

— 

287 

II  Peter 

— 

27 

I. 

1x9 

— 

7 

— 

287 

I 

4 

I. 

128 



32 

— 

120 

— 

8 

— 

287. 

290 

— 

10 



118, 

543 



34 

— 

542,  589 

— 

24 

u. 

168 

2 

2 

— 

287 

15 

8 

— 

589* 

— 

44 

— 

399 

. — 

— 

n. 

787 

14 

IS 

I. 

149 

Philemon 

— 

24 

4x6 

— 

17 

— 

192 

— 

4 

I. 

504 

— 

32 

— 

461 

— 

30 

II. 

402' 

17 

16 

n. 

400 

16 

24 

I. 

461 

Philippians 

27 

1. 

150 

— 

26 

— 

116 

I 

6 

I. 

541 

x8 

xo 

I. 

2x9 

17 

I 

II. 

594,2 

595 



10 

II. 

168' 

19 

2 

— 

4x6 

— 

2 

— 

595  2 

— 

21 

I. 

75,  120    1 

— 

IX 

— 

2X9 

■ — ■ 

3 

— 

595,' 

596 

— 

— 

II. 

779, 

790  < 

— 

23 

— 

119 

18 

20 

I. 

588 

2 

12 

I. 

462 

20 

4 

II. 

402 

20 

32 

542 

3 

9 

— 

116 

— 

6 

I. 

461 

— 

34 

II. 

402 

19 



288 

— 

22 

II. 

15 

21 

19 

I. 

219 

— 

20 

II. 

68o,« 

68x3 

— 

27 

I. 

461,  462 

— 

43 

— 

389 

4 

4 

11. 

677* 

— 

29 

— 

462 

22 

13 

— 

543 

5 

I. 

390 

21 

25 

II. 

29 

23 

3 

I. 

539 

— 

13 

II. 

400* 

22 

4 

I. 

119 

— 

33 

— 

389 



19 

I. 

128 

23 

5 

u. 

X67 

— 

37 

II. 

789* 

— 

u. 

788 

— 

7 

— 

31 

24 

12 

— 

680 

— 

17 

I. 

315= 

— 

44 

I. 

542 

Proverbs 

— 

II. 

32, 1x9 

25 

26 
27 

45 
46 
28 
46 

— 

ISO 

461 

118 

38 

3922 

I 
2 

23 

24,2 
31 
32 

20 

I. 
811. 

I. 

462 

31 

S09 

31 

460 

24 

25 

26 
34 
10 

26 

I. 

II. 
I. 
11. 
I. 

2x9 
29 

462 
289 
50s 

MlCAH 

3 

7,8 

— 

119 

27 
28 

X 

2x9 

13 



39 

6 

8 
13 

n. 

702, 
289 

787' 

— 

17 

II. 

417 
402 

— 

14 

20 

— 

250' 
391 

505,2  506 « 
788 

7 

18 
19 

I. 

38 
129 

4 

3,4 

22 

26 

I. 

417 
463 
460 

30 

26 
8 

II. 

Neheidah 

— 

27 

II. 

31 

' 

20 

I. 

53 

I 

n 

I. 

119 

5 

II 

I 

220, 

224 

Psalms 

— 

— 

n. 

593 

6 

17 

— 

16 

I 

3 

I. 

129 

S 

9 

— 

164 

9 

I,  2 

— 

589 

4 

4 

II. 

30 

7 

2 

I. 

119 

— 

6 

— 

414 

— 

6 

I. 

44 

9 

17 

— 

38,  118     1 

10 

24 

— 

461 

5 

7 

II. 

287 

Numbers 

n 

II 
18 

II. 
I. 

507, 
416 

789 

6 
8 

9 

4 

I. 

2x9 
24 

12 

9 

u. 

788 

— 

23 

— 

4IS 

13 

4 

u. 

167 

82 

•0 

TEXTS 

USED 

B-y 

MATHER 

CHAP.  V. 

VOL. 

p. 

CHAP.  V. 

VOL. 

p. 

CHAP.  V. 

VOL. 

p. 

IS 

4 



286 

— 

19 

_ 

75 

— 

96 

II. 

680 

i6 

4 



499, 

Sio 



31 



176 



104 



787 

— 

5,6 

I. 

44 

71 

— 

II. 

72 

— 

107 



SIO 

17 

4 



504 



20 

I. 

442 



113 



286 « 

— 

14 



127 

73 

25 



44, 

118 



114 

1. 

127 

18 

23 



118, 

S18 

— 

28 



117 



147 

u. 

756.  788 

19 

13 

I. 

S07 

78 

63 

I. 

209, 

219 



156 

I. 

43 

21 

9 

n. 

286 

78 

63 

n. 

679 



165 

— 

54 1 

22 

2 

— 

233 

79 

8 

I. 

460 

119 

176 

n. 

32 

— 

9 

I. 

120 

86 

4 

n. 

678 

121 

3 

I. 

543 

— 

II 

n. 

287 

— 

17 

— 

398, 

401 

22 

6 

— 

116 

24 

10 

— 

677 

89 

5 

I. 

414, 

41S 

125 

4 

— 

541* 

25 

I 

— 

31 

— 

6 

— 

507 



5 

— 

541 

— 

2 

— 

31.32 

— 

8 

n. 

SOI 

126 

3 

— 

43,  590 

— 

3 

— 

32 

— 

15 

— 

508 



5 

— 

32,  592 

— 

4 

— 

32 

90 

7 

— 

510 

127 

2 

— 

589 

— 

S 

— 

32.  33 

— 

9 

— 

179, 

595 

130 

— 

— 

219 

— 

6 

— 

33 

— 

12 

I. 

120, 

168,  173 



3 

— 

199 

— 

7 

— 

33 

— 

16 

— 

307, 

540 



4 

— 

38 

— 

8 

— 

33 

91 

10 

— 

129 

131 

2 

— 

588 

— 

13 

— 

288 

— 

16 

n. 

200 

132 

4,  5 

— 

542 

— 

14 

I. 

119 

93 

4 

— 

176 



15 

— 

543 

— 

— 

n. 

III 

94 

22 

I. 

250 

135 

3 

n. 

402 

26 

8 

I. 

118 

162 

16 

— 

220 

136 

23 

I. 

251 

29 

3 

n. 

592 

— 

23.24 

— 

250 



26 

— 

531.  S43 

30 

tit. 

I. 

S04 

103 

3 

— 

249 

138 

— 

n. 

338 

31 

S 

— 

244 

— 

14 

— 

460 



3 

I. 

344,  542 

— 

14 

— 

289 

loS 

37 

— 

444 



6 

— 

16 

— 

19 

— 

119 

107 

43 

— 

288, 

289 



7 

n. 

257,  289 

— 

23 

n. 

168 

109 

19,  2C 

— 

94 

139 

2-4 

I. 

75 

32 

8 

I. 

129 

no 

I 

— 

589, 

S90,  591 

141 

5 

— 

287 

33 

18, 19  — 

119 

— 

2 

— 

591 

144 

I 

— 

132  » 

34 

7 

— 

119 

— ■ 

3 

— 

120, 

592 

145 

19 

— 

119 

— 

II 

n. 

286 

— 

7 

n. 

174  » 

146 

4 

n. 

286 

37 

3 

I. 

589 

Ill 

S 

I. 

119 

147 

2 

I. 

543 

— 

5 

— 

119 

112 

1,4 

— 

119 

— 

— 

n. 

30 

— 

16 

— 

219 

116 

— 

n. 

232 

— 

18 

— 

439,  506 

— 

2S 

— 

289, 

416 



I 

— 

288 

— 

20 

I. 

389 

— 

31 

n. 

400* 

— 

2 

— 

288 

149 

5 

u. 

103 

38 

7 

— 

679, 

680 

— 

3 



288' 

9 

— 

680 

— 

4 

I. 

120 

Revelations 

— 

14 

— 

104 



— 

n. 

288 

I 

10 

I. 

503 

44 

25,  2fi 

— 

23s 



5 

— 

289,' 

290* 

— 

II 

n. 

164 

4S 



— 

612 



6 

— 

290 

— 

12 

— 

789 

46 

2 

I. 

117 

118 

— 

I. 

431 

— 

13 

— 

789 

47 

7 

n. 

400 

119 

S 

— 

117 

— 

18 

— 

398,  509 

48 

14 

I. 

543 



6 

— 

117 

2 

3 

I. 

327.  390 

SI 

3 

— 

116 



9 

— 

166 

— 

5 

— 

20s 

S2 

8 

— 

S88, 

591 



19 

— 

168, 

173 

— 

9 

II. 

592 

S6 

— 

n. 

III 



25 

n. 

507 

— 

10 

I. 

541 

— 

3 

— 

789 

— 

28 

— 

287 

— 

16 

II. 

167 

57 

— 

— 

III 



36 

I. 

414 

— 

19 

— 

30,  28s,  506 

— 

1 

I. 

168 



38 

— 

119 

— 

21 

— 

507 

— 

7 

n. 

Sio» 



55,62 

n. 

219 

3 

I 

I. 

287 

61 

2 

I. 

S06 



59 

I. 

167 

— 

16 

II. 

288 

63 

I 

II. 

768 



60 

— 

117 

— 

19 

I. 

592 

— 

3 

I. 

415' 



63 

— 

119 

— 

— 

II. 

508 

— 

— 

n. 

680 



71 

— 

1x8 

7 

16 

— 

31 

66 

8-20 

I. 

434 



92 

II. 

449, 

507,  765 

10 

I 

— 

i6s 

68 

14 

— 

213 

— 

94 

I. 

589 

II 

18 

1. 

119 

TEXTS     USED     BY     MATHER 


827 


CHAP.  V. 

VOL. 

p. 

CHAP.  V. 

VOL. 

p. 

13 

8 



156 

'5 

5 



399 

14 

3 



542 

— 

7 



593 



— 

II. 

608 

— 

II 

I. 

591 



7 



395,  402,  507 



14 

II. 

125,  167 

19 

6 

1. 

251 

16 

7 



788 

20 

12 

II. 

164 

I  Samuel      I 



IS 



156 

21 

21 



32 

I 

7 

II. 

20,  33 

22 

2 



401 

I 

15- 

181. 

539 

22 

17 

II. 

790' 

— ■ 

— 

u. 

31 

— ■ 

27 

— 

322 

Romans 

2 

I 

I. 

579 

I 

18 

I. 

542  > 

7 

6 

— 

195 



26 

— 

251 

— 

12 

— 

287 



28 

— 

289,  290 

16 

23 

n. 

788 

2 

I 

— 

553 

20 

29 

I. 

504 

— 

4 

— 

290,  503 

25 

29 

u. 

789 

4 

20 

— 

288 

II  Samuel      I 

5 

I 

— 

38 

— 

6 

— 

116 

7 

— 

I. 

259 

6 

8 

n. 

402 

12 

7 

— 

S40 

8 

6 

I. 

288,  289 

23 

15 

11. 

678 

— 

10 

— 

541 

— 

20 

— 

506 

— 

13 

— 

287 

I  Thessalonians    I 

— 

14 

— 

118 

— 

16 

II. 

787 

I 

7 

I. 

389 

— 

18 

I. 

505 

2 

4 

— 

ii8 

— 

21 

— 

391 

5 

3 

— 

243 

— 

28 

— 

129,391' 

— 

9 

— 

116 

— 

36 

— 

116 

— 

18 

— 

116 

12 

10 

11. 

321 

— 

22 

— 

540 

13 

II 

I. 

145 

— 

23 

11. 

478,  509' 

14 

14 
7,8 

542' 
506 

II  Thessalonians 

— 

— 

II. 

510,  679 

2 

i6 

n. 

168 

— 

17 

— 

543,  593  • 

3 

I 

I. 

287,  390 

I  Timothy 

CHAP.  V. 

VOL. 

p. 

—  5 
I     1 

I   IS 

29 

399 

117 

3  16 

4  7 
6   10 

— 

234 

219,235,251 

589 

589 

II  Timothy 

2  I  I.  592 

3  1  —  589 

—  2  II.  401,  593 

—  5  I.  251,  286, 2fi 

—  9  —  251 

—  IS  —  591 

4  7  II.  593 

—  10  —  164 

—  22  —       593 

TiTUS 

1  16  II.  165 

2  10  I.  287 

—  10,  n—  588,' 589 

—  14  II-  33.34 

Zechariah 

I  —  I.  263 

10  12    128 

11  9  II.  285 

12  10    680 

13  I  I-  29, 38 

14  8  11.  595 
9  —  592 


INDEX 


INDEX 


'A.  B.  C.  of  Religion,'  2,  216,  226. 

Abbot,  Richard,  1,  551. 

Abuse,  an  incentive  to  piety,  2,  100. 

Acadia,  2,  171. 

Achmet  III,  of  Turkey,  2,  173. 

Acknowledgments     and     Protestations, 

1,  145- 

Actions,  record  of  daily,  1,  71. 

Acts  of  consecration,  2,  340. 

Adams,  two,  2,  742. 

Adams,  Brooks,  1,  xv«. 

Adams,  Charles  Francis,  1,  xvii. 

Adams,  Eliphalet,  2,  803,  807. 

Adams,  Hugh,  1,  S97«;  2,  404. 

Adams,  Rebecca,  1,  181. 

'Address'  to  Bellomont,  1,  302;  to 
Queen,  2,  125;   to  King,  see  George  I. 

'Ad  Fratres  in  Eremo,'  1,  306. 

Administrator,  see  Howell  estate. 

Adonijak,  2,  i8«. 

Adulteries,  2,  65,  242. 

'Adversus  Libertinos,'  2,  184. 

'Advice  from  Taberah,'  2,  116,  118. 

'Advice  from  the  Watchtower,'  2,  209, 
211. 

'Advice  to  the  Churches  of  the  Faith- 
ful,' 1,  410. 

Afflicted,  book  for  the,  2,  478;  thoughts, 
650. 

Afflictions  and  chastisements,  2,  179; 
example  of,  265,  717;  lessons,  569, 
602,  719;   furnace  of,  768. 

Aged,  preparation,  2,  606. 

'Agreeable  Admonitions  to  both  Old 
and  Young,'  1,  480. 

'Agricola,' 2,  811,817. 

Agur's  prayer,  2,  751. 

Alanson,  synod  of,  2,  311. 

Alcasar,  Ludovicus,  1,  262». 

Alexander,  Lydia,  2,  297. 

Alkin, ,  2,  187. 

Allen, ,  2,  84. 

Allen,  Benjamin,  2,  7S9«. 

Allen,  James,  1,  92,  99,  2ii«,  3i7«. 

Allen,  Jeremiah,  1,  i74«. 

Alliance,  grand,  of  1701,  1,  420. 

Allin,  James,  2,  483n. 

Almanac,  advertisement  in,  1,  210;  writ- 
ing in,  276. 

Alms  deeds,  recording,  1,  580. 

Alms,  2, 48, 137, 143, 263,  282, 335,  391, 

83 


778;   lot   in  distributing,  66;   winter, 

250,   490;   return,  707. 
Alms-house,  1,  178;  complaints  against, 

226. 
Alsted,  Johann  Heinrich,  2,  243«. 
America,  Christianity  in,  2,  411. 
American  Antiquarian  Society,  1,  xiii. 
American  letters,  2,  295. 
'American  offer,'  1,  570. 
'American  Sentiments,'  2,  625. 
'American  Tears  upon    the  Ruines    of 

the  Greek  Churches,'  1,  370. 
Amour,  indiscreet,  2,  221. 
Anabaptists,  1,  209,  313,  318,  324;  2,  53, 

697;  letter  to,  329;  essay  against,  572. 
Anagram,  1,  160. 
'  Anastasius,'  2,  471. 
Andover,  Mass.,  witches,  1,  142;  visits, 

565;   minister,  2,  561. 
Andrews,    Jedidiah,    1,   550;    2,    i84«; 

letter  to,  690. 
Andros,  Edmund,  1,  i33n,  I38«,  i4i«. 
'Andros  Tracts,'  1,  i4i«. 
'Angel  of  Bethesda,'   1,  3n,   i63n;    2, 

716;  completed,  698. 
Angels,  evil,    1,    156,    178;  good,   162, 

167,  188,  201,  209,  224,  249,  255,  267, 

396;   2,  8,  40,  140;  song  for  meeting, 

1,  234;   vision  of,  2,  190,  200;   minis- 
try of,  474,  520,  577,  578,  659,  680. 

Anger,  2,  46,  127;  ungovemed,  455,  462; 
of  God,  502;  sudden,  518;  of  nations, 

693- 
Angier,  John,  2,  759. 
Angier,  Samuel,  2,  575. 
Annapolis,  N.  S.,  2,  93;     minister  for, 

96. 
Aime,  Princess,  1,  36s»;    queen,  2,  125, 

i76«. 
Anniversary  celebration,  2,  791. 
Answers  of  prayers,  1,  343. 
Antichrist,  1,  262;    2,    333;  1260  days, 

454.     See  Kingdom  of  God. 
Antimonium  Diaphoreticum,  1,  365. 
Antinomianism,  1,  430,  572;    in  south, 

2,  184. 
Antisabbatarianism,  1,  572. 
Apostasy,  sinful,  1,  31;    contest  with, 

3S8. 
Apostates,  ministers,  2,  695. 
'Apostolical  constitutions,'  2,  205. 


832 


INDEX 


Apparition  of  the  dead,  2,  383. 

'Appeal  to  the  Learned,'  2,  35. 

Appleton,  Nathaniel,  2,  478«,  S72w, 
748M. 

Apprentices,  advice,  2,  199. 

Archer,  John  Rose,  2,  729». 

Archer,  Thomas,  2,  170. 

Archetype  of  all  creatures,  2,  605. 

Areskin, ,  2,  107,  430. 

Argyll, ,  1,  i04n. 

Arian  opinions,  2,  106,  107. 

Arianism,  2,  182, 186,  191,  230,  796,  800, 
816. 

Arminianism,  1,  149M;  2,  207 

'Armour  of  Christianity,'  1,  499. 

Amdt,  Johann,  2,  193^,  336,  348,  413. 

Arnold,  Stephen,  1,  346«. 

Arrowsick,  Maine,  2,  336. 

Articles  of  adversity,  2,  498;  supplica- 
tion, 579. 

Artillery  meeting,  1,  ios«;  sermon,  132. 

Ascetics,  Christian,  2,  87,  93,  235,  349. 

Ashurst,  Sir  Henry,  1,  243,  244,  549. 

Ashurst,  Sir  William,  1,  549;  2,  414, 
422;  1,  and  negroes,  571;  Increase  and, 
2,  299;  letters  to,  292,  299,  330,  420, 
510,  682. 

Askew, ,  2,  812. 

Assembly,  General  address  on  reforma- 
tion, 1,  89,  211;  sermon  to,  149,  237; 
2,  356;  incorporation  of  college,  1, 
308,  352;  books  for,  411;  memorial, 
2,  78,  356;  ill-conduct  of,  128;  dis- 
order and  confusion,  383;  some 
visit  Mather,  383;  on  Increase  Mather, 
353.  40?)  408;  and  Dummer,  420; 
conference,  483. 

Associating,  work  of,  2,  549. 

Atheism,  2,  3. 

Atkins,  Thomas,  1,  403W. 

Atonement,  doctrine  of,  2,  108. 

Attainments,  high,  1,  58,  131. 

Atterbury,  Francis,  2,  816. 

Atwood,  John,  1,  16411,  181,  189M;  2, 
428. 

Audience,  thoughts  on,  2,  158. 

Augustine,  St.,  1,  144;  2,  66,  170. 

Aurora  Borealis,  2,  596. 

Avery, ,  1,  76;  2,  54. 

Avery,  Joseph,  2,  232«. 

Axel,  Samuel,  sec  Samuel  May. 

Aylmer,  Brabazon,  1,  550. 

Aynsworth,  James,  1,  550. 

B.,  R.,  2,  753.    See  Rebecca  Brown. 
Babylon,  daughter  of,  2,  698. 
Bailey,  John,  death,  1,  244,  245. 
Baker,  Daniel,  2,  lOo;;. 
Baker,  Samuel,  1,  58;?. 
Baking,  thoughts  on,  2,  198. 
'Balances  of  Equity,'  2,  128,  314. 


Baldwin,  A.,  1,  3i2«. 

Ballads,  bad  effect  of,  2,  242. 

Bank,  Massachusetts,  2,  296,  418. 

Bant,  Mrs.,  2,  471K. 

Bant,  John,  2,  47i«. 

Baptism,  restriction  on,  1, 161;  improve- 
ment on,  502;  valid,  602;  ignorance 
on,  2,  53;   mock,  of  vessels,  473. 

Baptist  Church,  first,  Boston,  2,  53; 
ordination,  530,  535,  537. 

'Baptistes,'  2,  696. 

Barbadoes,  1,  141. 

Barbarj',  captives,  1,  473. 

Barber,  admitted  to  church,  1,  346; 
pious,  2,  636. 

Barnard,  John,  1,  137*1,  i64n,  181,  189^, 
S62«,  S96h;  2,  22in;  disciplined,  1, 
S98n;  at  Marblehead,  2,  3S9n,  360, 
361,  670. 

Barrenness  bewailed,  2,  91,  153,  515, 
544,  732. 

Barnstable,  Mass.,  2,  385,  431. 

Barrington,  John  Shute,  2,  436)/,  527. 

Bartlioloma?an  sufferers,  2,  242. 

Barton,  William,  1,  57. 

Basset,  Nathan,  2,  717,  718,  719. 

Bastardy,  punishment,  1,  165. 

'Batteries  upon  the  Kingdom  of  the 
Devil,'  2,  II??. 

Bath,  cold,  2,  388,  504. 

Baxter,  Joseph,  1,  274;  2,  303. 

Baxter,  Richard,  1,  412;  2,  315,  518; 
mother's  catechism,  25;  Gildas,  498; 
Poor  Man's  Family  Bible,  782. 

Bay  Psalm  Book,  1,  7s«. 

Beard,  Thomas,  2,  224. 

Bears,  descent  of,  1,  316. 

Beatitudes,  2,  457. 

Belcher, ,  2,  563. 

Belcher,  Jonathan,  2,  74i«. 

'  Believers  Gain  by  Death,'  2,  265. 

Bell,  ringing  of,  2,  241. 

Bellomont,  Earl  of,  1,  187;  arrival,  302; 
address  to,  302;  minister  for  lecture, 
349,  390;   Mather's  mission,  356. 

Belman,  Thomas,  1,  551. 

Benefactors,  catalogue  of,  2,  701 ;  return, 

730.  745- 
Benignity  of  God,  2,  352. 
Bereavements,  remedy,  2,  743. 
Berlin,  see  Jew  children  of. 
Bermudas,  care  for,  2,  344,  383,  452, 
•    464,  475-  476,  532- 
Bernard,  St..  2,  i. 

Bernard,  John,  2,  68,  561,  564,  575,  580. 
Bernard,  Thomas,  2,  561,  594. 
'Best  Ornaments  of  Youth,'  1,  575. 
'Best  Way  of  Living,'  2,  264. 
Betrustment,  deed  of,  for  children,  2, 

59.  65. 
Beverly,  Mass.,  1,  597. 


INDEX 


833 


Bible,  acceptance  of,  1,  88;  reading, 
127;  2,  193;  Mather's  entries,  1,  157, 
in  Spanish,  420;?;  commentaries,  2, 
311;   and  catechism,  354. 

Bibles,  distribution  of,  2,  85,  in,  357, 
370,  373,  589;   in  prison,  448. 

Biblia  Americana,  conception  of,  1,  169; 
manuscript  of,  i70«;  mentioned,  231, 
545;  completed,  563;  prayers  for, 
567;  account  of,  570;  desire  to  pub- 
lish, 2,  40,  316,  330,  436;  additions, 
162,178;  "new  offer,"  283,309,310; 
directions  for  publishing,  312,  314; 
Reynolds  on,  317;  publication  de- 
spaired of,  376,  377;  described,  413, 
416,   sii. 

Bickerstafi's  predictions  (Swift),  1,  600. 

Biddle, ,2,  817. 

Bills  put  up  in  congregation,  2,  108;  of 
credit,  Massachusetts,  296;  endorsed, 
667. 

Birthdays,  observance  of,  2,  219,  359, 

398,  591- 

Bishop,  Hannah,  1,  189^,  i98«. 

Bishop  Mrs.  (nee  Lee),  2,  358«. 

Blackmore,  Sir  Richard,  2,  105;  pro- 
jection for,  141. 

Blague,  Newcomb,  1,  310H. 

Blasphemy,  2,  3. 

Blathwayt,  William,  1,  I4i«. 

Blerso,  Mrs.,  2,  410. 

Blessings,  best  of,  2,  496. 

Blessings,  conspicuous,  2,  468;  asked 
for,  783- 

Blindness,  poem  on,  1,  408. 

Blood  of  the  Passover,  2,  250. 

'Boanerges,  the  Work  of  the  Day,'  2, 
381,  382,  457,  716,  800,  802. 

Body,  serviceableness,  1,  45;  thoughts 
on,  2,  75. 

'Body  of  Divinity,'  Usher's,  2,  243K; 
Mather's,  130. 

Boehm,  Anthony  William,  2,  332,  348, 
364,582;  Enchiridion,  376,  379;  letter 
10,406,4x1,563. 

Boehme,  Jakob,  2,  i93«. 

Bolton,  Samuel,  1,  315. 

'Bonds  of  the  Covenant,'  2,  13. 

'Bonifacius,'  2,  42,  60. 

Book,  enrollment  in  Devil's  and  church's, 
1.  15s.  157;  grateful  thought,  2,  92, 
226,  277. 

Books,  borrowed,  1,  55;  hawker  of,  65; 
publication  encouraged,  97;  distribu- 
tion of,  2,  14,  26,  105,  109,  783; 
thoughts  on  his  own,  157,  396;  pub- 
lication of,  162,  170,  178;  number, 
157;  presents,  179;  printed  in  Hol- 
land, 421;    English,  496;    result,  707. 

Booksellers,  advised,  2,  204,  243,  379; 
books  for  English,  260,  270;    charac- 

^■53 


terized,  331;  avarice,  456;  in  danger, 
672. 

Boone,  Nicholas,  2,  114. 

Boone, ,  2,  430. 

Boone  Island,  2,  7i«. 

Borland, ,  2,  791. 

Boston,  population,  1,  68;  fire  in  ware- 
house, 78;  Church  of  England,  i33»; 
revolution  against  Andros,  138M; 
military  diversions,  174;  French 
church  in,  238;  metropolis,  311;  press 
under  fear,  37s«;  fears  French  in- 
vasion, 2,  94,  166;  impending  mis- 
chief, 209;  disorders,  213^;  measles, 
248,  262;  city,  360;  divisions,  443, 
451,  460,  500,  505,  541;  fever,  486, 
495 ;  dangers,  518;  excitement  over 
inoculation,  632-662. 

Boston,  fire,  2,  29;  (1711)113;  sermon, 
116;  church  collection,  117. 

'Boston  Ephemeris,'  1,  85K. 

'Bostonian  Ebenezer,'  1,  257. 

Botanies,  2,  208. 

Boyd,  WiUiam,  2,  548^. 

Boylston,  Zabdiel,2, 621K,  624H,  636, 791. 

Bradbury,  Thomas,  2,  563;  letters  to, 
796,  800. 

Bradford,  William,  1,  30. 

Bradford,  WiUiam,  1,  375W. 

Bradstreet,  Dudley,  2,  i6o«. 

Bradstreet,  Simon,  1,  94K,  96«,  20on; 
2,  247K;  Charlestown  church,  269W; 
pamphlet,  375W. 

Braintree,  Mass.,  1,  597;  2,  151. 

Brand,  Alexander,  and  Dummer,  2,  414, 
418. 

Brattle,  Elizabeth  (Hayman),  death  of, 
2,326. 

Brattle,  Thomas,  1,  375M. 

Brattle,  William,  2,  326,  437«,  478n,  506. 

Bread  for  Indian  catechumens,  2,  359. 

Breast,  pain  in,  remedy,  1,  444. 

'Brethren  dwelling  together  in  Unity,' 
2,  537- 

Brewing,  thoughts  on,  2,  198. 

Brewster,  John,  disciplined  by  church, 

2,95- 

Bridewell,  Boston,  1,  422. 

Bridger,  John,  2,  i48«. 

Bridgewater,  Mass.,  Keith  at,  2,  17,  369; 
sermon,  32,  490;  schoolmaster,  481; 
troubles,  759. 

'Brief  Discourse  concerning  the  Unlaw- 
fulness of  the  Common  Prayer  Wor- 
ship,' 1,  134. 

Briggs,  John,  2,  627,  628. 

Brigham,  Clarence  Saunders,  1,  xiii. 

Bristol,  R.  I.,  2,  619,  622,  631,  759. 

Bromfield,  Edward,  Indian  Epistle,  1, 
347«,"  church  history,  400,  445;  prints 
advice,  410;  aids  publication,  558. 


834 


INDEX 


Brookline,  Mass.,  minister  for,  2,  483, 
490,  524,  548;  ordination,  566;  kins- 
man, 548,  565. 

Brown, ,  2,  686. 

Brown,  Francis  Henry,  1,  xxii. 

Brown,  James,  1,  550. 

Brown,  Joanna  (Cotton),  2,  474M. 

Brown,  John,  2,  474n. 

Brown,  Mary,  1,  5oi». 

Brown,  Rebecca(?),  2,  698,  721,  753,  765. 

Browne,  Simon,  2,  563«,  798. 

Brunswick,  Me.,  2,  336. 

Buchanan,  John,  2,  597. 

Buckmaster,  Sarah,  1,  i89«. 

Bulkly, ,  2,  427. 

Bunyan,  John,  1,  30H. 

Burgess,  Daniel,  1,  549. 

Bumel,  Rebecca,  2,  767,  77i». 

Burnet,  Gilbert,  2,  172,  213,  726,  803, 
80s. 

Burroughs,  George,  1,  142. 

Bushel,  John,  2,  686. 

Bushnel,  Sarah,  1,  598«. 

Buttolph,  Nicholas,  1,  3isn,  Si7». 

Byam,  John,  1,  551. 

Byfield,  Nathaniel,  1,  2iin,  465. 

Byles,  Elizabeth  (Mather),  2,  64;  re- 
liefs, 2,  144,  278,  282. 

Byles,  Josiah,  2,  278«. 

Byles,  Mather,  2,  64;  illness,  709,  712, 
719,  766,  770. 

Cable, ,  1,  23sn. 

Caesar  (Ezer?),  2,  683. 

Calamy,  Edmund,  2,  242,  311;  letter  to, 

301. 
Calef,  Robert,  on  Boston  revolution,  1, 

139M;    on  witchcraft,   172,  371,  377; 

libels  and  injuries,  264,  396;   days  of 

prayer  on,  373;    reply  to,  383,  393, 

397- 

'Call  of  the  Gospel,'  1,  97M,  123. 

Callender,  Elisha,  2,  536M. 

Callender,  Ellis,  2,  53^,  536». 

Callings  of  the  flock,  2,  83. 

Calvin,  John,  1,  144. 

Calvinists,  union  with  Lutherans,  2,  663. 

Cambridge,  Mass.,  1,  132,  359;  2,  207, 
217,478. 

Campbell,  Duncan,  1,  156. 

Canada,  Indians  from,  1,  566;  popery 
in,  572;  expedition  against,  2,  8,  30, 
35,  82,  87,  89,  91,  92;  fleet  at  Boston, 
85;  fast,  102;  failure,  109,  166,  167; 
complaints,  173. 

Cancer,  2,  274,  581,  625,  764. 

Candle,  snufling  of,  2,  281. 

Candlestick,  golden,  2,  764. 

Canterbury,  Conn.,  2,  769. 

Cantharides,  powdered,  1,  455. 

Cape  Franfois,  idol  for,  2,  441,  445. 


Capen,  Joseph,  2,  393. 

Captive,  Indian,  in  France,  2,  192;  in 
Spain,  455.    See  Sallee. 

Cards,  game  of,  1,  598«. 

'Cares  about  the  Nurseries,'  1,  421. 

Caribbee  islands,  2,  176. 

Carolina,  cotton  goes  to,  1,  277;  Jew 
converted,  315;  plague,  320;  books 
for,  2,  156;  ruined,  316;  Indian  out- 
break, 328;  Christianity  in,  412. 

Carver,  Mrs.,  1,  172. 

'  Case  of  a  Troubled  Mind,'  2,  439. 

'Cases  of  Conscience,'  1,  153. 

Cases,  particular,  2,  90;  concealed,  121. 

Castalio,  Sebastian,  2,  49. 

Catalogue  of  poor,  2,  150,  152,  156. 

Catechising,  parental,  1,  419;  of  chil- 
dren, 2,  68,  80,  161,  201,  234,  239,  271, 
273.  27s,  346,  SSo,  744,  756,  763,  768; 
Indian,  359;   revival,  719,  725. 

Catechism  Assembly's,  2,  8,  8i6;  New 
England,  1,  572. 

Catholics,  in  England,  1,  113. 

'Cato,'  2,  793». 

Cedar  in  Lebanon,  1,  86. 

Censures,  man  under,  2,  588,  623;  civil 
authorities  and  church,  784. 

'Certain  Select  Passages,'  1,  398. 

Chamberlain, ,  1,  402. 

Chanute,  memoirs,  1,  158. 

Chapen,  Samuel,  Indian,  1,  459. 

Chaplain,  for  garrison,  2,  745. 

'Character  of  a  Christian,'  1,  246. 

Characters  described,  2,  562. 

Charge  at  Mather's  ordination,  1,  99. 

Charity  school,  2,  24,  27,  214,  341,  344, 
370;  funerals  and,  45;  second,  360; 
rewards,  373;   negroes,  379,  500,  663. 

Charles  I,  remembrance  of  death,  2,  281. 

Charles  II,  1,  4i«;  2,  171;  death  of,  1, 
93«,  113;   persecution  history,  313. 

Charles  XII,  Sweden,  2,  173. 

Charleston,  S.  C,  2,  717,  718. 

Charlestown,  Mass.,  1,  102,  121,  127; 
2,  380;  Mather  in,  1,  128;  artillery 
sermon,  132;  minister  for,  218,  226n, 
269«;  ordination,  275;  2,  246; 
kindred,  198,  343,  498,  578. 

Charnock,  John,  2,  S97«,  688n. 

Charter,  Massachusetts,  vacated,  1,  93M; 
circumstances  of  granting  new,  141; 
favorable  conditions,  148. 

Chat,  idle,  1,  89. 

Chateillon,  sec  Castalio. 

Chatham,  Mass.,  2,  404,  747. 

Chauncy,  Charles,  1,  xv,  207»;  books 
from  Library,  368. 

Chauncy,  Isaac,  2,  81 7n. 

Chebacco,  church  council,  1,  272. 

Checkley,  John,  2,  605;  modest  proof, 
703M;  prosecution,  7i6». 


INDEX 


835 


Checkley,  Samuel,  1,  4o6«;  2,  42gn, 
474«,  817. 

Cheever,  Samuel,  2,  221W,  361. 

Cheever,  Thomas,  1,  125,  isi». 

Cheny,  William,  1,  30». 

Cheyne,  George,  2,  450. 

Child  murder,  2,  569. 

Children,  care  of,  2,  25,  53;  lessons  for, 
113;  sermon  to,  56;  day  of  prayer, 
476;   in  library,  544. 

Children,  Mather's,  assurances  upon,  1, 
174;  mercy  for,  283;  sermons  for,  296, 
302;  education,  534,  573,  595;  pro- 
vision for,  2,  59,  6s,  245,  497;  list  of, 
290;  questions,  70,  79,  94,  136,  159, 
207,  214;  268,  273,  442;  prayers  of, 
81,  572;  tempers,  91;  lesson  from  ill- 
ness, 104,  366;  sin  and  consequences, 
109;  lessons,  115,  149,  150,  205,  213, 
216,  262,  265,  540;  meanness  of  con- 
ception, 118;  games,  144;  usefulness, 
211;  birthdays,  219,  359;  church,  280; 
mother,  337,  338,  590;  visit  to  grand- 
father, 344;  prayers  with,  351;  for, 
455.  497,  591 ;  reading,  455,  656;  to 
be  blessed,  532;  temptations,  567; 
and  Christ,  642;  table  talk,  651; 
blessings  to  one  another,  701;  return, 
706.    See  Family. 

Chimney  fire,  1,  422. 

Chipman,  John,  2,  809. 

Chiswell,  Richard,  1,  550. 

Christ,  living  in,  2,  731. 

Christian,  formal,  1,  14;  and  a  minis- 
ter, 190;  lukewarm,  2,  237;  dilatory, 
251;   crucified,  637,  656. 

'Christian  at  his  Calling,'  1,  403. 

'Christian  conversing  with  the  Great 
Mystery  of  Christianity,'  2,  15,  40. 

'Christian  Directory,'  1,  412. 

'Christian  Funeral,'  2,  44,  256,  262. 

'Christian  Philosopher,'  2,  610,  800. 

Christian  religion,  doubts  upon,  2,  3. 

'Christian  Temple,'  1,  525. 

'Christian  Virtuoso,'  2,  324,  332,  511. 

'Christian  Walk,' l,6n. 

'Christianity  demonstrated,'  2,  53. 

'Christianity  to  the  Life,'  1,  406. 

'Christianus  per  Ignem,'  1,  381. 

Christmas  revel,  2,  146. 

'Christodulus,'  2,  783. 

Chrysostom,  2,  293,  294. 

Chubb,  Thomas,  2,  106. 

Church,  Sir  Arthur  Herbert,  2,  246. 

Church,  Brattle  Street,  Boston,  begin- 
nings, 1,  325,  330,  338;  reconcilia- 
tion, 332;  pamphlet,  375. 

Church,  First,  Boston,  burning  of,  2, 
114,  lis;  division  in,  145;  lecture  in 
new  building,  286;  minister,  371,  376, 
394,  401. 


Church,  French,  see  Daill6.     , 

Church,  New  North,  Boston,  suggested, 
2,  181;  prayers,  183,  191,  192,  194, 
19s,  211,  212,  213;  wishes,  184; 
meeting,  187,  188,  189;  minister  for, 
226;  visit  to,  268;  troubles,  282;  dis- 
mission to,  3531  Parsons,  428;  build- 
ing, 615,  616;   sermon,  616,  617,  622. 

Church,  New  South,  Boston,  dedication, 
2,  391,  393;  sermon,  394;  Parsons, 
431;  deplorable  condition,  448,  451, 
460,  482. 

Church,  Old  North,  Boston,  collections, 

1,  5,  i37«,  i77«,  181,  190,  217;  mem- 
bership, 68,  135,  319;  2,  SOI,  71S, 
762;  catalogue  of  communicants,  1, 
108;  2,  506,  S18,  527;  distempers,  1, 
113;  private  meetings,  135;  2,  496; 
seating,  1,  137W;  2,  766;  children,  1, 
137W;  watch,  161;  distant  members, 
180;    scandals,    213,    214,    261,    268; 

2,  6s,  69,  531,  536;  highway  claim, 
1,  273W,  29o«;  day  of  prayer,  484; 
non-attendance,  2,  ion;  welfare,  62; 
young  people,  72;  improvement,  77, 
344;  repairs,  i89«,  394,  S98»,  S99»; 
service  for,  199,  282,  351;  committee, 
292M,  299«,  3SIW,  477W,  527,  S97«, 
603,  638,  661,  688h;  representative 
of,  342;  society,  343;  order,  350; 
described,  415;  disciplined,  455,  461, 
49°,  525,  542;  assistant  for,  467,  475, 
476,  477,  480,  523,  6s6,  688m,  690«; 
disturbance,  504;  dismission  of  mem- 
bers, 627.     5ee  New  North,  and  Flock, 

Church,  Old  South,  Boston,  fast,  1,  443. 
566;  troubles,  2,  98;  new  minister, 
476. 

Church,  in  New  England,  1,  xv,  205; 
troubles,  357,  374,  384;  principles, 
40s;   absentees,  42s;   order,  2,  366. 

Church  history,  see  'Magnalia.' 

Church  of  England,  Boston,  1,  i33«; 
tenets,  312;  2,64,81;  New  York,  60, 
151;  Newbury,  147;  Marblehead, 
221;  books,  3S7;  colonies,  412;  in- 
fluence, 699,  708,  793,  797;  reply,  702. 

Church,  prayer  for,  under  persecution, 
1,  41,  321,  410. 

'Churches'  Quarrel  Espoused,'  2,  327. 

City,  Boston  a,  2,  360. 

Civilities,  return  for,  2,  136,  208. 

Clap,  Nathaniel,  1,  ssi;  2,  S97,  815. 

Clark,  John,  1,  41 «,  136;;;  2,  ii«,  22M, 
i89«,  299K,  477«,  597??,  6s3m,  688n, 
69on. 

Clark,  John,  Jr.,  2,  41,  254. 

Clark,  John,  of  Exeter,  1,  52s«. 

Clark,  Martha,  2,  251. 

Clark,  Mary,  2,  201W.  See  Mrs.  Salton- 
stall. 


836 


INDEX 


Clark,  Sarah,  2,  78, 116, 410, 487. 

Clark,  Sarah,  2d.,  see  Sarah  (Clark) 
Greenwood. 

Clarke,  Samuel,  1,  65;  2,  720. 

Clissold,  Mrs.,  2,  2o6»,  309. 

Clocquing,  2,  763. 

Closet,  religion  of  the,  2,  132;  of  rem- 
edies, 270. 

Clothes,  need  of,  2,  4;  thoughts  on 
donning,  113,  131;    gift  of,  79,   205, 

253- 
Coaches,  use  of,  2,  223. 
Cobb,  William  H.,  1,  xxii. 
Cochran,  John,  2,  328. 
Cock,  Sarah,  1,  242,  244n;  2,  482n. 
Cock,  crowing  of,  2,  228. 

Cockeril, ,  1,  402. 

'Coelestinus,'  2,  691. 

Coggan,  Elizabeth,  2,  242n. 

Coggan,  John,  2,  242«. 

Cohansey,  N.  J.,  2,  771. 

Cold,  extremity  of,  1,   216,   334,   529; 

almsgiving,  2,  150;   sermon,  402. 
Colds,  epidemical,  1,  247. 
Cole,  Thomas,  2,  719,  773. 

Coleman, ,  1,  i37«. 

Coleman,  William,  1,  2io«;  2,  154. 
'Collection  of  some  offensive  Passages,' 

1,378. 
'Collection  of  the  Occasional  Papers,' 

2,  563,  573- 

CoUer,  or  KoUer, ,  2,  50. 

Collins,  Nathaniel,  2,  92;},  228,  232n. 

Colman, Benjamin,  1, 364H;  2,  256^, 407, 
6o7«,  694«,  748«,  814,  818;  called  to 
church,  1,  326;  publications,  37S«, 
377;  letter  from,  2,  169;  sermon,  240; 
letters  to,  430,  809;  smallpox,  634«; 
Harvard  presidency,  774»». 

Colman,  John,  1,  3io«;  2,  44,  99,  397. 

Colonies,  southern,  religion  in,  2,  120, 
145,  148,  527;  antinomianism,  184; 
missionary  for,  198. 

Combats  of  Christianity,  2,  363. 

Comer,  Thomas,  1,  341M. 

Commandments,  in  Latin,  2,  352. 

Common  Prayer  worship,  1,  133. 

Communicants,  catalogue  of,  1,  108; 
2,  506,  518,  527;  meeting,  137;  candi- 
dates, 142. 

Communion  with  God,  2,  138;  the  glori- 
fied, 590. 

'Companion  for  communicants,'  1,  41W, 

i37».  i38«.  I47W- 

'Companion  for  the  AflSicted,'  1,  396. 

Company,  vain,  1,  68;  evil,  399;  un- 
sought, 2,  707. 

Compass,  mariners',  2,  no. 

Compassion,  objects  of,  2,  27,  645,  654. 

'Compassions  called  for,'  2,  37,  71. 

Complacency,  2,  79. 


Compton,  Henry,  bishop  of  London,  1, 

312. 

Conant, ,  2,  42. 

Conception,  false,  1,  430. 

Concord,  Mass.,  2,  527,  759. 

Conduct,  points  of,  1,  537. 

Coney,  Nathaniel,  2,  74,  84. 

Confession,  general,  1,  214. 

'  Confirmed  Christian,'  1,  253,  282,  500; 
2,  208. 

Conformity  to  Saviour,  1,  95;  2,  4,  616, 
630,  633,  635,  64s,  647,  711;  occa- 
sional, 172. 

Connecticut,  2,  277,  280,  524,  538; 
embargo  on  com,  1,  191;  plentiful 
harvest,  223;  books  for  Assembly, 
411;  petition  to  queen,  598;  rum  and 
ministers,  2,  51;  meeting  of  ministers- 
96;  mortality,  154,  155,  160;  kins; 
man,  156,  248,  535;  farm  in,  450, 
distribution  of  'Minister,'  685.  See 
Indians. 

'Conquest  over  the  Grand  Excuse  of 
Sinfulness  and  Slothfulness,'  1,  573. 

Conscience,  reproaches  of,  2,  474. 

Consecration,  act  of,  2,  393. 

Consideration,  2,  49. 

Consumption,  man  in,  2,  464. 

Convention,  general,  2,  429,  537. 

Conversation  with  Heaven,  1,  437,  501; 
2,  669,  67s,  779;  Christ,  611,  717, 
732;  profitable,  society  for,  612. 

Convert  on  cross,  discourses,  2,  285. 

'Converted  Sinner,'  2,  729. 

Cooke,  Elisha,  1,  138,  i39n,  294n;  2, 
382M. 

Cooly,  Mary,  1,  i8on. 

Cooper,  Edward,  2,  745,  759,  762. 

Cooper,  Elizabeth  (Mather),  2,  745; 
care  for,  747,  773. 

Cooper,  William,  2,  634M,  671,  681,  684, 
686,  811. 

Corbet,  John,  1,  66. 

Corlet,  Elijah,  on  stuttering,  1,  2». 

Com,  scarcity  of,  1,  191;  2,  213. 

Combury,  Lord,  1,  599M. 

Correspondence,  foreign,  2,  105,  136; 
resolution,  141;  extent,  162;  composi- 
tion, 212;  limitation,  803. 

Corruption,  two  points  of,  2,  451. 

Corwin, ,  1,  407;*. 

Coston,  Thomas,  2,  98,  544;  widow  of? 
loi;  daughter?  107. 

Cotton,  Anna  (Lake),  2,  499n. 

Cotton,  Joanna,  1,  320M. 

Cotton,  Joanna,  see  Joanna  (Cotton) 
Brown. 

Cotton,  John  (1585-1652),  1,  xv,  37; 
thanksgiving,  i8»;  singing  of  psalms, 

75«- 
Cotton,  John,  (Plymouth),  letter  to,  1, 


INDEX 


837 


140,  142;    fall,  70,  194;    disciplined, 

236.  237;    reconciled  to  church,  277; 

death,  319. 
Cotton,  John,  (Hampton),  1,  551,  604; 

2,  499n. 
Cotton,  John,  (Newton),  2,  226n,  471W, 

473.  529.  534- 
Cotton,    Maria,    see    Maria    (Cotton) 

Mather. 
Cotton,  Nathaniel,  2,  446»,  6ign,  622, 

631,803. 
Cotton,  Rowland,  1,  551;  2,  303n,  471M, 

474m;  letter  to,  403,  813. 
Coughs,  malignant,  1,  370;  thoughts  on, 

2,  121. 
Council,  governor's,  and  fast,  1,  211W. 
Council  chamber,  prayers  in,  2,  211. 
Court  chamber,  prayer  at,  2,  2o6«. 
Covenant  of  Redemption,  1,  i;  new,  56, 

155;    Mather's,    96;     of    Grace,  215, 

289;  2,47,  163;  poem  on,  1,482;  sins 

against,  2, 13,31- 
Covetousness,  sin  of,  1,  584. 
Cowell,  William,  2,  403«. 
Cox,  James,  2,  6gsn. 
Cox,  Mary,  1,  S69W. 
Craighead,  Thomas,  2,  306,  321,  440. 
Crenius,  see  Crusius. 
Criminals  in  New  England,  history  of,  1, 

279. 
Cromwell,  Oliver,  1,  s6w;  2,228. 
Crooked  thing,  2,  80, 165, 167. 
Cross,  the,  a  fruitful  tree,  2,  259. 

Crowninshield, ,  2,  96. 

Crusius,  Thomas,  2,  422. 

Cumby,  Robert,  1,  S96W. 

Ctmable,  Robert,  1,  34i«. 

Cunningham,  Henry  Winchester,  1,  xxiii. 

Cup,  submission  to,  2,  253,  259. 

Cupping,  1,  285. 

'Cura  Sacerdotali,  de,'  2,  2i2n. 

'Curbed  Sinner,'  2,  240. 

'Cure  of  Sorrow,'  2,  21. 

'Curiosa  Americana,'  2,  246. 

Curiosities,  collection  of,  2,  362. 

Cushing,  Jonathan,  2,  474«. 

Cushing,  Thomas,  2,  688w. 

Cutler,  Timothy,  2,  797,  804,  8o6». 

Daill6,  Pierre,  2,  94«,  2s6«. 
Danforth,  Mary  (Wilson),  2,  242M. 
Danforth,  Samuel  (1626-1674),  2,  242». 
Danforth,  Samuel  (1666-1727),  1,  294M, 

Si3;2,  64»,  303n. 
Daniel,  the  man  of  desires,  1,  224. 
Darien  settlers,  1,  284. 
Darkness,  2,  448. 
Davenport,  Elizabeth,  2,  87«. 
Davenport,  John,  1,  42. 
David,  1,  53;  2,  733. 
Davie, ,  2,  125. 


Davis,  iVndrew  McFarland,   1,  xiii,  2, 

702». 

Davis,  Edward,  1,  i89». 

Dawson,  Henry,  1,  362«. 

Day,  Abigail,  1,  226«,  2s8». 

Day,  use  of,  2,  461. 

'Day  and  the  Work  of  the  Day,'  1,  166. 

'Day  which  the  Lord  hath  made,'  1,  471, 

474- 
Days  of  prayer,  three,  see  Prayer. 
Deacon,  making  one  useful,  2,  450. 
Deacons  of  church,  1,  164)1,  181,  i89»; 

afflicted,  2,  539;   incited,  576,  617. 
Dead  to  world,  2,  359,  374,  384,  389, 

445.514,525,  529- 

Dean,  John,  2,  71M,  791. 

Death,  preparations  for,  1,  168,  321; 
expectation  of,  2,  241,  258;  dying 
daily,  264,  476;  facing,  280,  469,  533, 
539,  561,  585;  improvement  of  sud- 
den, 457;  improving  an  escape  from, 
488;  neighbors,  610,  613,  615;  easy, 
758,  764;  fear  of,  781. 

'Death  made  easy  and  happy,'  1,  403, 
449. 

Debt,  thought  on,  2,  136;  prisoner  for, 
341,354,621;  burdened,  558. 

'Decennium  Luctuosum,'  1,  271. 

Decrees  of  God,  2,  664. 

'Decus  ac  Tutamen,'  2,  771. 

Dedham,  Mass.,  2,  459;  visit,  1,  236; 
2,  240,  718;  lecture,  443. 

'De  Doctrina  Christiana,'  2,  66. 

Deed  of  betrustment,  for  children,  2,  59, 

65. 
Deerfield,  Mass.,  2,  93^. 
'Defence  of  Evangelical  Churches,'  1, 

364- 

Defoe,  Daniel,  2.  74. 

'De  Imitatione  Christi,'  2,  582. 

Delusions,  2,  83. 

Deming,  David,  2,  i97«. 

'De  Natura  et  Gratia,'  2,  490,  497. 

Denmark,  oath,  2,  572.  See  Malabar, 
mission  of. 

Dennis, ,  2,  800. 

'De  Satana  Colaphizante,'  1,  365. 

Deserters  from  army,  2,  95,  146,  244. 

'  Desires  of  the  Repenting  Believer,'  2,  8. 

Deuce,  Jane,  1,  i59». 

Devices  of  Good,  see  Good  devised. 

Devil,  the,  2,  119. 

Devotions,  coming,  in  family,  2,  21. 

Diamond,  Thomas,  1,  63«. 

Diaries,  location  of  Mather's  manu- 
script, 1,  XXV. 

Diary  of  daily  actions,  1,  71,  72;  de- 
stroyed, 73;  lost,  i38n;  seized  by 
wife,  2,  584. 

Dietericus  (Dietrich),  Conradus,  2,  782. 

Diodati,  John,  2,  311. 


838 


INDEX 


Discipline  of  church,  2,  131,  150,  276; 
threatened,  158,  376. 

Discords,  2,  552,  555,  767. 

'Discourse  of  Regeneration,'  2,  719. 

Disease,  loathsome,  2,  645,  652,  655. 

Dispensations,  dark,  2,  705. 

Displeasure,  divine,  1,  216. 

Dissenters,  persecution  of,  1,  149;  in 
England,  persecutors,  2,  74;  and 
Schism  bill,  318;  and  literature,  331, 
413;  in  New  York,  353,  473;  lives 
of,  720,  766. : 

Distempers,  treatment  of,  1,  114;  2,  345. 

Distracted,  the,  2,  448,  453,  551,  576, 
581,  589,603,  617. 

Divinity,  body  of,  1,  115,  519. 

Doctor  of  Divinity,  from  Glasgow,  2, 
4on,  63. 

Doctrine  of  Grace,  1,  188,  429;  2,  64,  81. 

'Doctrine  of  Instituted  Churches,'  1, 
364?*. 

Dodson,  Jonathan,  2,  232. 

Dog,  bite  of  a  dog,  1,  526;  power  of  the, 
2,  117,  666. 

Domestics,  questions  to,  2,  228. 

Dorby, ,  2,  433. 

Dorchester,  Mass.,  kinswoman,  2,  210, 
217,  697,  780. 

Domey,  Henry,  2,  715,  720. 

Douglass,  William,  2,  624n. 

Dover,  N.  H.,  well  at,  2,  175. 

Dracut,  Mass.,  2,  558. 

Dragon,  2,  35. 

Dragooning,  in  France,  1,  262. 

Dream,  text,l,  xxviii;  2,  241;  Shepard's 
appearance,  129. 

Drinking,  excessive,  1,  215. 

Drone,  a  poor,  2,  336. 

Drought,  1,  166,  361;  2,  464. 

Drowsiness  in  church,  2,  439. 

Drunkards,  2,  18,  65,  198,  733,  747. 

DubUn,  Ireland,  2,  70. 

Dudley,  Joseph,  inter\'iew  with  Mather, 
1,  464;  malice  of,  2,  8,  293,  414;  dines 
ministers,  15;  stays  away  from  lec- 
ture, 122;  slight  on  Mather,  353. 

Dummer,  Jeremiah,  2,  128,  174,  192, 
422,  470,  800;  defence  of  New  Eng- 
land, 173;  correspondence,  197,  313, 
631,  632;  Mather's  relations,  414; 
address  to  king,  300,  414;  Brand 
affair,  414,  418;  defended,  417;  as- 
sembly on,  420;  letter  to,  414;  letter 
shown,  794. 

Dummer,  William,  2,  682,  800;  letters 
to,  792,  807. 

Dunbar,  battle  of,  2,  228. 

Dunkirk,  2,  171. 

Dunton,  John,  1,  i33«. 

Dupcister,  John,  1,  550. 

Durham,  Elizabeth,  1,  i38n. 


'Dust  and  Ashes,'  2,  23. 

Dutch,  New  York,  and  church  of  Eng- 
land, 2,  151;  treaty  of  Utrecht,  171. 

'Duties  of  children  unto  their  Parents,' 
1,  302. 

'Duties  of  Parents  unto  their  children,' 

1,  302. 

Dutson,  Mary,  1,  226n,  si8n. 

Earle,  John,  1,  351. 

'Early  ReUgion,'  1,  178. 

Earthquake,  Jamaica,  1,  142. 

East  Indies,  1,  352;    letters  to,  2,  367, 

474,  516. 
'  Echo's  of  Devotion,'  2,  334,  710. 
Ecstatics,  in  Europe,  2,  in. 
Edes,  Henry  Herbert,  1,  xiii. 
Edom,  1,  259n;  Edomites,  2,  130. 
Education,  thoughts  on,  1,  534;    need, 

2,  51;  aided,  182,  340;  religious,  345, 
365;  inspectors,  3S4. 

Edwards,  John,  1,  550;  2,  81,  243. 

Edwards,  Timothy,  2,  232,  457«. 

Egardus, ,  2,  395,  396,  438,  440. 

Ejaculations,  heavenly,  1,  4,  61,  81,  loi, 
105,  107,  109,  208,  265,  270;  2,  126, 
276,  279,  363. 

'Ejaculatory  Prayer,'  1,  277. 

Eleazar  and  Lazarus,  2,  251. 

Elders,  consistorj'  of,  1,  386;  for  sick,  2, 
489. 

Election  sermon,  1,  192,  2,  9;  Mather's, 
1.  349,  352;  ministers'  meeting,  2, 
74,  343,  536. 

'Eleutheria,'  1,  259,  280. 

Eleutherians,  2,  468. 

Elicut,  Vines,  1,  234W. 

Eliot  John,  1,  96n;  2,  737. 

Elliott,  John,  2,  SS4«,  647». 

Elliott,  Maria  (Green),  2,  647«,  675. 

'Elizabeth  in  her  holy  Retirement,'  2, 
618,  700. 

Elizabeth,  N.  J.,  2,  316W. 

Ellis,  Elizabeth  Anna  Byles,  1,  63H. 

Ellis,  Joan,  1,  274. 

Elton,  Benjamin,  1,  62n. 

Emerson,  John,  2,  35,  36. 

Emerson,  Joseph,  2,  746«. 

Emerson,  Elizabeth,  1,  165. 

Emmcs,  Thomas,  2,  323M. 

Enchantment,  1,  158. 

'Enchiridion  Prccum,'  2,  376,  379. 

Encouragement,  an,  1,  534. 

End  of  actions,  2,  533. 

Enemies,  care  of,  2,  26,  52,  99,  438,  472, 
480,  490,  578,  663,  672;  protection 
from,  43,  100,  106,  III,  129;  judg- 
ments upon,  139,  156;  change  in,  344; 
wrath  of,  675. 

Enfield,  Mass,  2,  92,  228,  232. 

England,  coming  changes,  1,  184,  188, 


INDEX 


839 


191,  207,  233,  241,  302,  347;  history 
of  reformation,  259;  news  of  his  writ- 
ings, 233,  270,  276,  278,  2S0,  320,  331, 
374,  498,  530,  596,  2;j  438,  623;  non- 
conformists in,  1,  213,  610;  books  for, 
2,  27. 

Enghsh  magistrate  (Bromfield),  1, 347«. 

Enjoyments,  improvement  of,  1,  64; 
sacrifice  of,  2,  266,  268,  284,  359; 
measure,  346;   undeserved,  397. 

Ens  Veneiis,  1, 455. 

Envy,  2,  117,  123. 

Ephialtes,  1,  129. 

Episcopacy,  2,  247.  See  Church  of  Eng- 
land. 

'Epistle  unto  the  Christian  Indians,'  1, 

347- 
Estabrook,  Samuel,  2,  769». 
Estate,  women  of,  2,  116. 
Ethics,  study  of,  2,  357. 
'Eureka,  or  a  Virtuous  Woman  found,' 

1,  SOI- 

Europe,  war  in,  1,  398,  403;  writing  for, 

2,  373,  582,  589,  618,  661;  reforma- 
tion, 446. 

Eutropius,  2,  293,  294. 

Evacuations   of   Nature,    thoughts   on, 

2,  69. 
Evening  questions,  1,  74;   prayers,  372, 

423,  552- 
Events  and  changes,  meeting,  2,  355. 
'Everlasting  Gospel,'  1,  315. 
Evil  customs,  2,  199,  208. 
Evil,  speaking,  1,  333,  348. 
ExceUency,  apostolical,  1,  59. 
Executions,  criminal,  1,  30,  122,  165. 
Experiences,  notable,  1,  298. 
Extor,  Christlieb  Leberecht  von,  2,  42. 
Ezer,  negro  servant,  2,  603,  624,  663, 

672,  676,  683,  721,  792. 

Face  of  God,  2,  773,  782. 

Fairfield,  Conn.,  2,  112,  348. 

'Faith  encouraged,'  2,  494,  503. 

Faith,  particular,  1,  206,  242,  261,  272, 
280,  305,  343,  344,  353,  3S4,  376,  399, 
401,  431,  441,  473;  miscarriage  of 
451,  453.  SSy,  poem  on,  454;  doubt 
ful  use,  568,  594. 

'Faith  of  the  Fatliers,'  1,  299,  300,  315. 

'Faithful  Instructor,'  1,  407,  426. 

'  Faithful  Man  described  and  rewarded,' 
1,  517- 

'  Fall  of  Babylon,'  1,  595. 

'False  Hopes,'  by  Pierpont,  2,  134.  See 
'Soul  well  anchored.' 

Family,  discipline  1,  215,  sacrifice,  431, 
480;  2,  7,  198,  246;  care  of,  25,  364, 
S74;  service,  41;  hours  of  retiring, 
191,  of  rising,  196;  without  religion, 
96;  evening   prayers,  182,  217;   con- 


versation, 227;  exemplary,  393; 
prayer,  395;  peaceable,  449,  550; 
well  ordered,  505;  welfare,  552; 
troubles  in,  559. 

'Family  Dictionary,'  2,  51. 

'Family  Religion,'  1,  481W,  520,  530. 

'Family  Sacrifice,'  1,  481. 

'Family  well  ordered,'  1,  302,  304,  306. 

Famine,  prayer  for,  1,  191,  192,  193,  361; 
lifted,  196. 

Fast,  private,  see  Humiliations. 

Fast,  public,  1,  22,  190,  201,  214,  296, 
347,  397,  403,  424,  443,  467,  497,  S^Q, 
59S;  2,  5,  16,  62,  92,  102,  116,  200, 
277,  342,  446,  518,  613,  631;  set  aside, 
1,211;  contempt  for,  2,  611. 

Fasting,  black  with,  251;  with  primi- 
tive Christians,  292. 

Fear  of  God,  2,  216. 

'Febrifugium,'  2,  462. 

'Fe  del  Christiano,'  1,  296,  299,  402. 

Fenwick,  Jeremiah,  2,  452,  456;  sermon, 
458,  459- 

Fevers,  2,  9,  486,  495. 

Fidelity,  lecture  on,  2,  214. 

Fielding,  George,  1,  498W. 

Fifield,  Maria  (Mather),  marriage,  2, 
247;  smallpox,  642,  645,  668,  675. 

Fifield,  Richard,  2,   180;  marriage,  274. 

Finch, ,  1,  551. 

Fire,  thoughts  on,  1,  78,  283,  381; 
Boston,  1711,2  113;  sermon  on,  116; 
collection  in  church,  117;  division  in 
church,  145. 

'Fisher-man's  Calling,'  2,  135,  169. 

Fiske, ,  2,  474n. 

Fitch,  Jabez,  2,  734W. 

Fitch,  James,  1,  16111. 

Fitch  Thomas,  2,  792. 

Fitz,  Reginald  Heber,  2,  62i». 

Fleet,  Thomas,  2,  684. 

Fleet  fever,  1,  166. 

Fleming,  Robert,  1,  544. 

Flesh,  the,  2,  119. 

Fling,  Susanna,  2,  21. 

Flock,  care  for,  1,  538;  2,  24,  43,  193, 
340,  384,  557,  565,  572,  573,  665,  700; 
classes  in,  88,  134,  279,  528,  751;  ser- 
vice for,  224,  278,  282,  347,  366,  387; 
entertainment,  362,  393,  547,  555; 
and  church,  382;  dark  time,  448,  449, 
672;   society,  591. 

'  Flocks  warned  against  Wolves  in  Sheeps 
cloathing,'  1,  329,  337. 

Floor,  purged,  2,  375,  470. 

Flux,  thoughts  on,  2,  105. 

Flynt,  Henry,  2,  748;;. 

Forbes,  Sarah,  2,  S96W. 

Ford,  Worthington  Chauncey,  1,  xxiii. 

Forfair,  Earl  of,  1,  550. 

Forfeit,  for  omissions,  1,  71. 


840 


INDEX 


Forgiveness,  Mather's,  2,  2. 

Fornication,  1,  177. 

Fort  Hill,  2,  352. 

Fortune  tellers,  1,  257n. 

Foster,  Abigail,  death  of,  2,  54,  58M; 

sermon,  163. 
Foster,  John,  1,  41M,  136M,  i37»,  29i«, 

294M,  422h;    2,   ii»,   22n;    death  of 

54,  s8«;  sermon,  163. 
Fowle,  James,  1,  ig6n,  202«,  sgSn. 
Fowle,  John,  1,  551. 
Fox,  Jdhn,  1,  230. 
Foxcroft,  Thomas,  2,  431,  4.gon,  6oyn, 

684,  811,  816. 
Framingham,  Mass.,  2,  550. 
France,  persecution  of  Protestants,  1, 41K, 

i34n,  321,  398,  496;  2,  768;  revolution, 

1,  198,  200,  202,  203,  205,  207,  301; 

peace,  213,  214;  2,  36;  death  of  king, 

213H;  reformation,  214,  222,  223,  234, 

242,  413.    417,   512,   646,   651,    776; 

progress,  1,  262;  ecstacies,  2,  83;  treaty 

of  Utrecht;  171;  Indian  captive,  192; 

tracts,  333;  hostage,  543. 
Franckius,  August  Hermann, 2,  23;  i93«, 

S'^S,  332,  348,  364,  400,  406,  456,  524, 

534,  734;  orphan  house,  74,  332;  on 

New  Testament  413;    'manuductio,' 

481. 
Franklin,  Benjamin,  1,  6oom;  ballad,  2, 

566;?. 
Franklin,  James,  2,  66$n. 
Frantz,  Wolfgang,  2,  482. 
Frederician  University,  2,  332,  340,  348, 

365,  406,  5x1,  524,  544,  606,  726.    See 

Halle. 
Frederick  I,  of  Prussia,  2, 173. 
Frederick  III,  of  Brandenburg,  2,  332. 
Free  grace,  1,  237. 
'Free  Grace  maintained  and  improved,' 

1,  557- 

Freetown,  Mass.,  2,  232. 

French,  invasion  by,  1,  i38»,  202,  225, 
241;  2,  94;  churches,  1,  263;  ambi- 
tions, 398;  victor}'  over,  476,  530; 
devastating  in  West  Indies,  561; 
missionary,  2,  554. 

Friday's  question,  2,  27,  152. 

Friendship,  thoughts  on,  2,  86. 

Frizzel,  John,  2,  189M,  299W,  425,  426, 
477",  597«,  Increase  and,  298;  letter 
to,  298. 

'Frontiers  well  defended,'  1,  SQ3- 

Frost,  thoughts,  2,  152. 

Frugality  methods  of,  2,  574,  589. 

Fuel,  thoughts,  2,  153. 

Fuller,  Thomas,  on  ejaculations,  1,  4m. 

Funeral,  thoughts  at,  1,  83;  carriage  of 
a  Christian,  365;  2,  44,  96,  217;  econ- 
omy, 4s;  sermon  on,  163,  256;  loss 
of  time,  461. 


Gains,  to  pious  uses,  2,  99. 

Gale,  Mrs.,  2,  160,  247. 

Galvin,  Anna  M.,  xxiii. 

GamaUel,  1,  121. 

Games  and  piety,  2,  144. 

Gaming,  2,  50. 

Garden,  thoughts  on,  2,  54,  620, 

Gardiner,  Joshua,  2,  474M. 

Gardner,  Andrew,  1,  S25«. 

Gay,  Ebenezer,  2,  539». 

Gearing,  WilUam,  2,  761. 

Gee,  John-Lately,  2,  292». 

Gee,  Joshua,  1,  407?!;  2,  8iin,  818;  and 
Parsons,  428;  chosen  to  North 
Church,  690,  694)1;  church  records, 
69SH;  books  for,  699;  church  society, 
700;  house,  764M. 

Geilerus,  1,  335. 

'GenethliaPia,'2,  669. 

Geneva,  2,  437,  611. 

Gentlewoman  courts  Mather,  1,  457, 
466-471;  rejected,  473;  pubUc  notice, 
476;  renews  attentions,  484;  gives 
character  to  Mather,  487;  passing  of 
storm,  490;  rage  of,  492;  in  poverty, 
2,  676;  wicked,  784. 

'  Genuine  Christianity,'  2,  650. 

George,  prince,  of  Denmark,  1,  365M. 

George  I,  accession  to  throne,  2,  292, 
299;  address  of  ministers,  300,  301, 
3iS>  316,  354,  414,  456;  riots  on  birth- 
day, 318. 

George,  John,  2,  303 »,  3o8». 

George,  Katharine,  2,  308;;.   See  Howell. 

George,  Lydia  (Lee),  2,  303;/;  courted 
by  Mather,  303,  305,  30S;  marriage, 
322.    See  Lydia  (Lee)  Mather. 

Gerhardt,  Paul,  2,  193,  768. 

Germany,  2,  84,  171;  pietism,  193; 
inundation,  530. 

Gerrish,  Joseph,  of  Wenham,  2,  51. 

Gerrish,  Samuel,  2,  813. 

'Gildas  Salvianus,'  2,  498. 

Gill,  Nathaniel,  2,  351. 

Gill,  Obadiah,  1,  i37«,  164;?,  181,  i8gn. 

Glasgow,  university  of,  2,  329,  339,  727; 
degree,  40,  49,  63;  books  for,  53,  66, 
192,  194,  229;  Langc  in,  451. 

Glaucha,  university,  2,  339,  517. 

Glorifying  God,  1,  94,  109. 

'Glory  of  Goodness,'  1,  473. 

Glorj'  for  heaven's  work,  2,  581. 

Gloucester,  William,  duke  of,  death,  1, 
365- 

Gloucester,  Mass.,  2,  76,  380. 

Godhead   conversation  with  2,  12. 

Godliness,  mystery  of,  1,  235. 

Godman,  William,  1,  551. 

Gods  of  the  Pagans,  2,  344. 

Gold,  Hczekiah,  2,  747. 

Gold,  Nathan,  2,  112. 


INDEX 


841 


•Golden  Curb,' 2,   11. 
'Golden  Rule,'  2,  379,  386,  479. 

Goldthwaite, ,  2,  Og^n. 

'Golgotha,' 2,  222,  227,  229. 
'Goliathus,  Detruncatus,'  2,  230,  247. 
Goodale  (widow),  2,  65. 
Good,  contrivances  to  do,  2,  41, 113,  263. 
Good  devised,  2,  23,  41,  54,  102,  114, 

207,  515,  585;  reconsidered,  93;  with- 
drawal  from,   670,   778;    pursuit  of, 

103;    to  be  done,  746. 
'Good  Evening  accommodated,'  2,  370. 
'Good  Evening  for  the  best  of  Days,'  1, 

604. 
'Good,  fetched  out  of  evil,'  1,  5C8. 

Goodhue, ,  1,  550. 

'Good   Lessons   for   Children,'   1,    556; 

2,  64. 
'Good  Linguist,'  1,  348. 
'Good  Man  making  a  good  End,'  1,  245, 

246. 
'Good  Master  well  served,'  2,  53. 
Goodness  of  God,  1,  553;  2,  no,  124. 
'Good  Old  Way,'  1,  561. 
Goodwin,  John,  1,  137W,  5g6n;   6g4n. 
Gookin,  Daniel,  2,  io6«. 
Gookin,  Nathaniel,  1,  io2«. 
'Gospel  Mystery  of  Sanctification,'  2, 

603. 
'Gospel  Order  revived,'  1,  37S». 
Gospel  for  the  poor,  MS.,  1,  243. 
Gouge,  ,  Increase  Mather's  letter, 

1,  85«. 
Gould,  Sarah  (Cock),  2,  482«. 
Gournay,  Marie  le  Jars  de,  2,  325. 
Gout,  sufferer  from,  2,  377,  382. 
Grace,  doctrines   of,   1,   557;    work  of, 

428;  2,  466;  spirit  of,  738. 
'Grace  triumphant,'  1,  363,  373. 
Graces,  apostolical  catalogue,  2,  773. 
Grain,  for  poor,  2,  380. 
Grainger,  Samuel,  2,  62S«. 
Granado,  fired,  2,  657,  663. 
'Grande  Voix  du  Ciel,'  2,  651,  653,  661, 

66s,  683,  768,  774,  776. 
Graves,  Sarah,  1,  404?:. 
Gray,  Benjamin,  2,  378. 
Great  Britain,  distresses  in,  1,  94,  104; 

dissenters,     113;      ecstasies,    2,     83; 

treaty   of   Utrecht,    171;    missionary 

eSort,     81,     84;      news-letter,     171; 

works  sent,  97,   in,   125,   218,  371; 

debt,  171;  riots,  318. 
'Great  Consolations,'  1,  494. 
'Great    Examples    of    Judgment    and 

Mercy,'  1,  210. 
'Greatest  Concern  in  the  World,'  2,  558, 

559,  564- 
'Greatest  Sinners  exhorted,'  1,  106. 
'Great  Physician,'  1,  366. 
Greek  churches,  1,  369;  2,  80. 


Green,  Bartholomew,  2,  S3«,  597",  647?i. 

Green,  Bartholomew,  Jr.,  2,  53. 

Green,  Hannah,  1,  102. 

Green,  John,  1,  102. 

Green,    Maria    (Mather),  2,    s^n,    57; 

647K;   remarriage,    i8o»,   274«.      iice 

Filield,  Maria. 
Green,  Maria,  2,  674M. 
Green,  Timothy,  Jr.,  2,  7i3n,  807,  811. 

Greenough, ,  1,  137;!. 

Greenwood,  Isaac,  2,  653H,  741;    letter 

to,  801. 
Greenwood,  Samuel,  2,  299?;,  478?;,  S97W. 
Greenwood,  Sarah  (Clark),  2,  653. 
Gregory  1,2,  212,  245. 
Groton,  Mass.,  church  trouble,  2,  160; 

minister,  562. 
'Guardian,'  2,  227. 
Gypson,  Benjamin,  defamed,  2,  io«. 

H.,  R.,2,  603. 

Habitation,  comfortable,  1,  124;   quiet, 

2,95- 

Hackshaw,  Robert,  1,  400,  550. 

'Hades  looked  into,'  2,  488. 

Hadley,  Mass.,  relatives,  2,  216,  344. 

Hale, ,  1,  151K. 

Halle,  university  of,  2,  150,  734;  tracts 
for,  333,  663;  astonishing  things  at, 
364;  orphan  house,  150,  376,  378; 
aid,  534.    Sec  Frederician  University. 

Hamilton,  Mass.,  2,  189W. 

Hamilton,  W'alter,  1,  551. 

Hammer,  sermon  on  the,  2,  772. 

Hampton,  Mass.,  2,  98,  loi,  107,  527, 
530,  544;  sympathizing  sisters,  291. 

Hancock,  John,  2,  734«. 

Hand,  withered,  sermon,  2,  383. 

Hands,  washing  the,  2,  67. 

Handy, ,  2,  174. 

Hanno,  Joseph,  2,  618,  620,  623. 

Harcourt,  Simon,  Lord,  2,  279W. 

Harley,  Robert,  Earl  of  Oxford,  2,  173. 

Harlot,  judgment  on,  2,  126,  168. 

Harphius,  Hcnricus,  2,  440. 

Harriman,  John,  1,  42. 

Harris,  John,  2,  675. 

Harrison,  Sir  Edmund,  1,  549. 

Hartford,  Conn.,  2,  530. 

Harvard  College,  commencement,  1,  26; 
2,  &5n,  217,  462,  544,  736;  overseer, 
1,  105;  charter,  205,  21 2n,  305,  308, 
352,  353;  2,  810;  meetings  of  min- 
isters, 1,  306;  Increase  Mather's  pres- 
idency, 3S9«;  books  for,  2,  87,  194, 
217,  229,  247,  337,  350,  40s,  619;  pro- 
tection from  Arianism,  186, 192;  tutors 
advised,  204;  Indian  at,  231;  Hopkin- 
sonian  legacy,  260,  279;  Society  of 
youths,  347;  study  of  ethics,  357; 
deaths  improved,  375,   390;    projec- 


842 


INDEX 


tions,  377,  394,  SS9,  7231  advice,  405; 
neglected  condition,  463,  546,  555, 
565,  703,  730;  malice  of  authorities, 
474;  degree  to  Neal,  sggn;  tutor,  605; 
care  for,  668,  672,  738,  809;  church 
of  England,  703;  return,  707;  presi- 
dency, 723,  748,  7SO,  761,  774;  stu- 
dents, 727;  science  at,  802. 

Harwich,  Mass.,  2,  750,  759. 

'Hatchets  to  hew  down  the  Tree  of  Sin,' 

1,  512- 

Haverhill,  Mass.,  1,  165;  2,  473,  474. 
Hayman,  Elizabeth,  2,  326. 
Hayman,  Nathaniel,  2,  326. 
Haynes,  Henry  Williamson,  1,  xxiii. 
Headache,  1,  285,  295,  344;  2,  137,  140, 

141. 
Heads  of  divinity   considered,  1,   115; 

meditation,  2,  550. 
Heart,  hard,  1,  112;  burn,  194;  opened, 

2,  528. 

'Heart  Work,' 1,277. 

Heat,  extreme,  2,  552. 

'Heavenly  Considerations,'  1,  567. 

'Heavenly  Conversation,'  2,  23. 

'Heavenly  Merchandize,'  1,  123. 

Hebrew  points  of  divine  origin,  1,  26. 

Hemmingway, ,  of  Dublin,  2,  70. 

Henchman,  Daniel,  2,  811,  817. 

Henry,  Matthew,  2,  311,  331,  728. 

Henry,  Nathaniel,  2,  292». 

Heresy  and  persecution,  1,  149. 

'Hezekiah,'  2,  264. 

Higginson,  John,  1,   169H,  3rsn,  394». 

395- 

'High  Attainment,'  1,  480. 

Hiliard,  Job,  1,  526H. 

Hill,  Joseph,  2,  393^. 

Hingham,  Mass.,  2,  539. 

History,  natural,  2,  282. 

Hobart,  Nehemiah,  1,  350;  2,  226«. 

Hobby,  Captain,  2,  38. 

Hobby,  Charles,  1,  484,  508;  2,  293;  let- 
ter to,  294;  Mather's  feeling,  293,  294. 

Hobby,  Richard,  death  of,  2,  64,  82,  164. 

Hodgson,  Daniel,  1,  i89». 

Holiness,  1,  401. 

Holland,  ministers,  1,  402;  missionary 
work,  2,  73;  trade,  421;  inundations, 
530,  592;  publishing,  652;  smallpox 
tract,  664;  'Grande  Voix,' 665,  683. 

Holland, ,2,51. 

HoUis,  Thomas,  2,  691,  797. 

Holyoke,  Edward,  2,  361K. 

'Honesta  Parsimonia,'  2,  604,  609,  611, 
617. 

Honey,  on  a  gift  of,  2,  290. 

Hopkins,  Edward,  2,  260,  279. 

Hopkinsonian  legacy,  2,  260,  279,  349. 

Hospital,  for  education  of  poor  children, 
2, 179,  180. 


Hours,  late,  of  retiring,  2,  191,  265; 
rising,  196,  215,  265. 

'Household  Religion,'  1,  257. 

Housekeeping,  daughters  in,  2,  51. 

Houses,  disorderly,  2,  160,  229,  235, 
283,  612. 

Howard,  Robert,  1,  i37n,  278«,  291W, 
462;   2,  iin,  22n,  i89«. 

Howe,  John,  1,  56,  187M. 

Howell,  George,  2,  410,  444M. 

Howell,  Katherine  (George),  2,  308, 336, 
410;  to  be  cared  for,  382,  471,  541, 
546. 

Howell,  Mathew,  2,  349. 

Howell,  Nathan,  2,  3o8«,  349,  410,  599, 

Howell,  Nathan,  Jr.,  2,  410,  444n. 

Howell  estate,  2,  386,  461,  599,  630,  666, 
668,  703,  739. 

Hubbard,  Elizabeth  (Clark),  1, 490;  mar- 
riage to  Mather,  494. 

Hubbard,  John,  1,  525;!. 

Hubbard,  Richard,  1,  490. 

Hubbard,  William,  1,  394«. 

Hucheson,  George,  1,  424. 

Hudson's  Bay,  2,  171. 

Huguenots,  1,  i3Sn. 

Hull,  Hannah,  sec  Hannah  (Hull)  Sewall. 

Hull,  John,  1,  187M. 

Hull,  Mass.,  1,  596;  2,  482«. 

Humiliations,  1,  xxvii,  8,  9,  12,  16,  25, 
26,  30,  32,  38,  42,  47,  57,  78,  79,  80, 
90,  93,  103,  106,  125,  146,  162,  168, 
174,  184,  187,  192,  194,  199,  212,  213, 
217,  223,  224,  233,  23s,  237,  239,  241, 
252,  254,  256,  260,  263,  268,  269,  283, 
293,  303,  313,  320,  321,  325,  330,  336, 
338,  341,  348,  350,  354,  430,  483,  S". 
521,  530,  558,  584;  2,  69,  77,  127,  147, 
183,  197,  229,  253,  339,  386,  437,  441, 
443.  448,  462,  469,  473,  485,  489,  497, 
514,  520,  525,  531,  533,  534,  545,  559, 
567,  575,  601,  629,  649,  724,  744,  756. 

Humility,  2,  240,  354. 

Humors,  evil,  1,  114. 

Humphreys,  David,  2,  413M. 

Hungaria,  churches  in,  1,  263. 

Hunter,  Robert,  2,  210,  512. 

Husband,  froward,  2,  362,  365,  455,  740, 
767,  771,  774- 

Hutchinson,  Edward,  2,  299M,  477^, 
597«,  688«,  748«. 

Hutchinson,  Eliakim,  1,  i27»,  499;  2. 
2s6n. 

Hutchinson,  Elisha,  1,  i27n,  294n,  422«, 
59Sh;   funeral  sermon,  2,  510. 

Hutchinson,  Thomas,  2,  iim,  22«,  189M, 
256»,  299«,  477«,  597n,  688«,  690M, 
700;  house  rented  for  Mather,  299;*. 

Hutchinson,  Thomas  (171 1-1780),  2, 
701. 

Hymn,  Mather's,  1, 154, 185, 413;  2, 786. 


INDEX 


843 


Hymn,  Lords-day,  2,  137. 
Hymns,  Watts,  2,  142. 
Hypochondria,  2,   190. 
Hypocrites,  1,  136M;  2,  726,  728. 

Ice,  thoughts,  2,  152. 

'Ichabod,'  2,  323«. 

'  Iconoclastes,     an     Essay     upon     the 

Idolatry,'  2,  446. 
Idleness,  1,  22. 
Idlers,  2,  187. 

Idol,  for  French,  2,  441,  445. 
Idolatry,  essay  on,  2,  446;    resolutions, 

499- 

Idumacans,  1,  259. 

Illness,  lesson  for  inculcation,  2,  72,  104. 

Inunanuelian  people,  2,  197. 

'Impartial  Account  of  the  State  of  New 
England,'  1,  i4i«. 

Imposters,  history,  1,  328. 

Incendiarism,  2,  687. 

Inconveniences,  public,  2,  469. 

'India  Christiana,'  2,  604,  619,  682. 

Indian,  Spanish,  servant,  1,  22,  203; 
death  of,  2,  549. 

'Indian  Primer,'  1,  328. 

Indian,  at  college,  2,  231. 

Indians,  Sewall's  bill,  1,  63;?;  invasion 
by,  138^,  241;  in  Connecticut,  571; 
2,  133.  233,  531,  554,  556;  captives  of, 
206,  210,  282,  555,  567;  liquor  and, 
215)  342;  rebukes,  243;  history  of 
wars,  271;  sermon,  288;  books  for, 
304,  328,  471W,  511;  pastoral  letter, 
347;  evangelizing,  423,  509;  depreda- 
tions, 494,  566;  account  of,  567; 
Christian,  church  state,  48;  oppres- 
sions of,  48;  missionaries,  143,  570, 
581;  commissioners  of,  78,  120,  233; 
Martha's  Vineyard,  233,  396,  493, 
55°.  553.  809;  Natick,  125,  252; 
Sandwich,  238;  Long  Island,  512; 
Mohegan,  132,  151;  book  for,  180, 
218,  3SS;  Natick,  182;  lands,  192; 
Punkapoag,  215,  357;  care  for,  240, 
248,  549;  household  piety,  274;  curi- 
osity, 293,  299;  outbreak  in  Carolina, 
328;  eastern,  336,  391,  396,  445,  448, 
468,  537,  554,  615,  695;  memorial,  356; 
for  the  ministry,  359;  Yarmouth,  372; 
guardians  for,  381,  566;  children,  569; 
visitor,  709,  808;  piety,  740;  war,  760. 

Indians,  Society  for  propagating  gospel, 
Mather  a  member,  1,  3i8m;  prayer, 
2,69,443;  missionaries,  132;  projects, 
199,  721;  ofifers  to  resign,  252,  682, 
709;  commissioners,  projects,  218, 
344,  358,  361,  374,  463,  732,  740,  807; 
committee,  345;  books,  355;  new 
commission,  375;  Connecticut,  554, 
803;  sermon,  576,  604. 


IndifTerency  to  religion,  2,  16. 

IngersoU, ,  2,  42. 

Ingratitude,  2,  375. 

Injuries,  reception  of,  1,  76,  126,  537; 

2,  47.    Sec  Enemies. 
Innovators,  1,  329,  331,  364. 
Inoculation,  see  Smallpox. 
Insane,  2,  211.    Sec  Distracted. 
'Instructions   to   the   Living   from   the 

Condition  of  the  Dead,'  2,  491. 
'Instrument  of  Union,'  2,  468,  469. 
'Interest  of  the  Spirit  in  Prayer,'  1,  i4». 
Inundations,  2.  530,  592. 
Ipswich    Mass.,  visit,  1,  204,  205,  232, 

271,  272,  316,  363,  401,  403,  521;   2, 

188;  church,  769,  771,  773. 
Ireland,   coming  changes,  1,   184,   188; 

191,  207,  233;    books  for,  2,  27,  387, 

731;     schoolmaster    from,    473,    554; 

emigrants,  475,   482,   548,   549,  656; 

ministers,  476,  548,  555. 
Ireland,  Grace,  2,  683«. 
Irenseus  Americus,  2,  313,  414. 
Isaiah,  chap,  xxxvi,  turned  into  metre, 

1,300. 
Island,  ungospellized,  2,  567. 
Isle  of  Wight,  2,  447. 

Jack,  negro,  1,  30W. 

Jackson, ,  1,  550. 

Jacob,  John,  1,  i^yn. 

Jacobite  party,  Pennsylvania,  2,  526. 

Jairus,  1,  432,  463. 

Jamaica,  N.  Y.,  2,  132,  229. 

Jamaica,  W.  I.,  earthquake  at,  1,  143. 

James  II,  accession  to  throne,  1,  93; 
dissenters,  113;  daughter,  365«. 

James,  negro,  2,  43. 

Jameson,  William,  2,  205,  231,  247. 

Janeway,  James,  1,  369,  526. 

Japhet,  Indian,  2,  133,  190. 

'Jedidiah,  or  a  Favorite  of  Heaven  de- 
scribed,' 1,  500. 

Jew,  conversion  of  a,  1,  300;  2,  41,  62, 
219,  233,  500,  74111;  children,  Berlin, 
378,  492,  494,  503,  524;  conversation 
with,  469. 

Jews,  and  the  crucifixion,  1,  64;  con- 
version of,  200,  302;  2,  439;  address 
to,  1,  298;  in  Carolina,  315;  Shalome 
Ben  Shalomoh,  370. 

Job's  daughters,  1,  303;  commentaries, 
424. 

Joel's  prophecy,  2,  329,  376,  396,  453, 
460. 

Johnson,  Stephen,  1,  409«. 

Jonas,  prayer  of,  1,  154. 

Jones,  Joanna,  1,  268«. 

Joseph,  2,  713. 

Jubilee  of  years,  2,  39,  178. 

Jude,  preaching  on,  1,  160. 


844 


INDEX 


Judaism,  2,  182,  186,  191.    See  Jews. 
Justice,  a  good,  2,  336. 
Justb  Martyr,  2,  301,  314. 
Judges  in  Salem  Witchcraft,  1,  151. 
Judgments  on  young,  1,  209. 
Jurdain,  captive  woman,  1,  598. 
Jury,  reform  of,  1,  423. 
Justification,  discourses  on,  1,  314. 

Katherine,  negress,   baptized,  1,   278n; 

admitted  to  church,  462». 

Keach, ,  1,  i37«. 

Keaies,  Samuel,  1,  551;  2,  175. 

Keith,  George,  1,  i42n. 

Keith,   James,   of   Bridgewater,  2,    17, 

481;  visits  Boston,  2,  369;   sermon, 

4goM. 

Kellond, ,  2,  303». 

Kempis,  Thomas  a,  2,  582. 

Keyes, ,  2,  50. 

Kindness,  angelical,  1.  162. 

King,  Sir  Peter,  2,  295. 

Kingdom  of  God,  coming  of,  1,   225; 

2,  387,  68s,  733.  740,  748,  763,  804, 

805;  meaning,  473;  mysteries,  668. 
King's  evil,  2,  204,  533. 
Kinsman,  thoughts  for  a,  2,  231,   238, 

448,  731,  772;  smallpox,  637,  638,  646. 
Kinswoman,  misbehavior,  2,  147;  wife's, 

633.    See  Niece. 
Kirke,  Percy,  1,  93«,  113. 
Kitchen,  Bethia  (Weld),  2,  4S3n. 
Kitchen,  Robert,  2,  449,  453«. 
KoUer,  or  CoUer, ,  2,  50. 

Lake,  Anna,  see  Anna  (Lake)  Mather. 
Lake,  Thomas,  2,  499*1. 
Lambe,  Joshua,  1,  30M. 
Landlord  (Hutchinson),  2,  701. 
Langallcn,  Marquis  of,  2,  413. 
Lange,  Joaquin,  2,  337,  348,  405,  451. 
Language,  Spanish,  1,  206,  284;   wicked, 

2,  211;   French,  463. 
La  Pillonniere,  Francois  de,  2,  484,  563, 

572. 
'Lapis  e  Monte  excisus,'  2,  333,  337,  360, 

413.  416,  437,  451- 
La  Placette,  Jean,  2,  463. 
Lawrence,  John,  2,  310,  318. 
Laws,  abstract,  on  wickedness,  1,  511; 

God's,  2,  133. 
Lawyer,  on  Mather,  1,  255. 

Lax  (or  Lakes), ,  2,  1 10. 

Lazarus,  and  Eleazar,  2,  251,  466,  470, 

471. 
Lebanon,  2,  427. 

Lecture,  change  of  hour,  1,  226;    min- 
isters' meeting,  2,  66,  733,  738,  759". 

Mather's  activity,  238,  637;  subjects, 

602,  731;  preparatory,  722. 
Lee,  Ann,  see  Ann  (Lee)  Wyrley. 


Lee,  Lydia,  see  George. 

Lee,  Martha,  2,  305n. 

Lee,  Samuel,  2,  so^n,  337M,  4io«. 

Leslie,  Charles,  2,  7i6«,  797. 

'Lessons  of  Godliness  for  the  Children 

of  Godly  Ancestors,'  1,  486. 
'Letter    about    the    Present    State    of 

Christianity  among  the  Christianized 

Indians,'  1,  509. 
Letter,  circular,  2,  i79n. 
'Letter  concerning  the  Sufferings  of  our 

Protestant  Brethren,'  1,  398. 
'Letter  of  Advice  to  the  Churches  of  the 

Non-Conformists,'  1,  312,  313. 
'Letter  of  the  Aged  Non-Conformists,* 

2,  I4S.  175-  . 
'Letter  to  a  Friend,'  by  Dummer,  2, 173. 
'Letter    to    ungospelllzed    Plantations,' 

1,  427. 

Letters,  sending  and  receiving,  2,  142; 
intention,  239,  460;  service  by,  1,  89; 

2,  35°.  355.  539.  548. 
'Letters  of  Charity,'  2,  291. 
Leverett,  John,  1,  465,  595M;   death,  2, 

723- 

Leviathan,  in  Virginia,  2,  686. 

Leydeszker,  Melchior,  1,  549. 

Libels,  suppression  of,  in  England,  2, 
lis;  and  pamphlets,  605;  on  minis- 
ters, 663;   churches,  716. 

Library,  Mather's,  1, 36,  214,  368,  532; 2, 
2, 339;  little  son's,  538;  catalogue,  ss4. 

Lice,  plague  of,  2,  665. 

Life,  continuance,  2,  86;  Christian,  610; 
of  God,  335,  367,  368,  502,  620. 

Light  house  tragedies,  2,  566,  568. 

'Light  in  Darkness,'  2,  770. 

Lips,  speaking  imadvisedly,  2,  447, 
454,  635. 

Literature  in  America,  2,  331. 

Lithotomy,  2,  197,  202,  396. 

Little, ,  2,  303. 

Little  Compton,  R.  I.,  2,  121. 

Lives  of  the  good,  2,  206,  719. 

Loftus, ,  2,  421. 

London,  bbhop  of,  1,  312;  manuscripts 
in,  402;  booksellers,  2,  260;  Mather's 
books,  260,  268,  369,  374,  385; 
letters,  628. 

Londonderry,  2,  527. 

Long,  Walter,  1,  551. 

Long  Island,  N.  Y.,  church  on,  2,  loi; 
Indians,  210,  512. 

Lord's  day,  obser%ation  of,  1,  471;  ques- 
tion, 2,  24;  hymn,  138;  evening,  366, 

367- 

Loresen,  Abiel,  1,  258?!. 

Lot,  to  determine  charity,  2,  66;  writ- 
ing, 491. 

Lottery,  games  of,  1,  202. 

Louis  XIV,  1,  4in. 


INDEX 


845 


Love  of  God,  2,  135,  464,  467- 

Ludolf,  2,  333. 

Lukin,  Henry,  1, 14. 

Lurst,  Robert,  1,  i37». 

Lusts  of  the  Flesh,  1,  64. 

Luther,  Martin,  1,  26^11;  2,  333,  437. 

Lutherans  of  Germany,  2,  417;    union 

with  Calvinists,  663. 
Lyme,  Conn.,  2,  66,  551. 
Lynde,  Sarah,  2,  ii«. 

Lyndes, ,2,  133. 

Lynn,  Mass.,  visited,  1,  69;    MS.  notes 

in,  173;  2,  354. 

M.,  J.,  2,750. 
McGregor,  James,  2,  558. 
McNish,  George,  2,  132,  318. 
McSparran,  James,  2,  6ign. 
'Magnalia'    (church   history),   planned, 

1,  166;  introduction,  229;  encourage- 
ment, 242,  247,  375;  prayers  for 
direction,  253;  sent  to  London,  255, 
353.    361;     prayers    for    publication, 

358,  360,  366,  399,  40s,  407,  408; 
offers,  400,  427;  assurances,  404,  409, 
411;  expectation,  419;  vigil,  424; 
first  sight,  445 ;  abridgment,  2,  88, 
392;  mentioned,  25i»,  411. 

Makemie,  Francis,  1,  550,  596;  2,  132M; 
trial,  1,  599- 

Malabar,  mission  of,  2,  333,  348,  365, 
4ii«,  516,  517,  520,  544- 

'Malachi,'  2,  456,  485,  493. 

Maiden,  Mass.,  1,  517,  561;  2,  746,  re- 
newal of  church  covenant,  6,  30;  or- 
dination of  David  Parsons,  9,  30; 
lecture  216,  286;  object  of  need,  348. 

'Man  eating  the  Food  of  Angels,'  2,  42«. 

Man  of  God,  1,  37;  good,  434. 

'Man  of  his  Word,'  2,  214. 

'Man  of  God  furnished,'  1,  572,  575. 

'Man  of  Reason,'  2,  14,  541,  542. 

Manifesto  church,  1,  326,  332;  men, 
attack  from,  472.  See  Brattle  Street 
Church. 

'Manly  Christianity,'  1,  596;  2,  82. 

Mansfield,  Conn.,  2,  ii2«. 

Mantissa,  1,  81. 

'Manual  for  Self-Examination,'  2,  136. 

'Manuductio,'  2,  481. 

Manuscripts,  experiences  of,  1, 173,  402; 

2,  541. 
'Many-Reader,' 2,  815. 
'Marah  spoken  to,'  2,  517,  525. 
Marblehead,  Mass.,  visit  to,  2,  206,  218, 

220,  221,  287;  church,  221;  Barnard, 

359,  360,  361,  670. 
March,  John,  1,  59S«. 
'Mare  Pacificum,'  1,  524. 

'Mariners  Companion  and  Counsellor,' 
2,14. 


Marja,  ncgress,  1,  30M. 

Market  place,  corruptions  of,  2,  19,  32. 

Marlborough,  Duke  of,  2,  171,  172. 

Marriage,  an  opposed,  2,  69;  celebra- 
tion of,  97. 

Marshall,  John,  1,  596«. 

Marshall,  Mercy,  1,  26i». 

Marshall,  Walter,  2,  603. 

Marshiield,  Mass.,  2,  174,  735. 

Martha's  Vineyard,  2,  190,  396,  431; 
Indian  commissioners,  233;  Indians, 
396,  493>  550,  553,  809. 

Martinico,  1,  167. 

Maryland,  popery  in,  1,  594. 

Martyn, ,  2,  iiw,  22«. 

Martyr,  P.,  2,  112. 

Martyrdom,  welcoming,  2,  660,  661. 

Maschil,  see  'Faithful  Instructor.' 

Massachusetts,  charter  vacated,  1,  93n; 
granted,  140;  French  Protestants  in, 
135H;  new  officers,  148;  reformation, 
268;  defence  of,  2,  122,  128,  167; 
advice  and  warning,  222;  government 
for,  293;  bank,  296,  418;  troubles 
and  remedy,  578,  580,  607,  609,  613, 
691;    eastern  part,  676;    return,  706. 

Mast  fleet,  2,  35,  136. . 

Mather,  Abigail  (1694-1721),  baptized, 
1,  181;  falls  into  fire,  217,  369;  small- 
pox, 445;  measles,  2,  249;  illness, 
355;  marriage,  371,  372,  373.  See 
Willard. 

Mather,  Abigail  (Phillips),  marriage,  1, 
126;  travail,  217,  218,  306,  374,  375, 
430;  Latin  used  against,  264;  sick- 
ness, 368;  praise  of,  405;  illness,  431, 
432-448;  consumption,  443;  vision 
and  remedy,  444;  death,  449;  epi- 
gram, 450;  sermon,  450,  455,  463; 
character,  451. 

Mather,  Anna  (Lake),  2,  499,  589. 

Mather,  Atherton,  (Suffield),  2,  277; 
letter  to,  403. 

Mather,  Azariah,  2,  60, 66, 160,  207,  535. 

Mather,  Catherine  (Wise),  2,  66n. 

Mather,  Cotton,  diary  for  publication, 
1,  xiii;  training,  xiv;  influence,  xviii; 
religious  practices,  xix;  writing  activ- 
ity, xxi;  portrait,  xxiii;  anxiety  for 
father,  xxvii;  stuttering,  2,  4;  first 
preaching,  2,  5«,  37;  study  of  medi- 
cine, 3;  fasting,  6;  sickness  and 
thoughts,  11;  master  of  arts,  25,  26; 
invited  to  New  Haven,  42,  53;  pastor, 
47,  53";  on  marriage,  69,  106,  107, 
109;  our  fasts,  81;  almanac,  85«; 
in  Randolph  persecution,  85W,  i38n; 
ordination,  92M,  93,  96,  98;  covenant, 
96;  first  baptism,  102;  Lord's  table, 
102;  country  lecture,  103;  overseer 
of  Harvard,  105;  courtship  of  Abigail 


846 


INDEX 


Phillips,  121;  marriage,  126;  in 
Charlestown,  128;  removes  to  Boston, 
I2q;  sickness,  129,  147,  257;  church 
of  England,  133;  on  Stoughton,  15471; 
fleet  fever  incident,  167;  representa- 
tion to  King,  168;  charges  by  a 
woman,  178;  heart-bum  and  plaster, 
194;  true  picture,  195;  preaches  in 
South  Church,  196;  reformation,  201; 
on  his  labors,  229;  conference  with 
daughter,  239;  sickness,  247,  285; 
Calef,  264,  373,  383, 393,  397;  flocking 
10,272;  health,  273;  bridge  accident, 
274;  bishop  of  London,  312;  chal- 
lenge, 318;  anagram,  335;  libels  on, 
379,  3^3,  397;  attacks  Sewall,  4o6«; 
widowhood,  457,  476,  479,  482; 
courted  by  a  gentlewoman,  457  (see 
gentlewoman);  and  Dudley,  464; 
presidency  Harvard,  472;  temptations 
475.  585;  courts  Mrs.  Hubbard, 
490;  marriage,  494;  diaries,  532;  how 
time  is  spent,  545;  cold,  562;  labors, 
568;  illness,  597;  illness,  1709,  2,  5, 
50,  52;  suspected  of  authorship,  8; 
at  Reading,  11;  to  secure  publica- 
tion, ii»;  converses  with  Godhead, 
12;  enemies,  15;  illness  (1710),  22; 
books,  28;  self-examination,  28;  Glas- 
gow degree,  40;  provides  for  children, 
59,  65;  ilhiess,  89,  105;  conversion  of 
souls,  98;  examination  of,  119; 
headache,  137,  140,  141;  and  Walley, 
i47«;  year's  work  (1711),  162;  new 
church,  183,  187,  188,  192,  194,  206, 
211,  213,  214,  216,  224;  facing  death, 
199,  218,  228;  represses  vehemence, 
214;  sick,  23s;  endurance,  236; 
Royal  Society,  246;  unsuccessful 
ministry,  249;  task  for  unusual,  250; 
widowhood,  261,  269,  272,  281;  sacri- 
ficer,  266;  temptation  to  remarry,  273; 
thoughts  on  50th  year,  283;  on  Ship 
Street,  299H;  wishes  to  be  messenger, 
303;  wooing  Mrs.  George,  303,  305, 
308;  on  Dummer,  313,  414,  417,  419, 
420;  marriage  to  Mrs.  George,  322, 
337;  letter  to  son  Increase,  323; 
accident  at  Spy  Pond,  366;  money 
need,  403;  squire,  423,  424,  429;  pro- 
phetic spirit,  454;  crucified,  475; 
temptations,  483;  summary,  489; 
catalogue  of  writings,  505;  relations 
with  wife,  523;  lecture  not  printed, 
596;  opposition  in  town,  613;  small- 
pox, 624»,  631,  638,  655,  659,  662; 
poverty,  630;  regrets  language,  655, 
662;  granado,  657;  address  to  min- 
isters, 670;  weakness,  681;  money 
troubles,  703,  713,  734,  739,  745; 
failures,  705;  preparation  for  farewell, 


712;  pirates,  722;  oppressed,  754; 
sickness,  774,  785,  790;  silenced,  793; 
study  rifled,  794;  last  illness,  817; 
death,  818. 

Mather,  Eleazar  (1637-1669),  2,  87n, 
2Sin. 

Mather,  Eleazar  (1713),  birth,  2,  250; 
baptism,  251;  measles,  258;  death, 
260;   funeral,  261. 

Mather,  Elizabeth  (i 704-1726),  1,  i48n; 
kindness  to  Samuel,  2,  44;  catechis- 
ing, 8s;  patron  for,  95;  training, 
112,  278,  387,  523,  527,  556,  631; 
scorched,  234;  measles,  252;  essays, 
276;  smallpox,  626,  645;  conversion, 
628;  marriageable,  739,  744;  see 
Elizabeth  (Mather)  Cooper. 

Mather,  EUzabeth,  see  Byles. 

Mather,  Elizabeth  (Clark  Hubbard), 
marriage,  1,  494;  admitted  to  church, 
539;  travail,  573;  2,  45,  57,  250;  to 
write  sermons,  97;  books  for,  132; 
improvement,  210,  232;  measles,  252; 
death,  254;  burial,  256;  sermon  on, 
259,  289;  memorials,  262. 

Mather,  Elizabeth  (Davenport),  2,  87W. 

Mather,  Esther  (Warham),  2,  234,  25  in. 

Mather,  Eunice,  2,  93«. 

Mather,  Hannah,  see  Hannah  Oliver. 

Mather,    Hannah    (1697-1721),    birth, 

1,  218;  illness,  258;  falls  into  fire, 
282,  295;  convulsions,  303;  fevers, 
366,  367,  454,  508,  513,  532;  2,  641; 
sickness  1,  376,  378,  394,  396;  2,  124, 
460;    smallpox,  1,  447;    instruction, 

2,  112,  236;  measles,  252;  dying,  643, 
644;  ill-treatment,  712;  care  for,  747, 
767;  reading,  762,  772;  conversion, 
770. 

Mather,  Hannah  (Treat),  2,  6o». 

Mather,  Increase  (1639-1723),  intro- 
spection, 1,  xiii;  sails  for  England, 
xxvii;  Indian  servant,  22;  president 
Harvard,  26,  105,  359;  watch,  63; 
at  L>Tin,  69;  letter  to  Gouge,  85; 
ordination  of  Cotton,  96«,  99;  books, 
106,  123,  134;  sermon,  121;  on 
Church  of  England,  133H;  letter  to, 
136",  137;  in  England,  137,  138M; 
returns,  148;  on  witchcraft,  153;  on 
Devil,  i56«;  size  of  congregation, 
266«;  remove  to  Cambridge,  28  2m, 
359,  397,  4o6«;  to  go  to  England,  30s, 
308,  327,  3S3,  356,  400;  on  Stoddard's 
book,  384;  Stoddard's  answer,  2,  35; 
work  for,  49,  343;  letter  of  non- 
Conformists,  17s;  division  of  church, 
181,  182,  194,  280,  615,  617;  on 
antinomianism,  i84«;  preparation  for 
death,  186,  356;  care  for,  194,  196, 
236,  246,  252,  474,  476,  520,  530,  S39. 


INDEX 


847 


S79.  586,  629,  652;  preface,  206,  490, 
Siyn,  S37«;  visits,  219,  461;  sal  vola- 
tile, 224;  sermon  on  Mrs.  Mather,  265; 
and  Dummer,  313;  plate  of,  323;  me- 
morial to  Assembly,  3^p„  407,  408;  at 
table,  451;  successor,  477;  will  of,  505; 
ordination  sermons,  572;  preaches, 
612,  629;  smallpox,  625«,  66om;  dis- 
turbed family,  626;  health, 686;  death, 
689;  epitaphium,  697;  mention,  1, 
3iS«,  328H,  358,  376,  475,  486,  6o4«; 
2,321,  512,  596. 
Mather,  Increase  (1699-1724),  birth, 
1,  307;  convulsions,  336,  339,  345, 
346,  348,  367;  smallpox,  447;  scarlet 
fever,  508;  grandfather,  583;  train- 
ing, 2,  49,  53,  107,  155,  204,  231,  238, 
251,  278,  356,  46s,  487,  526,  665; 
admonitions,  64,   151,  195,  203,   212, 

323,  466,  519;  anxieties,  76,  218,  225, 
230,  233,  281,  348,  352,  465,  474,  480, 
486,  487,  528;  companions,  92,  447; 
questions,  107,  225;  conversion,  in, 
269,  451,  485,  674;  clothes,  134; 
themes,  161,  199,  398;  scorched,  234; 
apprenticed,  239,  298;  illness,  249, 
347;  introduced  to  Ashurst,  299; 
Reynolds  on,  319;    at  Witney,  322, 

324,  347;  returns,  352;  in  business, 
354,  608;  on  Parsons,  433;  charged 
with  child,  484;  misconduct,  489,  548, 
611,  664,  736;  project,  495,  606;  cast, 
out,  612,  613,  615;  recalled,  647; 
death  of,  753,  755,  756,  764;  rumor 
of  return,  759,  760;  sermon,  760,  762, 

763,  771,  776,  789- 

Mather,  Jerusha,  see  Jerusha  Oliver. 

Mather,  Jerusha  (1711-1713),  2,  birth, 
57;  baptism,  59;  sickness,  187,  188, 
190;  measles,  252;  256,  258,  261; 
death,  261;  burial,  262;  memorial, 
262;  sermon,  264. 

Mather,  Joseph,  (1693),  1,  163. 

Mather,  Katharine  (1682-1683),  1,  65. 

Mather,  Katharine  (1689-1716),  health, 
1,  179;  conference  in  study,  239; 
burnt,  293;  fever,  371;  scarlet  fever, 
508;  marriageable,  2,  47;  illness,  79, 
83.  35°,  355.  360,  362,  370,  371,  372, 
373,  376,  378,  382,  383,  386,  387,  388; 
essays  by,  84,  276;  training,  loi;  to 
study  physic,  in;  disposal,  180; 
measles,  250,  255,  256;  joining  church, 
275;  anxiety  for,  352,  354,  361; 
lesson  from,  385,  389,  390,  391,  396; 
death  of,  388,  390;   sermon,  391,  402. 

Mather,  Lydia  (Lee),  marriage,  2,  322, 
337;  morning  readings,  335,  341,  376; 
prayers  with,  339,  536;  visits  to  poor, 
340;  conversion,  346;  premonition 
of  danger,  367;  health,  392,  481,  499, 


503;  uncritical,  504;  outbreak  of, 
583,  587,  590,  715,  723.  735,  742,  743, 
745,  749,  752;  admonition,  616,  732; 
health,  617,  619,  685,  699;  thoughts 
on,  719,  725,  768,  784;   recovery,  755. 

Mather,  Maria,  see  Green  and  Fifield. 

Mather,  Maria  (Cotton),  1,  i8h;  2,  51; 
feeble,  204;  care  for,  243. 

Mather,  Martha  (1713),  birth,  2,  250; 
baptism,  251;  measles,  258;  death, 
260;    funeral,  261. 

Mather,  Mary,  death,  2,  173. 

Mather,  Mehetabcl,  1,  185. 

Mather,  Nathaniel  (1630-1697),  on 
preaching  without  notes,  1,  sw; 
stammering,  2011;  on  Clarke,  65; 
letters,  104;  on  Mede,  io8«;  death 
of,  244. 

Mather,  Nathaniel  (1669-1688),  atheism 
of,  1,  32«;  returns  from  England,  148; 
introduction,  187H;  life  of,  273;  2, 134. 

Mather,  Nathaniel  (1709),  birth,  2,  8; 
baptism,  8,  30;  death,  20,  23- 

Mather,  Richard  (1596-1669),  1,  xv; 
in  Clarke's  volume,  65. 

Mather,  Richard  (1653-1688),  2,  66. 

Mather,  Samuel  (1674-0000),  2,  34,  319; 
church  history,  88,  142,  312;  advice, 
262 ;  Increase  visits,  298 ;  letter  to,  301 , 
719;  on  Increase,  322;  retreat,  437; 
encouragement,  484,  526;  projections 
547,  549,  553,  563,  606;  book  on 
temptations,  657,  665. 

Mather,  IMrs.  Samuel,  2,  325,  398. 

Mather,  Samuel  (1700-1701),  birth,  1, 
375;  particular  faith,  380;  convul- 
sions and  death,  382. 

Mather,  Samuel  (1706-0000),  birth,  1, 

574- 
Mather,  Samuel  (i 706-1 785),  on  stutter- 
ing, 1,  2k;  revolution,  i39«;  fever, 
2,  6,  73,  345;  sister,  44;  education, 
68,  358,  361,  362,  379,  435,  465,  469, 
470,  473,  474,  475,  476,  478,  496,  523, 
525,  526,  544,  557,  580,  602,  772; 
piety  encouraged,  74;  measles,  252; 
play,  353,  357,  4591  anxiety  for,  471; 
fever,  482,  486,  490,  493;  reading 
scriptures,  498,  540,  578;  companions, 
499,  524;  hopes,  551;  Latin,  554, 
557,  733;  sermons,  565,  637;  idle- 
ness, 606;  returns  to  Cambridge,  606, 
610;  smallpox,  626;  spending  of 
time,  629;  inoculation,  635,  637,  638, 
639,641,643;  recovery,  644,  645,  652, 
660;  poem,  670;  oration,  688h,  691; 
public  preaching,  741,  744,  748,  753, 
766,  769,  775;  goes  to  New  Haven, 
759,  760,  805;  degree,  762;  voyage 
to  England,  777,  779;  assistant  to 
Gee,  818. 


848 


INDEX 


Mather,  Samuel,  of  Windsor,  1,  551; 
2,  6on,  341,  364,  739. 

Mather,  Samuel  (1677-1746),  2,  211. 

Mather,  Sarah,  1,  i48«;  2,  9i«.  See 
Sarah  Walter. 

Mather,  Warham,  2,  87. 

Maxims  of  Piety,  2,  16,  215,  448,  456, 
530;  the  Kingdom  of  God,  200,  201, 
202,  213,  220,  247,  277,  329,  501;  the 
everlasting  Gospel,  337,  465;  of  use- 
ful labor,  472;  love,  494. 

May,  Samuel  (Axel),  preaching  of,  1, 
313;   plagiarism,  315;    exposure,  318, 

323.  329,338,350,  351- 
Mayes  (widow),  2,  65. 
Mayhew,  Experience,  1,  si2W. 
Mayhew,  Jonathan,  1,  52o«. 
Mayhews,  the,  2,  248;;,  809. 
Mead,  Matthew,  1,  i87«. 
Measles,    appearance    of,    2,    248;     in 

family,  249,  291;  advice  for  sick,  252, 

256;   day  of  prayer,  270,  289;    letter, 

272;    admonition,  278,  279;    sermon, 

288. 
'Meat  out  of  the  Eater,'  1,  456. 
Mede,  Joseph,  1,  io8«. 
Medfield,  Mass.,  1,  274. 
Medford,  Mass.,  1,  481;  relatives,  2,  229, 

249,  336,  35°,  361;  ordination,  774. 
'Medicina  Mentis,'  2,  337,  405. 
Medicines,  2,  372;   from  London,  392. 
Meditation,  method  of,  2,  358. 
'Meditations    on    the    Glory    of    the 

Heavenly  World,'  2,  114H. 
Meekness,  grace  of,  2,  454. 
Meeting  of  afflicted,  2,  383. 
Meetings,  private  religions,  1,  411,  566. 
Memorials,  paucity  of,  1,  496. 
'Memorials  of  early  Piety,'  2,  38,  42,  57. 
'Menachem,'  2,  378. 
Mendon,  Mass.,  2,  gn. 
'Mens  sana  in  corpore  sano,'  1,  254. 
Merchant,  abusive  (John  Colman?),  2, 

44,  99- 
Merchants,  project  for,  2,  92. 
Mercy,  thoughts  on,  1,  518. 
Messinger,  Henry,  2,  225. 
Metcalf,  Joseph,  1,  562M. 
'Methods  and  Motives,'  1,  500. 
Methods  to  do  good,  1,  81. 
Mexico,  reported  revolt,  1,  284. 
Micajah,  2,  i8«. 
Mico,  John,  1,  375». 
Middelburg,     Holland,     daughters     of 

clergyman,  2,  370,  451,  546. 
Middlecot,  Richard,  1,  13,  29i»». 
Middlesex,  artillery  company,  1,  132. 
'Midnight  Cry,'  1,  146,  147. 
Midwife  and  tract,  2,  618. 
Milan,  duchy  of,  2,  171. 
'Military  Duties,'  1,  132. 


Miller, ,  2, 10. 

Mills,  Edward,  1,  309». 

Milton,  Mass.,  2,  200. 

Mind,  tendency  of,  in  works,  2,  155. 

Minister,  a  fallen  (Cotton?),  1,  79,  194; 
prayers  for  sick,  235 ;  description  of  a, 
412;  disturbed,  427;  aided,  2,  496, 
635,    drink,  747,  762. 

'Minister,'  2,  684,  685. 

Ministers,  aid  for  needy,  1,  54,  351;  2, 
190,  473;  facts,  1,  106;  meeting,  113, 
429,  522;  2,  66,  437,  442,  450,  456, 
494,  547,  581,  603,  623,  627;  prayers 
with  wives,  1,  125:  address  to  Bello- 
mont,  302;  meetings  at  Cambridge, 
306;  melancholy,  327;  convention,  2, 
9>  77,  210,  353,  684,  727,  736;  speech, 
737;  rum,  51,  78;  southern  colonies, 
loi;  election,  74,  343;  salary,  78; 
wives,  185;  sons,  194,  235;  ordaining, 
232;  jejune  performances,  354;  sick, 
382,  383,  394,  398,  435,  591;  negli- 
gent, 385;  donation,  501;  libels 
against,  663,  672,  674;  Island,  721; 
subsistence,  738;  profitable  conversa- 
tion, 761,  763;  unbrotherly,  792; 
Indian  commission,  809. 

Ministry,  candidates,  2,  280,  725,  754; 
directions,  733,  744,  749. 

'Mirabilia  Dei,'  2,  692«. 

Miracles  of  the  Lord,  1,  144;  loaves, 
192;  wrought  on  Ellis,  274;  sermon, 
2,  620. 

Miscarriages  of  others,  1,  553. 

Mistic,  Mass.,  sec  Medford. 

Mohegan,  Indians,  2,  133,  151,  803. 

Monday's  question,  2,  25. 

Monis,  Judah,  2,  741,  743. 

'Monitor  for  Communicants,'  2,  355. 

'Monitory  and  Hortatory  Letter,'  1, 
342. 

'Monitory  Letter  concerning  the  Main- 
tenance of  Ministers,'  1,  351. 

'Monitory  Letter  to  them  who  absent 
themselves  from  public  Worship,'  1, 
429,  580. 

Monmouth,  James  Scott,  duke  of,  1, 
io4«. 

Moodcy,  Joshua,  1,  96«,  122,  407H;  on 
Turks,  2o8«. 

Moody,  Samuel,  2,  327. 

Moore,  Widow,  highway  claims,  1,  273», 
290?!. 

'Morale  Chreticnne  abregde,'  2,  463. 

'More  Wonders  of  the  Invisible  World,' 
1,  264. 

Morgan,  James,  1,  97H,  122. 

Morning  thoughts,  1,  29,  32,  45,  68, 
105;  2,  367,  368. 

Mors,  Joseph,  1,  528». 

Morse, ,  2,  46. 


INDEX 


849 


Morse,  John,  1,  S25W. 

Mortality,  early,  2,  217,  222;  in  church, 

490>  493>  SOI- 
Mortification  in  a  minister,  1,  107. 
'Mortification  of  Sin,'  1,  108. 
Morton,  Charles,  1,  26gn. 
Moses,    Lord's    anger    against,    1,    2; 

speech,  51. 
'Mother's  Catechism,'  2,  25. 
Mother-in-Law,  Medford,  2,  361. 
Mottos,  2,  28. 
Moulton,  Bridget,  2,  29i«. 
Moulton,  Jane,  2,  2gi«. 
Mount,  Richard,  1,  550. 
Mouth,  thoughts  on,  1,  2,  50. 
Moxtershed,  Ralph,  2,  459«. 
Musculus,  1,  159. 
Mystery  of  the  Trinity,  2,  14,  40,  66; 

of  Godhness,  14;  of  Jesus,  590,  591. 

Naevus  matemus,  2,  686. 

Name  of  God,  things  to  be  done  for,  1, 

73- 

Nantes,  Edict  of,  1,  4i«,  134W. 

Nantucket,  Mass.,  2,  248,  370. 

Naples,  2,  171. 

Narraganset  country,  2,  603. 

'Narrative  of  the  Miseries  of  New  Eng- 
land,' 1,  i4i». 

Natick,  Mass.,  2,  125;  Indians  at,  182, 
252. 

Naumann,  ,  2,  563. 

Neal,  Daniel,  letter  to,  2,  598. 

Neau,  Elias,  1,  238M,  300,  550;  apostasy, 
2,  89. 

'Necessary  Admonitions,'  1,  436. 

Necessity  of  Nature,  thoughts  on,  1,  357. 

Needham,  Ezekiel,  2,  ig&n. 

Needham,  Mass.,  2,  197. 

'Negro  Christianized,'  1,  177M,  564,  598. 

Negroes,  rules  for  company  of,  1,  176; 
baptism  of,  278;  2,  43;  christianizing, 
570,  598;  thief,  351;  soceity  of,  364, 
532;  charity  school,  379,  478;  ser- 
vant, 383,  384;  named  Mather,  663, 
706;  insurrection,  686;  return,  706. 

Neighbor,  troublesome,  2,  135;  conduct 
to,  348,  457.  464,  494- 

Neighborhood,  tempers  of,  2,  149. 

Neighbors,  contentions,  2,  212. 

'Nepenthes  Evangelicum,'  2,  244. 

Nephew  of  Mrs.  George,  2,  556;  his  own, 
567,  700,  782. 

Nesbit,  ■ ,  2,  410. 

'New  and  remarkable  Discoveries  of 
the  Spirit  of  Quakerism,'  1,  572. 

Newbury,  Mass.,  church  of  England  at, 
2,  147;  service  for,  194;  case  of,  218, 
223,  231,  327. 

New  England,  ingratitude,  1,  140; 
church  history,  166;  representation  on, 

n-S4 


168;  sins  of,  214;  Satan  shakes,  329; 

charters,  403;  distribution   of  books, 

523;  account  of,  295;  churches  of,  302, 

327,  412;  Sabbath,  337;  Neal  on,  598. 
'  New  England's  Faction  discovered,'  1, 

134W. 
Newfoundland,  2,  171. 
New  Hampshire,  2,  380;    Shute  visits, 

392;  pohtics,  422;  wood,  655. 
New  Haven,  Conn.,  invites  Mather,  1, 

42.  53;    Warham  Mather,  2,  87,  134, 

147,  759;   church,  319,  321. 
Newington,  Conn.,  2,  721. 
New  London,  Conn.,  2,  231,  759. 
New-modellers  of  churches,  1,  364. 
'  New  Oflfer  to  the  Lovers  of  Religion,'  2, 

283,  309.  310,  330- 

Newport,  R.  L,  2,  8is«. 

News,  thoughts  on,  2,  83. 

News-Letters,  1,  71K;  2,  638. 

Newton,  Sir  Isaac,  2,  8o6«. 

Newton,  Mass.,  1,  353;  2,  226,  227,  371, 
397,  470,  473,  474,  47S,  529,  534,  686. 

New  Year's  day,  2,  579,  595. 

New  York,  reform,  1,  268;  Pelagian 
doctrine,  2,  60;  Church  of  England, 
151;  dissenters,  353,  473;  family 
from,  709;   young  man,  728. 

Nicholson,  Francis,  2,  35,  173;  arrives, 
2,  290. 

Niece,  to  be  admonished,  2,  80;  wife's, 
709,  712,  742. 

Nieremberg,  Johann  Eusebius,  2,  702. 

'Nightingale,'  2,  765. 

Noble,  Isaac,  2,  541,  694. 

Non-attendance  on  church,  2,  10. 

Non-conformists,  prayer,  1,  42;  con- 
dition in  England,  1,  312;  2,  143,  145, 
148;  Long  Island,  132. 

Nonesuch,  frigate,  1,  i48«. 

Northampton,  Mass.,  2,  234. 

Norton,  David,  2,  36. 

Norton,  John,  1,  xv. 

Nottingham,  Earl  of,  1,  500;  2,  172. 

NoUingham  Galley,  2,  7i»,  791. 

Nova  Scotia,  1,  398». 

Nowell,  Samuel,  1,  2o8». 

Noyes,  James,  1,  i90»;  2,  303M,  321M. 

Noyes,  Joseph,  2,  32i». 

Noyes,  Nicholas,  1,  151,  igow,  437,  551. 

Noyes,  Nicholas,  Jr.,  1,  i90«. 

Noyes,  Oliver,  2,  382»,  403;  letter  to, 
417;   stricken,  607W. 

Nudigate,  Sarah,  1,  551. 

'Nuncia  Bona,'  2,  329. 

Nurse,  considered,  2,  702. 

Oakes,  Thomas,  1,  138,  i39«. 
Oakes,  Urian,  1,  207«. 
Oath,  nature  of,  2,  no,  566;    sermon, 
569,  571- 


850 


INDEX 


Obadiah's  prophecies,  2,  330. 

Obadiah,  negro  servant,  2,  477,  547,  562. 

'Obedient  Sufferer,'  2,  526. 

Obscurity,  buried  in,  2,  562. 

Officer,  conversion  of,  2,  94. 

Officers,  good,  2,  707. 

Oldmixon,  John,  2,  598. 

'Old  Pathes  restored,'  2,  65,  81,  82,  87. 

'Old  Principles  of  New  England,'  1,  381. 

Oliver,  Andrew,  2,  632M,  639. 

Oliver,  Daniel,  2,  686. 

OUver,  Hannah  (Mather),  ill  treatment 

and  death,  1,  576. 
OHver,  Jerusha  (Mather),  death,  2,  38, 

57,  59- 

Oliver,  John,  conduct  of,  1,  576. 

Ohver,  John,  2,  283«. 

OUver,  Peter,  2,  118,  149. 

Ohver,  Sarah,  2,  563. 

Onesimus,  purchased,  1,  579;  thefts  by, 
2,  139,  222,  363;  education,  271; 
buries  son,  282,  342;  agreement  for 
freedom,  363M;   prayers  for,  446,  456. 

'Optanda,'  1,  150. 

Orange,  principaUty,  1,  262. 

'  Order  of  the  Gospel,'  1,  375«. 

Ordination,  Episcopal,  2,  88;  congre- 
gational, 291. 

'Ornaments  for  the  Daughters  of  Zion,' 
1,449. 

'Orphanotrophium,'  2,  58,  73. 

Orphans,  care  for,  1,  269;  book  for,  2, 
57,  58,  552;  relief  of,  58,  344,  349,  495, 
518;  provision  for  his  own,  59,  65, 
67,  95 ;  house  Saxony,  150,  376,  378, 
563;  taking,  570. 

Osborn,  Samuel,  2,  813. 

Ottoman  empire,  revolution  in,  2,  80; 
and  Russia,  173. 

Overseer,  Harvard,  1,  105. 

Owen,  John,  1,  107;  2,  628,  813. 

'Pacificatory  Letter,'  2,  693». 
Pain,  William,  1,  362». 
Palmer,  John,  i4i». 
Pamphilus  (Dummer),  2,  313. 
Pamphlets  and  Ubels,  2,  605,  674. 
Parable,  prodigal  son,  2,  131,  165,  167; 

tares,  155,  168. 
ParaUpomena,  1,  356. 
Pardon  of  sins,  2,  159,  274. 
'Parental  Wishes  and  charges,'  1,  318- 
'Parentator,'  2,  689;;,  691,  713,  720,  727, 

730,  734,  794,  796. 
Paris,  Sir  Philip,  1,  195. 
Parkhurst,  Thomas,  1,  427??,  550. 
Parkman,  Hannah,  2,  637«. 
Parkman,  Nathaniel,  2,  637». 
Parmelee,  Captain,  2,  322. 
Parris,  Samuel,  1,  i7i«. 
Parsons,  David,  1,  562;  2,  6,  9. 


Parsons,  Joseph,  2,  316,  430,  474ft; 
letter  to,  426,  431. 

Party,  spirit  of,  2,  515. 

'Pascentius,'  2,  387,  388. 

Pastor  and  flock,  2,  124,  168. 

'Pastoral  Desires,'  2,  169,  275. 

Pastoralis  Cura,  of  Gregory,  2,  212,  245. 

'Pastoral  Letter,  to  the  English  Cap- 
tives in  Africa,'  1,  260. 

Pastoral  Letter  to  Sick,  see  'Wholesome 
Words.' 

'Paterna,'  2,  68,  603. 

Patience,  example  of,  2,  265;  discourse, 
498. 

Patrons,  for  children,  2,  95,  206,  243. 

Pauhcian  heresy,  2,  282. 

Payne,  WiUiam,  2,  382. 

Payson,  Edward,  1,  551. 

Peacock  (n^e  Lee),  2,  358W. 

Peace  of  the  Saviour,  2,  108,  109,  150. 

Pearse,  Isaac,  2,  297. 

Peddlers,  law  on,  2,  283. 

Peiresc,  Nicholas  Claude  Fabri  de,  2, 
297W. 

Pelagian  apostasy,  1,  312,  429,  572; 
New  York,  2,  60,  64,  81. 

Pelham,  Peter,  1,  x.\iii. 

Pemberton,  Ebenezer,  2,  238M,  257;?; 
iUness,  398;  death  and  character,  435, 
437w;  sermon,  506. 

Pen,  training  to  use,  2,  43;  thoughts  on 
mending,  202. 

Penalties  for  omissions,  1,  71. 

Penhallow,  Ann  (Wendell),  2,  i77«. 

Penhallow,  John,  2,  177M. 

Penhallow,  Samuel,  1,  551;  2,  iin;  let- 
ters to,  1,  507,  598,  599,  603;  2,  34,  35, 
37,  169,  170,  174,  175,  176,  290,  291; 
closet  rifled,  794;  letter  from,  422. 

Pennel,  Alice,  1,  181. 

Pennsylvania,  Jacobite  party,  2,  526; 
minister,  528. 

'Perfect  Recovery,'  2,  625. 

Perkins  (widow),  2,  77. 

Perkins,  John,  in  need,  2,  93;  interest 
in,  609,  611,  620,  664;  smallpox 
visitation,  627,  639. 

Perry,  Mrs.,  2,  141. 

Perry,  Michael,  1,  i78n. 

Perry,  William,  suspended  from  com- 
munion, 2,  iom;  accepted,  35». 

Persecution,  history  of  Caroline,  1,  313; 
defined,  2,  425. 

Person,  marks  of  a  called.  1,  15. 
'Persuasions    from    the   Terror   of    the 

Lord,'  2,  82,  98. 
Pestilence,  1713,  2,  2-]2n. 
Peter,  Saint,  2,  228. 
Peter  the  Great,  2,  173. 
Pews,  regulation  of,  2,  292,  360;  religion 
of,  615. 


INDEX 


851 


'Pharmacopoeia  Londincnsis,'  1,  72«. 

Phenix,  sec  Fenwick,  Jeremiah. 

Philadelphia,  convention  of  southern 
ministers,  2,  loi. 

'Philalcthes,'  1,  3i2«. 

Phihp,  Indian,  omitted  in  prayers,  1, 
i86rt. 

Phillips, ,2,  122. 

Phillips,  Abigail,  first  visit,  1,  121; 
marriage,  126.  Sec  Abigail  (Phillips) 
Mather. 

Phillips,  Anderson,  1,  452. 

Phillips,  Eleazer,  2,  7i». 

Phillips,  Harry,  1,  452. 

Phillips,  John,  1,  i2i«,  131,  174,  449; 
2,  438;  on  Increase  Mather's  de- 
parture, 1,  xxviii;  in  office,  148; 
captives,  282,  300;  widowhood,  326; 
remarriage,  404;  rage  of,  541;  prep- 
aration for  death,  2,  132,  151,  357; 
dying,  393,  742;  visits,  456,  461,  49S; 
care  for,  539,  612,  730. 

Phillips,  John,  Jr.,  1,  280,  452,  576,  581; 
2,  109,  461,  466;  taken  by  French,  594. 

Phillips,  John,  pirate,  2,  722^. 

Phillips,  Katherine,  1,  I2ik;  death  of, 
294. 

Phillips,  Samuel,  1,  i65»,  364^,  436??, 
Soyi,  S72W. 

Phillips,  Sarah  (Graves),  1,  404M,  452; 
2,  730W. 

'Philosophical    Principles    of    Religion,' 

2,  450- 

Phips,  Mary  (Spencer),  1,  i87«. 

Phips,  Sir  WiUiam,  1,  4i«,  141W;  bap- 
tized by  Mather,  148;  arrival  as 
governor,  i48»;  tribute  to,  186; 
Indian  servant,   203;    life  published, 

243.  245- 
Physicians  and   botanies,  2,    208;    aid 

for,  270,  272,  784. 
Pictet,  Benedict,  2,  530. 
Piedmont,  churches,  1,  263. 
Pierce,  Richard,  1,  132W. 

Pierpont, ,  1   174W. 

Pierpont,  James,  2,  64M;   'False  Hopes,' 

134;  'Soul  well  anchored,'  147;  death, 

319- 
Pierpont,  Jonathan,  of  Reading,  death, 

2,  II,  30- 

Pierpont,  Robert,  2,  iiw. 

Pierpont,  Sarah  (Lynde),  2,  ii«. 

'Pietas  in  Patriam,'  1,  186. 

Pietism,  American,  2,  23;  modem,  193; 
and  Puritanism,  411. 

Piety,  thoughts  on,  1,  356;  household, 
520;  maxims  of,  2,  16,  215,  448;  acts 
of,  67,  460,  536;  dangers  to,  74;  and 
apples,  85;  methods  of,  145,  535; 
improvement  in,  258,  602;  in  schools, 
341;    famihes,    355,    452;    real,  395; 


example,   447;    disposition    of,    545, 

S46;    desires  of,   548;    exercise,  587; 

lectures  on  early,  609,  612,  622,  629; 

warning,  610;  life  of,  729. 
'Piety  and  Equity  united,'  2,  479. 
'Piety  Demanded,'  2,  361. 
'Piety  encouraged,'  1,  513. 
'Pillar  of  Gratitude,'  1,  352. 
'Pillars  of  Salt,' 1,  280. 
Pillonicre,  see  La  Pillonniere. 
Piracies,  1,  215. 
Pirates,  sermon  to,  1,  299,  331;  2,  788 

thoughts  for,  481,  482,  483,  726,  729 

walk  with,  488;    book  on,  490,  491 

prayer  against,  722. 
Piscataqua,  2,  35,  36. 
Pittson,  Elizabeth,  2,  411. 
Placentia,  2,  171. 

Places,  men  fit  for  public,  2,  463,  473. 
Plagiarism,  May's,  1,  315. 
Plagues,  2,  67. 
Plantations,  ungospcllized,  1,  426,  574, 

593;    2,  78,   120,  461,  629;    eastern, 

463;  minister,  478. 
Plants,  American,  2,  371. 
Platform  of  church  discipHne,  1,  380. 
Play,  right  intent,  2,  353. 
Pleurisy,  putrid,  in  Connecticut,  2,  154. 
Plymouth  colony,  scarcity  of  com,  2, 

213. 
Plymouth,  Mass.,  1,  103,  277;    sottish- 

ness,  142. 
Poem  on  blindness,  1,  408;  covenant  of 

grace,  482. 
Poems,  2,  335. 
Pollock,  Lord  of,  2,  330. 
Poole  (or  Pole),  Matthew,  2,  311. 
Poor,  preaching  the,  1,  178;    work  for, 

422;  money,  529;  alms,  580;  hospital 

for  children,  2,  179,  iSo;   distress  of, 

260,   268;    collections  for,   266,   271; 

relief,  388,  498,  525,  546;    piety  in, 

549- 
Popery,  in  Canada,  1,  572;   Maryland, 

594;  false  thoughts,  2,  207. 
Popish  plot,  1,  4i». 
Porter,  James,  1,  551. 
Port  Royal,  Jamaica,  earthquake,  1,  143; 

Canada,  expedition,  1,  595;   2,  35. 
Portsmouth,  N.  H.,  2,  i48»,  180,  734, 

767,  769,  770,  773,  795. 
Portugal,  ripe  for  reform,  1,  402;  2,  171. 
Possehus,  Johann,  2,  49. 
Potter,  house  of  the,  2,  655. 
'  Pourtraiture  of  a  Good  Man,'  1,  436. 
Poverty,  2,  4. 

Powel, ,  2,  686«. 

'Power  of  Godliness,'  1,  46. 

'Practical  Religion  exemplified,'  2,  2o6«. 

Prayer,  day  of,  1,  56,  204,  423,  438;  2, 

442,  464,  623,  625,  663,  710,  741,  743; 


852 


INDEX 


fervent,  1,  62,  337;  three,  88, 173,  241, 
337,  397,  477;  2,  480,  486,  487,  488; 
answered,  1,  204,  212,  249,  305,  343, 
362;  power  of,  263,  297;  conduct  of, 
281,531;  of  children,  2,  81;  wheel  of, 
221;  to  God,  276;  supernatural,  337; 
flights  in  pubUc,  341;  and  answers, 
343;  morning,  351,  471;  family,  536; 
with  Assembly,  542;  in  hbrary,  573, 
574,  577;  baptismal,  698;  number, 
752,  757,  769- 

'Preacher,'  2,  243. 

Preaching  without  notes,  1,  5«. 

Precincts,  grants  of,  2,  78. 

Precious  thoughts,  2,  780. 

Presbyterians,  1,  364,  386;  ordination, 
2,  7i8«. 

'Present  from  a  far  country  to  the 
People  of  New  England,'  1,  238. 

'Present  of  Summer- Fruit,'  2,  223. 

'Present  State  of  New  England,'  1,  i38». 

Presents,  thoughts  on,  2,  71,  73. 

Press,  opportunities  through  the,  1,  340; 
new  type  and,  472;  activity,  2,  357. 

Pride,  sinfulness  of,  1,  15;  2,  45,  77; 
spiritual,  201. 

Priesthood,  royal,  2,  266,  284,  481. 

Prince,  Thomas,  for  South  Church,  2, 
505;  ordained,  557,  560;  smallpox, 
634«;  letters  to,  512,  596,  681,  683, 
684,  685,  686,  688,  792,  811,  812,  813, 
815,  816. 

Prison,  visit  to,  1,  271,  299,  331;  2,  398, 
448,  458,  460,  465,  474. 

Prisoners,  care  for,  2,  233,  237,  337,  385, 
452. 

'Private  Meetings  animated  and  regu- 
lated,' 1,  566. 

'Problema  Theologicum,'  1,  502,  571. 

Prodigal,  parable  of,  2,  131,  165,  167. 

Profaneness  in  children,  2,  205;  case  of, 
226;  in  the  aged,  783. 

Professor  of  rehgion,  foolish,  2,  527,  531, 
549- 

Promises,  1,  129;  of  Holy  Spirit,  2,  379. 

Prophetic  Spirit,  2,  397,  621,  8o6«.  Sec 
Joel. 

'Proposals  for  the  Preservation  of  Re- 
ligion in  the  Churches,'  1,  434. 

'Proposals  of  some  Consequence,'  2,  21, 

34- 
Prosperity,  2,  360. 
Protestant,  notion  of  a,  2,  373. 
Providence,  R.  I.,  2,  564,  625,  690,  803. 
'Providence  asserted  and  adored,'  2,  567. 
Providences,  illustrious,  1,   55;    2,  478; 

particular,  63. 
Psalmody,  improvement  in,  2,  373,  560, 

606,  624;   opposed,  693,  797. 
Psalms,  Barton's  version,  1,  57;   singing 

of,  58,  103,  377,  431;   book,  new  edi- 


tion, 300;    version,  2,  356,  364;    for 

raising  affections,  479. 
Psalter,  Hebrew,  2,  728. 
'Psalterium  Americanum,'  2,  528,  529, 

540,  560,  561. 
Punkapoag,  Indians  at,  2,  215,  809. 
Puritanism  and  pietism,  2,  411. 
Purity,  2,  725. 
Pylarinus,  Jacobus,  2,  624«. 

Quakers,    1,    142;     hanging    of,    149; 

treatise  on,  571;  essay  against,  572. 
Quakerism,  1,  571;  2,  io;»,  96,  207. 
Quare,  D.,  1,  b^n. 
Quarrel,  personal,  1,  158. 
Quesnoy,  2,  176. 
Questions,  daily,  1,  4. 
Quick,  John,  1,  364. 
Quietism,  2,  103. 
'Quotidiana,'  2,  162,  665,  669. 

Rabshakeh,  2,  100. 

Rainbow,  gospel  of,  2,  82,  87n,  89,  165. 
Rake,  abuses  by  a,  2,  139,  156. 
Randolph,  Edward,  1,  8s«,  113,  i33«, 

i38«. 
'Raphael,'  2,  504,  520. 
Rapture,  in  praises,  2,  271. 
Ratcliffe,  Robert,  1,  i33«. 
'Ratio  Disciplinje,'  1,  405;  2,  236,  352, 

388,  7i6n,  812. 

Rawlins, ,  2,  45. 

Rawson,  Grindall,  1,  160;  2,  gn. 
Reading,  Mass.,  1,  166,  202,  274,  442, 

481,523,568;  2,  11,30. 
Reason,  rules  of,  2,  144. 
'Reasonable  Religion,'  1,  360. 
Reconciliation  with  God,  1,  27. 
Recovery  from  sickness,  return  for,  2, 

233,  49S,  654,  657,  668. 
Redeemer,  worship  of  the,  2,  157. 
Reflections,  occasional,  1,  357. 
Reformation,  call  to,  1,  23,  loi;  address 

to  Assembly,  89;    to  ministers,   144; 

approaching,     166,     222,     234,     261; 

memorial,  211;  idea  and  history,  259; 

preaches  on,  268;    tendency,  2,  196, 

220. 
'Refuge  of  the  Oppressed,'  2,  651. 
Regeneration,  marks  of,  2,  120. 
Rehoboth,  Mass.,  2,  367. 
Relatives,  care  of,  1,  576;    2,  26,  496, 

532,   548,   568,    574,   586;    marks  of 

piety,  120;    death  of,  121;    kindness 

from,    259;     absent,    338;     improve- 
ment in,  451,  475;    behavior  to,  568; 

enemies,  580;   return,  706. 
Religion,  serious,  1,  573;  indifferency  to, 

2,    16;     in    earnest,    354,    452,    747; 

protcstant,    367;     and    Hberty,    467; 

of  the  closet,  244,  326. 


INDEX 


853 


'Religion  of  an  Oath,'  2,  571. 
'Religion  of  the  Closet,'  1,  530. 
'Religion  of  the  Cross,'  2,  259. 
'Religion  of  the  Morning,'  2,  42. 
'Religion  pura,  en  doze  Palabras  fieles,' 

1,  28s. 
'Religious  Fisherman,'  see  'Fisherman's 

Calhng,'  2,  135. 
'Religious  Mariner,'  1,  323. 
'Religious  Societies,'  2,  712. 
'Remarkable  Providences,'  1,  246. 
Remedies,  closet  of,  2,  270;    Winthrop, 

590- 

Remembrances  of  the  Lord,  1,  199. 

Renmore,  Eliza,  2,  22». 

Repentance  at  pleasure,  2,  loi;  incom- 
plete, 495. 

Representation,  spectral,  1,  150. 

Representation  to  King,  1,  168. 

Reproaches,  1,  338. 

Reputation,  unblemished,  1,  319; 
thoughts  on  a  great,   533;    2,   542. 

Resignation  of  wife,  1,  448;  to  will  of 
God,  480;  2,  7,  102,  193,  255,  372, 
374,  476. 

'Resort  of  Piety,'  2,  342. 

Respect  for  wicked  men,  2,  223. 

Rest  of  God,  2,  672. 

Resurrection,  2,  766. 

'Retired  Christian,'  1,  475. 

Return  to  God,  2,   233,  362;    of  God, 

370- 
Revenge,  spirit  of,  2,  215,  672. 
Reynolds,  Thomas,  1,  550;  2,  171,  177, 

206,  314,  316,  798;  letter  to,  301,  309; 

from,  317. 
Rhode  Island,  church  for,  2,  576,  603, 

769. 
Richards,    John,   1,   41K,    127M,    i36«, 

i37«>  iS9«- 
'Right  Management  of  the  sick  under 

.  .  .  the  Measles,'  2,  272. 
Ring,  doctorate's,  2,  63. 

Rober, ,  1,  137K;  2,  54. 

Robinson,  John,  2,  173. 

Robinson,  Jonathan,  1,  560. 

Rock,  Mary  (Danforth,  Wilson),  2,  242, 

244. 
Rock,  Elizabeth  (Coggan),  2,  242«. 
Rock,  Joseph,  2,  242^. 

Rogers, ,  2,  303«. 

Rogers,  Nathaniel,  2,  734». 

Rotha, ,  2,  102. 

Rowe,  John,  2,  719. 

Roxbury,  Mass.,  lecture,  1,  443;  thanks- 
giving, 2,  151;  kinsman,  373;  Walter, 

519,   564;    mentioned,  35,  371,   526, 

616. 

Royal, ,  2,  102. 

Royal  Society,  curiosities  for,  2,  86,  246, 

247,  265,  291;   nomination  as  Fellow, 


246;     book    for,    324;     membership, 

329,    332;     Biblia    Americana,    332; 

occurrences  for,  455,  766. 
Royce,  Daniel,  1,  104. 
Royce,  John,  1,  550. 
Ruck,  John,  2,   iiw,    2211,  i89»,   299;*, 

477",  S97«,  688??. 
Rule,  Margaret,  1,  172,  175. 
'Rules  of  a  Visit,'  1,  522. 
Rum,  abuse  of ,  2,  2 1 ;  in  Connecticut,  5 1 . 

Russell, ,  1,  i27«,  2g4w. 

Russell,  Jonathan,  Jr.,  2,  38SM. 
Russell,  Katharin,  2,  531,  538. 
Russia,  and  Turkey,  2,  173. 
Ruth,  negro,  2,  43. 
Ruvigny,  Marquis,  de  1,  4in. 
Ryal,  Elizabeth,  1,  338. 
Ryswick,  peace  of,  1,  256,  397. 

Sabbath,  observance  of,  1,  29,  76,  215; 
2,  526,  565,  672;  New  England,  337; 
early  rising,  532. 

Sacheverell,  Henry,  2,  36. 

'Sacred  Dialogues  for  the  Instruction 
of  Youth,'  2,  49. 

Sacrifice,  for  church,  1,  237;  evening,  2, 
120;  e.xercise  of,  266,  284,  347,  359, 
SCO,  527,  547,  640,  64s,  648;  self,  478; 
language  of  the,  767,  772. 

Sailors,  books  for,  2,  14,  71,  91;  out- 
break of,  37;  Bibles  for,  85;  dehver- 
ances,  243;  warnings,  392,  451,  528, 
568;  talks  with,  458,  555;  kinsman, 
465,  469;   return  from,  706. 

St.  Christopher,  2,  171. 

St.  Michael,  image  of,  441,  445. 

Saints  in  Light,  inheritance,  2,  497,  528, 
592- 

'Saints'  Temptation,'  2,  719. 

Salary,  1,  47,  124,  291;   2,  455,  8ii?j. 

Salem  witch  trials,  1,  142;  prayers  for, 
147;  bodily  possessions,  150;  execu- 
tions, isi«;  loss  of  sermon,  171,  173; 
new  outbreak  predicted,  172;  visit, 
204,  205,  232,  271,  272,  316,  363,  401, 
403,  476,  484,  521,  570,  596,  597;  2, 
III,  112,  113,  361;  letter  to,  1,  581. 

Salem,  Mass.,  concern  for,  2,  105;  ser- 
mon, 166;  charity  school,  113; 
widows,  aid,  148;    relatives,  483. 

Salisbury,  Mass.,  2,  153,  481. 

Salisbury,  Bishop  of,  2,  172,  212. 

Salivation,  remedy,  1,  444. 

Sallee,  captives  at,  1,  i77«,  181,  197,  320; 
return  of,  473;  letter  to,  260;  widow 
of,  404. 

Salmon,  William,  1,  72. 

Salter,  William,  1,  34i«. 

Saltonstall,  Gurdon,  2,  201,  467,  538, 
SSi,  683;  letters  to,  689,  802,  804; 
death,  764;  sermon,  765,  771,  789,  807. 


854 


INDEX 


Saltonstall,  Mary  (Clark),  2,  20 1»,  270, 
771,  806,  8l2. 

Salvation,  tokens  of,  2,  726;  nets  of,  746. 

Sal  volatile,  2,  225. 

Sam,  Indian,  1,  459. 

Samuel,  negro,  1,  278,  452». 

Sandwich,  Mass.,  Indians  at,  2,  238; 
kinsman,  582. 

Sarah,  widow  of  Japhet,  2,  igoti. 

Sardinia,  2,  171. 

Satan,  approaches,  1,  6;  buffetings,  51, 
78,  152W,  156,  286,  365,  374,  422,  463, 
479.  578,  585;  2,  99,  139,  443,  480, 
481,  664;  in  spleen,  1,  285;  New  Eng- 
land churches,  329;  devices,  347, 
489,  497;  2,  358,  526;  threatenings, 
320;  in  family,_S34,  S3S;  triumph 
over,  537,  731;  inoculation,  632;  re- 
lieved, 671. 

Saturday  experiences,  1,  91;  thoughts, 
100;  employment,  2,  16,  25,  448,  516, 
655;  question,  28,  103. 

Saunders,  Robert,  2,  568. 

Savage,  James,  2,  597?!. 

Savage,  Thomas,  Jr.,  1,  277. 

Savior,  characters  of  the,  2,  161;  con- 
formity to,  444;  love  of,  452,  492, 
493-  577;  resort  to,  548;  pattern  of, 
551-569;  endearing  titles  of,  552; 
transfiguration  of,  553;  apprehended 
by,  608. 

Savoy,  peace  with  France,  1,  214;  con- 
fession of  faith,  1,  328»;  duke  of,  2, 
171. 

Saxony,  books  for,  2,  27,  73;  University 
of  Halle,  150,  see  Frederician  Univer- 
sity; prayers  for,  336;  events  in, 
347- 

Saybrook,  Conn.,  Azariah  Mather,  2, 
60,  160,  207,  535;  commencement, 
96;  Mrs.  Saltonstall,  270.  See  Yale 
College. 

Scandal  in  church,  2,  175;   man,  757. 

Scarlet  fever,  1,  446,  451,  463. 

Scarlett,  Samuel,  bequest  to  Second 
Church,  1,  i37«,  i89n;   2,  ii«,  22«. 

School,  Grammar,  Boston,  1,  106;  2, 
49,  68,  220,  358;  care  for,  1,  302,  304, 
306;  commandments  in  Latin,  2,  352; 
French,  94;  charity,  Salem,  113; 
readings  in,  226,  451,  453;  master, 
236,  472>  531.  534,  549-  589;  P'cty 
in,  341;  negroes  and  Indians,  442; 
visitation,  533. 

Schurman,  Anna  Maria  von,  2,  325. 

Sciences,  system  of,  2,  339,  570. 

Scotch,  society  of,  Boston,  2,  49;  young, 
494;  youth,  566;  return,  706;  Irish 
calumnies,  718;    relief,  719. 

Scotland,  coming  changes,  1,  184,  188, 
igi,    207,    233;     accomplished,    262; 


colonies  from,  570;  books  for,  2,  27, 
42,  66;  universities,  53;  news  from, 
173;  church  in,  215,  329,  424,  529- 
546,  786;  church  and  Squire,  423; 
designs  for,  451,  493,  559;  ministers 
from,  471. 

Scriptures,  porismatic  reading,  1,  103; 
2,  578. 

Scudder,  Henry, '  Christian's  Walk,'  1, 6«. 

Seafarers,  care  for,  1,  323.     See  Sailors. 

Sea,  losses  at,  2,  58,  73,  120,  209,  446, 
447;  relatives  on,  362,  378. 

Sea-horse,  2,  618. 

Seal,  recovery  of,  1,  78;  to  opinions,  2, 
63- 

'Seasonable  Testimony  to  the  Glorious 
Doctrines  of  Grace,'  1,  430. 

'Seasonable  Thoughts  upon  Mortality,' 
2,  156. 

Second  Church,  records,  1,  xxii,  136M. 

Sedgemoor,  1,  104)7. 

'  Self-emploj'ment  in  Secret,'  1,  66. 

Self  Examination,  1,  44,  123,  257,  322, 
510,  515,  526;  2,  387,  504;  love,  380, 
382,  438,  538;  murder,  701,  720. 

Seneca,  2,  i. 

'  Sentiments  on  the  Smallpox  inoculated,' 
2,  660. 

'Serious  Christian,'  1,  277. 

Sermon,  repetition  of,  1,  131;  notes  of, 
265;  consideration,  2,  249;  on  occu- 
pations, 268;  read  in  family,  283; 
preparation,  369,  461;  notes,  465; 
ready  for  press,  553;  youthful,  712; 
funeral,  720;  price  of,  791. 

Servant,  wanted,  1,  490,  554;  prayer 
for,  2,  122;  preparation,  249,  444; 
new,  369,  383,  477,  576,  666,  673,  698, 
710;  maid,  sickness,  252,  255;  death, 
257;    banished,  537;    readings,  675. 

Services,  increase  of,  2,  79;  catalogue  of, 
556. 

'Several  Reasons  proving  that  Inocu- 
lating,' 2,  661W. 

Sevvall,  Elizabeth,  1,  i83«. 

Sewall,  Hannah  (Hull),  death  of,  2,  481; 
sermon,  482,  509. 

Sewall,  Joseph,  ordination  of,  2,  238; 
in  lectures,  272;  Harvard,  748n,  751"; 
service  for,  384;  mentioned,  436, 
442«,  6S5,  694«,  818. 

Sewall,  Samuel  (1652-1730),  prayer  for 
Indians,  1,  63;;;  on  James  II's  acces- 
sion, 94«;  Mather's  ordination,  96;/; 
fast,  ioi«;  lecture,  io3«;  on  Mather's 
style,  II2M,  136M;  marvel,  ii4«; 
Mather's  wedding,  12771;  on  artillery 
sermon,  i32«;  on  arrival  of  Phips, 
i48«;  Salem  executions,  151"; 
sermon,  i59«;  vileness,  184;;;  on 
Willard's  illness,  196;!;   with  Mather, 


INDEX 


85s 


207»;  on  reformation  fast,  21  iw;  bill 
on  witchcraft,  2ii«,  2i6«;  Harvard 
charter,  2i2«;  snow,  2i2n;  on 
Cotton,  236;  death  of  N.  Mather, 
244«;  death  of  Bailey,  245H;  on 
cold,  249«,  334W;  'Pastoral  Letter,' 
260;  power  of  prayer,  263;  !Mrs. 
Phillips'  funeral,  294H;  Indian  primer; 
328«;  Mather's  presidency,  359^, 
Willard's  sickness,  ^byn;  and  Cotton 
Mather,  406H;  on  Chapen,  4S9n; 
death  of  Wigglesworth,  siyn;  Canada 
expedition,  2,  8«;  on  Pierpont,  iin; 
on  Mather's  sermon,  iSii,  igti;  rain- 
bow, 8211,  Sjn;  Boston  fire,  ii4«;  on 
Woburn,  125K;  on  Walley,  147M; 
circular  letter,  179;  bread  riot,  2i3«; 
Newbury,  218;  Stevens's  ordination, 
247;  portentous  birth,  250^;  on  sun, 
297;r,  seeds,  299;  on  Katharine,  390; 
on  Pemberton,  43 7w;  loses  wife,  481, 
509;  on  Winthrop,  487;  day  of 
prayer,  501;  Mather's  lecture,  596; 
services,  368;  Noyes,  607M;  singing, 
6o8«;  on  Increase  Mather,  689;  on 
self-murder,  701;  mentioned,  83W,  92W, 
94«,  io6k,  109H,  i74n,  223W,  229», 
238??,  29i«,  327»,  375«,  792. 

Sewall,  Samuel  (1678-1751),  1,  370K, 
396H,  4oi»,  403H. 

Sewall,  Samuel  (1689-1757),  2,  410,  421. 

Sewall,  Stephen,  1,  551;  2,  741. 

Shalome  Ben  Shalomoh,  1,  370. 

Shaw,  Nathaniel,  1,  408;?. 

Shepard,  Thomas,  2,  134. 

Shepard,  Thomas  {d.  1685),  1,  loi,  120; 
appearance  in  dream,  129. 

Shepards,  three,  1,  532. 

Sherborn,  Mass.,  2,  160. 

Sherman,  James,  1,  514H;  2,  316. 

Shimei,  2,  100,  105. 

Ship,  saved  from  wrecking,  1,  212. 

'Short  and  Easie  Method  with  the 
Deists,'  2,  716W. 

Shorthand,  2,  no,  153. 

Shute,  Samuel,  arrives,  2,  375;  sermon 
before,  377;  favorable  opinion,  380, 
420;  suggestions,  381,  388,  436,  498, 
523,  527,  528;  567,  578,  580,  610,  616, 
631,  647;  visits  New  Hampshire,  392; 
conduct  towards,  417;  attack  upon, 
461;  correspondence,  551;  birthday, 
66g;  relations  with  JNIather,  692; 
leaves,  692,  695. 

Sick,  visits  to,  1,  58,  105;  2,  42. 

Sickness,  thoughts  awakened  by,  1,  247. 

Signs  of  the  Times,  2,. 380. 

Silence,  holy,  2,  649. 

'Silentiarius,'  2,  650. 

Simms,  Prue,  2,  145. 

Simon,  a  Jew,  1,  200??. 


Sims, ,  1,  isiM. 

Sin,  contest  with,  1,  43;  special,  95; 
thoughts  on,  409;  2,  464.  See 
Humiliations. 

Singing,  family,  2,  437;  society,  608. 
Sec  Psalmody. 

Sinners  punished  by  their  sins,  2,  18, 
32;  conduct  of,  543. 

Sins  of  youth,  2,  22,  33. 

Sister,  losing  sight,  2,  242;  ill-tempered, 
450- 

Slate,  table  book  of,  1,  100. 

Slaves,  conversion  of,  1,  356«;  pur- 
chase of  Oncsimus,  579;  in  south,  2, 
412;  thoughts  on,  686,  687;  afflicted, 
769. 

Slothfulness  of  spirit,  1,  303;  2,  517, 
554;   a  kinsman,  462;    removed,  580. 

Smallpox,  1,  435,  443,  445,  451,  463; 
visitation  of,  1721,2,  618-662;  Mather 
and,  621,625;!;  treatise  on,  627;  bills, 
652,  653,  654,  656,  683;  in  Europe, 
664. 

Smith,  Anna,  1,  550. 

Smith,  Henry,  1,  550. 

Smith,  Mather,  1,  550. 

Smith,  Ralph,  1,  364«. 

Smith,  Sarah,  2,  217M. 

Smith,  William,  1,  i89». 

Snow,  great,  1,  213;  2,  439,  440,  506; 
thoughts,  152. 

'Sober  considerations,'  2,  34. 

Societies,  conduct  in,  2,  42,  54,  478; 
reforming,  2,  27,  73;  religious,  24, 
27,  634;  development,  44,  107;  proj- 
ects, 89,  118,  156,  202,  367,  369,  397, 
439,  602;  question,  102,  144,  151; 
meetings,  153,  365,  573,  633;  new, 
551;    instruction,  673;    book  on,  712. 

Society  for  propagation  of  Christian 
Religion,  established,  1,  419;  proj- 
ects, 499;    meeting,  531. 

Society  for  the  Propagation  of  Gospel, 
2,  212,  691;  in  Southern  colonies, 
120,  412;  dispersing  books,  145; 
McNish,  318;  disturbing  influence, 
327,  415;  quality  of  missionaries,  328. 

Society  for  suppression  of  disorders, 
estabhshed,  1,  418;  methods  and 
motives,  500;  increase  in  number, 
517;  distributes  books,  523;  meeting, 
531;  projections,  2,  27,  42,  77,  no, 
114,  123,  131,  150,  207,  235;  dis- 
orderly houses,  160,  229,  235,  283; 
reviving,  275,  767. 

Socinianism,  1,  572. 

Soden,  John,  1,  549;  2,  323. 

Sohm,  Rudolf,  on  Pietism,  2,  193W. 

'Soldier  told  what  he  shall  do,'  2,  11; 
deserter,  95. 

Solomon's  speech,  2,  371. 


856 


INDEX 


'Some  Correspondence,'  society  for  In- 
dians, 2,  252. 

'Some  few  Remarks,'  1,  384. 

'Something  to  be  known  by  the 
churches,'  1,  329. 

Sorceries,  1,  215,  259. 

Sorrows,  secret,  2,  463. 

Sortes  BibUcae,  1,  179,  297,  304,  355, 
377.  431,  433,  442,  444.  44^;  2,  105, 
III,  643. 

Soul,  idle  frame,  1,  7;  healed,  2,  372; 
blessings  of  a,  503;  maladies  of,  515, 
517,  518,  524;  prosperity,  538;  and 
piety,  784- 

'Soul  well  anchored,'  by  Pierpont,  2, 147. 

'Sound  Words,'  1,  423. 

South  Carolina,  2,  670. 

South  Sea  bubble,  2,  626,  636,  661,  678. 

Sower,  Christopher,  2,  583. 

Sowter,  Daniel,  1,  346;}. 

Space  to  repent,  2,  459. 

Spademan,  John,  1,  550. 

Spain,  Indies  of,  1,  206,  284,  296,  302; 
captives  of,  2,  455. 

Spanish  language,  1,  206,  284;  succes- 
sion, war  of,  398H;  America,  reforma- 
tion, 420. 

Sparhawk,  John,  1,  551;  2,  303». 

Sparks  flying  upward,  2,  764. 

Spectacles,  2,  no. 

'Spectator,'  2,  227. 

Spectres,  1,  150,  171;  white,  175. 

Speech,  hesitancy  in,  1,  2,  35,  47,  49, 
70,  188,  213,  311,  348;  rules  of,  1,  55, 
58,  206. 

'Speech'  to  governor  (1717),  2,  456,  457. 

Speeches,  dying,  Indians,  2,  190,  199. 

'Speedy  Repentance  urged,'  1,  138H. 

Spencer,  Mary,  1,  187M. 

Spencer,  Roger,  1,  i8yn. 

Spener,  Philip  Jacob,  2,  i93n,  490,  497, 
499. 

Spirit,  white,  1,  175;  indolence  of,  2,  817. 

'Spiritual  Lawyer,'  2,  184M. 

'Spiritual  Legacy,'  1,  417. 

Spleen,  2,  204. 

Springfield,  Mass.,  2,  374. 

Spy  Pond,  Cambridge,  2,  366. 

Squire,  John,  letter  to,  2,  423,  429; 
reply,  424. 

Standish,  Miles,  1,  13M. 

Stanton,  Robert,  2,  474*1. 

Star,  Abigail,  2,  627,  629». 

Stasseys, ,  2,  330M. 

State  House,  burning  of,  2,  114. 

State  of  Religion,  2,  792,  793,  813. 

Stegmannus,  Joshua,  2,  762. 

Stevens,  Joseph,  2,  ordination  of,  247, 
291. 

'Stewardship  of  Talents,'  1,  277. 

'Stimulator,'  2,  736. 


Stirling,  William,  2,  683«. 
Stobo,  Archibald,  1,  550. 
Stoddard,  Anthony,  2,  382n,  419. 
Stoddard,   Solomon,   1,   364n,   384;    2, 

35.  303W- 
Stomach,  sickness  of,  2,  52. 
Stone,  Nathaniel,  2,  7501,  759,  813. 
Stone,  cutting  for,  2,  197,  202. 
Stone  cut  out  of  the  mountain,  2,  23, 

329- 
Stonington,  Conn.,  2,  321. 
Storm,  great,  1,  212;  sermon,  301. 
Stoughton,  William,  1,  i4in,  142,  154. 
Strangers,  treatment  of,  2,  75,  85,  87; 

corruptions,  80;   aid,  565. 
Stratford,  Conn.,  2,  747. 
Street,  ejaculations  on,  1,  83. 
Street,  Nicholas,  1,  42. 
Streposo,  1,  182. 
Stuarts,  end  of  line,  1,  365. 
Student,  irregular  conduct,  2,  754. 
Study,  used  for  hospital,  1,  447;  method 

of,  2,  463. 

Subercase, 1,  595«. 

Subsistence,  notional,  2,  666. 
Sudbury,  Mass.,  church  council,  1,  270, 

513;  2,  351. 
Sufferings  for  God,  1,  78. 
Suffield,  Conn.,  2,  277. 
'Sum  of  the  Matter,'  2,  7,  8. 
Summer  Piety,  2,  219,  223. 
Sun,  center  of  system,  2,  297»t. 
Superstition  in  prayer,  1,  42. 
'Supplies  from  the  Tower  of  David,'  1, 

572;  2,  so,  64,  81,  15s,  362,  525,  61S, 

619. 
'Sure  Foundation  for  Union,'  2,  469. 
Sutherland,  Earl  of,  1,  550. 

Swasie, ,  2,  152. 

Swearing,  1,  215;  2,  no. 
Swift,    Jonathan,    Bickerstafl's    Predic- 
tions, 1,  600. 
Swinnock,  George,  1,  107. 
Symonds,   Elizabeth,  of   Gloucester,  2, 

76H,  380. 
Symonds,  Harlakenden,  2,  76. 
Syms,  Prue,  2,  145. 

Taberah,  2,  116. 

'Tabitha  Rediviva,'  2,  188. 

Table  of  the  Lord,  thoughts,  1,  39,  46, 
52,  64,  106,  108,  345,  440;  2,  56,  68, 
76,  84,  90,  97,  108,  117,  127,  149,  159, 
185,  203,  209,  215,  224,  230,  237,  245, 
253.  267,  449;  conduct  at,  45;  prep- 
aration, 275. 

Table,  ejaculations  at,  1,  81. 

Table  talk,  2,  651. 

Tailcr,  William,  2,  115,  294,  418;  com- 
mended, 292,  419;  returns  to  England, 
383- 


INDEX 


857 


Tale-bearer,  minister,  2,  72,  427,  432. 

Tares,  parable  of  the,  2,  155,  168. 

Taunton,  Mass.,  troubles,  1,  143;  2,  64; 
sermon,  513. 

Tears,  1,  457. 

Teeth,  sins  of,  1,  24. 

'Tela  Praevisa,'  2,  771. 

Temper  of  Benignity,  2,  24. 

Temple  of  God,  2,  571. 

'Temple  opening,'  1,  597;  2,  35. 

Temptation,  1,  loi,  475;  sermon  on, 
150;  day  of,  330,  332;  Mathers,  2, 
3,  704;  church,  524,  602;  suc- 
cour, 534;  combat,  547;  ministers, 
657,  665. 

Tercera,  2,  626. 

'Ter  mille  Qucrelae,'  2,  315. 

Terry,  Mrs.  Mary,  2,  2o6«,  309. 

Terry,  Samuel,  2,  197W. 

Tertuiian,  2,  301. 

'Testimony  to  the  Order  of  the  Gospel,' 
1,  393,  394. 

Thacher,  Peter,  2,  684,  818. 

'Thankful  Christian,'  2,  379. 

Thankfulness,  reasons  for,  2,  39. 

Thanksgiving,  private,  1,  18,  34,  76, 
loi,  102,  no,  130,  132,  183,  208,  221, 
226,  266,  278,  310,  319,  342,  379,  404, 
410,  439,  488,  494,  556,  569,  578;  2, 
88,  117,  129,  338;  public,  1,  43,  241, 
281,  322,  372,  408,  476,  512,  525,  530, 
573,  654;  2,  135,  257,  400,  492,  574, 
696,  772;  solerrm,  58;  table,  343; 
ministers,  518. 

'Thaumatographia  Christiana,'  1,  401. 

'Theopolis  Americana,'  2,  19,  21,  34. 

Thessalonian  benediction,  2,  496. 

'Things  for  a  distressed  People  to  think 
upon,'  1,  202. 

'Things  to  be  more  thought  upon,'  2, 
191,  200;  distributed,  192. 

'Things  that  cannot  be  shaken,'  2,  220. 

'Things  that  Young  People  should  think 
upon,'  1,  342. 

'Thirty  important  bases,'  1,  306. 

Thomas,  negro,  1,  278«,  4.6271. 

Thornton,  Timothy,  1,  596;!;   2,  176. 

Thoughts,  evil  and  good,  2,  125;  vain, 
203;  evil,  207. 

'Thoughts  for  the  Day  of  Rain,'  2,  90. 

'Thoughts  of  a  Dying  Man,'  1,  224. 

Three,  efficacy  of,  in  prayers,  2,  192. 
Sec  Prayer. 

Threeneedles,  Sarah,  1,  276,  279,  289. 

Thunderstorm,  thoughts  on,  1,  519. 

Thursday's  question,  2,  27,  99. 

Tileston,  James,  1,  341^. 

Time,  account  of  his,  1,  545;  2,  48,  56, 
199,  240,  603,  604,  742;  measurement, 
no. 

Timouius,  Emanuel,  2,  624n. 


Tithingmen,  1,  76,  loi. 

Tiverton,  R.  I.,  2,  496,  514,  537,  557. 

'Token  for  children'  (Jancvvay),  1,  369. 

'Token  for  the  Children  of  New  Eng- 
land,' 1,  369. 

Tokens  for  good,  2,  335. 

Tompson,  Edward,  1,  525;?. 

Tongue,  thoughts  on,  1,  62,  70,  89; 
sins  of,  348. 

Toppan,  Robert  Noxon,  1,  113. 

Toryism  of  church  of  Scotland,  2,  429. 

Tout,  Hannah,  1,  52671. 

Townsend,  Penn,  1,  422^,  S9S«. 

Townshend,  Lord,  2,  171. 

'Tractatus  de  Inteq^retatione,'  2,  482M. 

Trade,  unlawful,  1,  565,  581,  599. 

'Treacle  fetched  out  of  a  Viper,'  1,  580. 

Treasure,  earthly  and  heavenly,  2,  225. 

Treat,  Hannah,  2,  6on. 

Treat,  Robert,  2,  6on. 

'Treatise  on  the  Blessedness  of  the 
Righteous,'  1,  56n. 

'  Tree  planted  by  the  Rivers  of  Water,' 

1,  SOS- 
Trees,  buried,  2,  175. 
'Tremenda,'  2,  623. 

'  Tribe  of  Asher,'  2,  472. 

Trinity,  mystery  of  the,  2,  14,  log,  in, 

183,  186,  191;    doctrine  of,  106,  107; 

treatise  on,  53,  225,  230. 
Triparadisus,  2,  811. 
'Triumphs  over  Troubles,'  1,  379. 
'Triumphs  of  Christianity,'  1,  438. 
Trott,  Nicholas,  1,  550. 
Trouble,  thoughts  on,  2,  201. 
Trowbridge,  Caleb,  2,  S63M. 
Trowbridge,  Hannah  (Walter),  2,  563W. 
Trowbridge,  Sarah  (Oliver),  2,  56311. 
'True  Riches,'  2,  746. 
'True  Touchstone,'  1,  58. 
'True  Way  to  shake  off  a  Viper,'  2,  141. 
Truth,    persecution    for    speaking    the, 

2,  523,, 530,  545- 
Tuesday's  question,  2,  26. 
Tulley's  almanac,  1,  210,  276. 
Tumor,  1,  365. 

Turel,  Samuel,  2,  6gon. 
Turks,  captives  of,  see  Sallee;    revolu- 
tion, 1,  207,  212,  214;  overthrow,  243. 
Turretini,  2,  243K. 
'Turris  Babel,'  Alsted's,  2,  24311. 
Turj'l,  Ferdinando,  1,  372. 
Tuthill,  Zechariah,  1,  375^. 
Tultle,  Julius  Herbert,  1,  xxiii,  3671. 
Twins,  birth  of,  2,  250;  baptized,  251. 
Tyrel,  Daniel,  1,  13 7». 

Ulcers,  scrophulous,  2,  609. 
Unbelief,  watch  for,  2,  251. 
Uncertainty  of  future,  2,  6n. 
Uncleanness,  1,  164. 


858 


INDEX 


United  Brethren,  1,  315,  332;   2,  310, 

415,423,817. 
'  Unum  Necessarium,'  1,  156. 
Usebius,  2,  313. 
Ussher,  James,  2,  243». 
'Utilia,'  2,  334,  336,  512. 
Utrecht,  University  of,  2,   151;    peace 

of,  171,  176;  fast  for,  200. 

'Valleyof  Baca,'2,  482. 

'Valley  of  Hinnom,'  2,  459. 

Vanity  of  apparel,  1,  215. 

Vaudois,  prayer  for,  1,  214;  2,  619. 

Vaughan, ,  2,  77. 

Vaughan,  George,  2,  422. 

Vehemence,  2,  214. 

Vermine,  thoughts  suggested,  2,  no,  152. 

Vertue,  George,  2,  323. 

'Verus  Christianismus,'  2,  337,  341,  348. 

'Very  Needful  Caution,'  1,  584. 

Vessels,  orders  for,  2,  398;  mock  bap- 
tism of,  473. 

Vetch,  Samuel,  2,  8m. 

'  Victorina,'  2,  391,  396. 

'Vigilantius,'  1,  525. 

Vigils,  1,421,424,429,  432,  436,  443, 468, 
574,  578,  2;  55,  61,  65,  71,  83,  100, 
103,  106,  III,  200,  218,  232,  233,  234. 

Vincent,  Nathaniel,  1,  58. 

'Vindication  of  the  Government  of  New 
England  Churches,'  2,  450. 

Virginia,  leviathan  in,  2,  686. 

'Vision  in  the  Temple,'  2,  622. 

Visitor,  to  Indians,  2,  709,  808. 

Visits,  pastoral,  1,  55,  66,  97,  114,  i68, 
224,  304,  319;  2,  17,  86,  93,  97,  230, 
267,  334.  352,  558;  book  for,  124,  360, 
421,  423;  management  of,  1,  522;  en- 
quiries and  directions,  2,  357. 

Voice,  anxiety  for,  2,  569. 

'Voice  from  Heaven,'  2,  596«. 

'Voice  of  the  Dove,'  2,  449,  453. 

Volcano,  sermon,  2,  626. 

Vow,  Mather's,  1,  105,  107. 

'Vrai  Patron  des  saintes  Paroles,'  2,  94. 

W.,  J.,  2,  395- 

Wade,  John,  1,  525^. 

Wadsworth,    Benjamin,    offence   taken, 

1,  317;  2,  147;),  2s6h,  431,  694«,  723/1, 

748H;   Harvard  presidency,  774». 
Wadsworth,  Recompence,  2,  2i7n,  222; 

at  Freetown,  23 2«. 
Wakeman,  Jabez,  1,  525/1. 
Waldron,  William,  2,  684. 
Walk  with  God,  resolutions,  1,  3,  70. 

Walker, ,  2,  42. 

Walley,  John,  1,  406/) ;  2,  i47». 

Wallis,  David,  2,  230,   231,   232,   234, 

238. 


Walpole,  Sif  Robert,  2,  81,  84;  expelled, 
172. 

Walrond,  Henry,  letter  to,  2,  415. 

Walter,  Hannah,  2,  563/1. 

Walter,  Increase,  2,  91,  272;*,  560. 

Walter,  Nathaniel,  2,  563/1. 

Walter,  Nehemiah,  2,  68,  9in,  268», 
811;  illness,  382,  388;  vertigo,  452, 
459;  care  for,  494,  517,  527;  restora- 
tion, 590;  collection  for,  602,  605, 
610;  pen  employed,  636;  projection, 
657- 

Walter,  Sarah  (Mather),  2,  91/;,  268/t, 
272,  370. 

Walter,  Thomas,  2,  272/1,  694/j;  at 
college,  128;  encouraged,  232,  268, 
391,  441,  572;  labors  on,  348;  entangle- 
ment, 353;  cares  for,  359,  363,  373, 
376,  472,  478,  674;  preaches,  388;  ill- 
ness, 459,  460;  as  successor,  484,  518, 
519;  ordained,  564,  573/1;  libelled, 
605;  smallpox,  653,654,  655;  granado 
incident,  657;  reply  to  Checkley,  703, 
726/t;  illness,  710,  716,  718,  727,  748, 
766,  767,  770,  773;  pubUshes,  760; 
death,  780;  sermon,  782,  790. 

Ward,  Mrs.,  2,  45. 

Ward, ,  letter  to,  2,  421. 

Ward,  Robert,  2,  580,  634»». 

Warham,  Esther,  2,  234,  2Sin. 

Warham,  John,  2,  251/1. 

Warminster,  2,  730. 

'Warnings  from  the  Dead,'  1,  165. 

Washing,  thoughts  on,  2,  67,  198. 

Watch,  Mather's,  1,  63. 

Watchmen,  visit  to,  2,  606. 

Waterburj',  Conn.,  2,  154/1. 

Watertown,  Mass.,  troubles  at,  1,  198, 
225,  235;  2,  674,  675;  libel,  709,  711, 
730- 

Watertown  Farms  (Weston),  Mass.,  1, 
528;  2,  124. 

Watts,  Isaac,  book  received  from,  2, 142; 
Colman  on,  169;  hymns,  242;  dis- 
quisitions, 816. 

Way,  Richard,  1,  137/1,  189/1. 

'Way  of  Truth  laid  out,'  1,  572«. 

Webb,  Frances,  2,  646/1,  650,  679. 

Webb,  John,  2,  634/1,  646,  650,  684. 

Webb,  Joseph,  2,  112,  430,  431. 

Webster,  Mary,  1,  189/1. 

Webster,  Noah,  1,  167/1. 

Wednesday's  question,  2,  26  68. 

Weld,  Bethia,  2,  453/t. 

Weld,  Daniel,  2,  453>«. 

Wendell,  Ann,  2,  177/?. 

Wendell,  Barrett,  1,  xiii,  87»«,  136/t. 

Wendell,  Jacob,  2,  i77/». 

Wenham,  Mass.,  2,  634;  church  trouble, 
51;  necessitous  woman,  70;  church, 
188,  539. 


INDEX 


859 


Wensley,  Sarah,  2,  72SM. 

Wentworth,  John,  2,  35,  499;  for  lieu- 
tenant-governor, 422;  letter  to,  795. 

Westgate,  John,  1,  9on. 

West  Hampshire,  2,  206. 

West  Indies,  French  in,  1,  561. 

Weston,  Mass.,  1,  S28»;  2,  528.  See 
Watertown  Farms. 

Whale-catchers,  tract  for,  2,  379. 

'W'hat  should  be  most  of  aU  thought  i 
upon,'  2,  241.  I 

'What  the  pious  Parent  wishes  for,'  2, 
622. 

Wheeler,  Sir  Charles,  1, 167. 

Wheeler,  N.,  2,  764. 

Wheelwright,  John,  1,  xv. 

Whiston,  William,  2,  106,  107,  186,  205, 
295;  letter  to,  225;  book  on,  230. 

White, ,2,  424. 

WTiite, ,  on  Godliness,  1,  46. 

White,  Benjamin,  2,  393». 

WTiite,  John,  2,  327;!. 

White,  Robert,  2,  ^2^. 

\Miite,  William,  2,  729n. 

Whiting, ,  2,  303,  427. 

WTiitman,  Zechariah,  1,  596W. 

WTiittingham,  Richard,  1,  245,  550. 

'Wholesome  Words,'  1,  446;  2,  265, 
270,  647,  651,  653,  655. 

Widowhood,  1,  457,  476,  479,  482. 

Widows,  2,  65,  82;  sermon  for,  92,  516; 
Salem,  148;  care  for,  200,  223,  386, 
523,  525,  534-  573.  611,  631,  743,  747, 
761,   768;    books,  697,   700;    sisters, 

723- 
Wigglesworth,  Edward,  2,  748;;. 
Wigglesworth,    Michael,    preaches,    1, 

249«;  death,  517,  562«. 
Wigglesworth,  Samuel,  2,  189W. 
Wilkins,  Richard,  1,  4o6«. 
'Will  of  a  Father  submitted  to,'  2,  259; 

394- 
Willard,  Abigail  (Mather),  marriage,  2, 

373;    travail,  462,  467,  641;    illness, 

476;     daughter,    564;     dying,    647; 

death,  649;   sermon,  650. 
Willard,  Catherine,  2,  467,  468,  472. 
Willard,  Daniel,  2,  25;    Increase  with, 

354;  courts  Elizabeth,  355;  marriage, 

373;    confirmed,   394;    care  of,   501; 

drowning  in  family,  543;   advice,  570, 

649,  651;    iUness,  641;    care  for,  676; 

arrest,  790. 
Willard,  Resigned,  2,  648. 
Willard,  Samuel,  1,  92,  96n,  99,   123, 

IS3»,    I74«>    211,    24S«,    3i5«;     on 

spirits,  ii4«;  sickness,  i96«,  367. 
William  III,  1,   138K;    2,  408;    grants 

charter,  1,   141;    and  Scotland,   262; 

reformation,  267;   death,  461. 
Williams,  Abigail,  1,  i7i«. 


Williams,  Anne,  1,  t^n. 

Williams,  Daniel,  1,  361M;   2,  yx),  311, 

691;   letters  to,  315,  316. 
Williams,  Eleazar,  2,  93«,  112. 
Williams,  EUsha,  2,  722«. 
Williams,  Eunice  (Mather)  (1664-1704), 

2,  93«. 
Williams,  Eunice,  captive,  care  for,  2, 

92,  104,  191. 
WiUiams,  John,  1,  568,  S75;  2,87,  93«. 
Williams,  John,  'tobacconist,'  2,  625». 
W  illiams,  Stephen,  2,  134. 
Wilhams,  Warham,  2,  709K. 
Williams,  William,  2,  124,  709»,  7i8». 

Willis, ,  2,  63. 

Will-worship,  English,  1,  205. 
\\'ilson,  John,  1,  xv,  37/1;  2,  242«. 
Wilson,  Marj',  2,  242W. 
Windsor,  Coim.,  kinsman,  2,  211,  341, 

364,  457,  538,  739;    woman  in  need, 

215;  debtor,  231. 
Wings,  healing  in,  2,  8. 
Winnisimmet  Ferry,  1,  484. 
Winship,  George  Parker,  1,  xiii. 
Winsley,  Elizabeth,  2,  64H. 
^^'insley,  Sarah,  1,  346M. 
Winslow,  Anna,  2,  73SM. 
Winslow,  Isaac,  2,  735;;,  798. 
Winslow,  Josiah,  2,  735H,  798. 
Winslow,  Sarah,  1,  x^n. 
Winslow,  Sarah  (Wensley),  2,  73S«,  798. 
'\\'inter  day,  lecture  on,  2,  145,  148,  i68. 
Winter-garments,   thoughts  on,  2,  131, 

153;   thoughts,  152. 
'Winter  Meditations,'  1,  169,  208. 
'Winter  Piety,'  2,  148,  219,  223. 
Winthrop,  Adam,  1,  41;;,   i36«,   137W, 

I74H,    29IK,    2;    IIH,    22H,   189H,    299«, 

477W,  597",  688h,  690M. 
Winthrop,  John,  1,  xvi. 
Winthrop,  John,   2d,  medical  practice, 

1,  yi;  2,  590. 
Winthrop,    John    Waitstill,    1,     29471; 

death,  2,  487,  509. 
Winthrop,  John,  F.  R.  S.,  2,  488,  590. 
Wise,  Catherine,  2,  66n. 
Wise,  John,  a  disturber,  2,  327;    'Vin- 
dication,' 450. 
Witchcraft   in    Massachusetts,    1,    114; 

execution     at     Salem,     142K,     ism; 

bodily    possessions,    150;     on    Mrs. 

Mather,  164;  Sewall's  bill  on,  2nn. 
'Witness  within,'  2,  66. 
Witney,  England,  2,  88. 
Witsius,  Herman,  1,  525,  549. 
Wobum,  Mass.,  evil  spirit  at,  1,  ii4«; 

sermon,     474;      attack     from,     514; 

council,  577;  visit,  2,  125,  167. 
Wodrow,  Robert,  2,  326. 
Wolcott,  Samuel,  1,  30??. 
Wolsey,  Thomas,  2,  98. 


86o 


INDEX 


Woman,  possessed,  1,  i6o,  178,  261. 

Women,  aged,  2,  277;  commended,  325; 
return,  706. 

'Wonderful  Works  of  God  commemo- 
rated,' 1,  138M. 

'Wonders of  the  Invisible  World,'  1,87m, 
i35»,  144?},  i5o«,  371;  composed,  152; 
commendatory  letters,  153. 

Wood  for  poor,  2,  646. 

Wood,  Sarah,  2,  68871. 

Woodbridge,  John,  1,  37S»- 

Woods,  Richard,  2,  228. 

Woodson, ,  2,  430. 

Woodward,  John,  (Norwich),  2,  427. 

Woodward,  John,  2,  324. 

Worcester,  Mrs.,  2,  152. 

'Words  of  Understanding,'  2,  777. 

Works,  the  day's,  2,  52,  374;  society 
on,  353.    See  'Boanerges.' 

'Works  within  Doors,'  2,  13. 

World,  the,  2,  119;  shaking  of,  366,  371; 
heavenly,  652. 

'World  alarumed,'.2,  627. 

Worldly-mindedness,  2,  79,  122,  740. 

Worthylake,  Ann,  2,  s66». 

Worthylake,  George,  2,  s66». 

Worthylake,  Ruth,  2,  566». 

Wrongs  done  to  Savior,  2,  182,  186,  190. 


Wyrley,  Ann  (Lee),  2,  355,  358;   letter 

to,  410. 
Wyrley,  Henry,  2,  355,  4ion. 

Yale,  Elihu,  2,  498;  letter  to,  419. 

Yale  College  (Saybrook),  2,  6on,  64,  70; 
books  for,  87,  229,  617;  commence- 
ment, 96;  thoughts  for,  498,  553,  728; 
degree  for  Samuel  Mather,  762,  805. 

Yarmouth,  Mass.,  Indians,  2,  372. 

Youghal,  Ireland,  2,  248. 

'Young  Follower  of  a  great  Savior,'  1, 
SS6. 

'Young  Man's  call  to  his  Brethren,'  2, 
465- 

'Young  Man's  Claim  unto  the  Sacra- 
ment,' 1,  364M. 

'Young  Man's  Monitor,'  1,  370. 

'Young  Man's  Preservative,'  1,  399. 

Young  Men's  meeting,  1,  177,  322,  480. 

Youth,  sins  of,  2,  22,  33,  123,  201; 
warning,  104;  riotous,  216;  death 
improved,  356,  375,  390,  447,  448, 
633,  651;  association,  614. 

Zadok,  1,  182. 

'Zelotes,'2,  394. 

Ziegenbalgh,  Bartholomew,  2,  411. 


